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- Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

It's like being part of a familyPamela B(Resident / Service User)

Excellent food with a good choice on the menuDiana B(Resident / Service User)


It's like being part of a familyPamela B(Resident / Service User)

Excellent food with a good choice on the menuDiana B(Resident / Service User)


Watlington is a stunning home in a rural village, with spectacular gardens overlooking the Chiltern Hills. But it’s the outstanding CQC rated team (April 2019) and the care they provide which makes it special.
So many of the team, who provide residential, dementia, nursing, palliative and pre-bookable respite care, have been at Watlington for over 10 years.
They are passionate about getting to know who their residents are as unique...
Care Provided by Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 60 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Facilities
- Lift
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2026 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1554 and for nursing care £2156, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.
*If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Sanctuary Care Ltd
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Julie Cooper (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (60)
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home Reviews (163)
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.937) out of 10, based on 49 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 163 reviews.
Dad settled quickly and is happier than he has been in years. He enjoys the activities and has formed wonderful relationships with the caring team.
Led by the amazing manager, Julie, every member of staff goes above and beyond to ensure Dad is comfortable, happy, stimulated and treated with dignity and respect. Their kindness shines through every day.
Many people see a care home as a negative, but for our family it has been life-changing. The team at Watlington District Care Home has helped us rebuild our relationship with our dad because we can now focus on enjoying precious time together.
We are so grateful for everything you do. We always leave knowing Dad is safe, happy and being cared for by the very best. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home with your dad's care. We're delighted to hear he has settled so well, enjoys the activities, and has built meaningful relationships with the team. It means so much to know our care has helped your family enjoy more precious time together. Thank you for your heartfelt feedback.
My mum has been in the home for over 2 years and has had excellent care throughout. The staff are so caring and look after the residents so well. My mum has dementia and they have been excellent throughout always keeping me up to date. The staff work so hard but are so kind. They also always make time to listen to the relatives concerns too. If your relative gets a place here they will be very lucky.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback about Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home. We're delighted to hear your mum has received excellent care and support over the past two years. It means so much to know our team has provided kindness, kept you informed, and been there to support both your mum and your family.
She is happy and really well looked after.
Cannot ask for anything more.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that the care review was carried out at your convenience and with dignity and care. It's wonderful to know your mum is happy and feels so well looked after at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home.
The staff are always friendly and welcoming and have taken the time to get to know my Aunt and are so patient and understanding. The home is always spotlessly clean and is set in the most beautiful grounds
Thank you for your kind feedback about Watlington. We're delighted to hear our team has made such a positive difference to your aunt and that you enjoy the beautiful surroundings and high standards throughout the home. It means a great deal to us.
For the last three years, I have done a weekly COFE Communication service at Sanctuary Care Home in Watlington. We even had a Bishop of Dorchester visit us in March to confirm a 93-year-old resident. The staff are always friendly, caring and competent. I never have any hesitation in recommending Sanctuary to our local community. I am always impressed with their level of competence and compassion.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear your positive experience over the past three years. It means so much to know our team's compassion, professionalism and support have made such a lasting impression. Thank you for your continued recommendation to the local community.
Mum has been in the home for almost four years. The diligence of the staff and their genuine concern for her welfare has been unwavering. In every role, the team has a clear objective to make the residents as comfortable as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to share such positive feedback about Watlington. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted you've had a great experience. It means a great deal to us that you chose to share your thoughts.
Care home is run very efficiently, however also with great regard to the quality of comfort and health of the residents. Plenty of engaging activities for all and staff very friendly, helpful and attentive towards residents and visitors. Great lunches and atmosphere is very warm and welcoming.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the warm atmosphere, engaging experiences, and friendly support from our team. It's wonderful to know you felt welcomed and that both the care and dining experience made a positive impression.
The care provided for my father is excellent. Staff care and treat him with compassion and dignity. Ambience is warm and inviting and one of safety and security.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear that your father receives such compassionate care and that you find our home warm, welcoming and reassuring. It means a great deal to our team.
Now well settled in to a new way of living, I could not be more pleased and reassured. She chose very well.
Thank you for sharing such lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear your sister has settled so well and that our monthly newsletters help you stay connected. It's wonderful to know you feel reassured and pleased with her new home and the enriching lifestyle she's enjoying.
Watlington Nursing Home is a well presented property with its own gardens and in a quite location in the Oxfordshire countryside. Staff and nurses go about their business with quite efficiency very friendly and engage with any questions the visitor may have and also provide updates on medical visits / medication. Décor and furnishings are also very well presented and very clean and secure. The resident is always well presented dressed clean and comfortable whether in bed or wheelchair and all her specific needs are cared for
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We're delighted you noticed our peaceful setting and well kept surroundings, and that the team were both friendly and efficient while keeping you informed. It's wonderful to hear your loved one is comfortable, well presented and supported in all her needs.
Visiting the home is of course difficult as a relative but the team are so friendly and helpful. They certainly make it easier. It's clear that our gran is well looked after. The team seem to make an effort to get to know her and her regular visitors and it makes all the difference. The place is always spotless and has a beautiful, accessible garden.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We're delighted to hear our team's friendliness and support make a difference. It's wonderful to know your loved one is well cared for, and that our efforts to provide a clean, welcoming environment, including the garden, are appreciated.
Thank you for looking after my grandmother so well. Always friendly staff in the home. Lovely setting and good facilities to suit her specific needs. Accommodating whenever we visit her and staff help with any questions or issues
Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted to hear your grandmother is well supported and that our friendly team, welcoming setting and tailored care are making a positive difference.
Watlington Sanctuary Care has provided outstanding support to my mother-in-law. The staff are amazing, and the activities on offer fill each day. It was a difficult decision putting Mum into care, but it was 100% the right one for her health and wellbeing. We can't thank the care home enough.
Thank you for sharing such kind and thoughtful feedback. We're so pleased to hear your mother-in-law is enjoying the care, support and varied activities each day. We understand how difficult that decision can be, and it means a great deal to know she is happy, safe and thriving with us.
Now, as on all previous occasions, I have been so impressed by the welcome given by the staff and by their cheerful and caring support for the residents. The Care Home is always clean, bright, welcoming and tidy. Although I hope that I may never need to live in a Care Home, I will be very happy to become a resident in this lovely Watlington Care Home it it ever becomes necessary.
Thank you for taking the time to share such positive feedback about Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted you've had a great experience. It means a great deal to us that you chose to share your thoughts.
My experience of my father's care home has been overwhelmingly positive, and a great comfort to our whole family. The staff are truly wonderful. Kind, attentive and genuinely caring, always going above and beyond to ensure residents feel valued and supported. There is a fantastic range of activities on offer, which helps create a lively and engaging environment, and visitors are always made to feel incredibly welcome. One particularly special memory was when the team helped us celebrate my parents' Diamond Wedding Anniversary. They arranged a delicious lunch, complete with a beautiful cake and bubbles. It was made even more meaningful when many members of staff, including the manager, took the time to come in and offer their congratulations. They are also wonderfully welcoming to my young children, who now look forward to visiting-especially if it involves joining Gramps for lunch and maybe playing a game of table tennis! We feel so lucky to have found this home.
I'm writing to express my heartfelt thanks to the staff at Watlington Care Home for the exceptional care they provided to my dad over the last three years. Dad, who had dementia, was treated with dignity and compassion by every member of the team. The facilities were excellent, the cleanliness was top-notch, and the food was delicious. Thank you to you and the staff for making a difficult time a little easier. Your care and compassion meant the world to us. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing such touching feedback. It means a great deal to know your dad was cared for with dignity and compassion throughout his time with us. We're pleased the home, cleanliness and food made a difference, and that our team helped support you during a very difficult journey.
Within days it was obviously the right decision as the staff were so well trained, very patient and were capable in any situation. He always wanted to go home in the early days but he understood that home care had become to stressful for his family and not such a safe environment, structurally! ie doors, stairs, thresholds and various trip hazards! Safety, accessibility and attention to residents, I found, was always paramount. On all my visits he was always of a clean appearance but sadly not all the food suited his taste buds .. but he never starved! As time went by, he needed more attention, and eventually spent more time in bed, but never was he neglected by the staff! When the time came for him to leave this world he was not alone!
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. It means so much to know that your brother felt supported and safe, and that our team were able to provide the attentive, compassionate care he needed throughout his time with us. We're truly grateful for your kind words about the...
Everything you would expect from a first-class care home and then so much more. All the staff go above and beyond, taking care to the next level. Care not only for the residents but also for all the family. I could not have wished for my father to have been in a better place, and all my family were encompassed in the care and compassion during his final days.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review. It means so much to know that your father felt so well supported and that you and your family were embraced with care and compassion during such an important time.
I cannot speak highly enough of the ongoing care my mother receives. She is fully dependent for all cares and is immaculate, clean, calm and cared for at all hours of the day. The staff lead on exceptional care and support us in making sure we have considered every aspect of my mother's needs which they then go on to provide in an extremely respectful manner. It brings great peace as a relative to know that when you finish visiting the love and care for your relative remains. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. It's wonderful to hear how supported your mother feels and that the team's care brings you such peace of mind. Your kind words mean a great deal to us.
On Sunday 25/01/26 my daughter and I had a review of my husband's condition and situation with a senior nurse at the Watlington Home. We were entirely satisfied with the way it was conducted and brought up to date with George's treatment and present conditioned. The review was conducted with kindness, and a real sense of compassion for my husband who was present. We had no complaints to express but asked questions which were thoughtfully answered and reassuring.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 19 April 2019Outstanding
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (4) & Events (0)
- 27 Jul 2026
We're incredibly proud to share that we've been recognised in the Lottie Awards 2026, receiving not one but two outstanding accolades: Top 100 Care Home Top 10 for Outdoor Space...
- 21 Apr 2026
93-year-old resident at Sanctuary Care’s Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has joyfully celebrated a milestone in his faith, proving that you can achieve your dreams at any age....
- 03 Feb 2026
It was the red-carpet treatment for our team at Watlington in Oxfordshire, recently, when they scooped victory at the prestigious Caring UK Awards 2025. Watlington and District Residential and Nursing...
There are no upcoming events for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home.
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 21 Jul 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home.
Meet the Team (7)

Julie has worked at Watlington and District Nursing Home for nearly two decades, proudly leading her devoted team to their CQC 'Outstanding' rating in 2019.
Julie has a very loyal and long-serving team, who are passionate about enriching the lives of their residents each and every day.

Samantha has been working as a care assistant since 2020 and loves making her residents smile.

After working with us at Watlington since 2022, it now feels like home for our registered nurse Quenie.

Leila loves helping people and has been our administrator for over a decade at Watlington.

Maggie has nearly worked at Watlington for an amazing 20 years and loves the family feel to the home.

Hassa has worked with us since 2022 and really enjoys caring for our residents. She says Watlington is a lovely home to work and live in.

Marion has also worked at Watlington for nearly two decades. She says Watlington is such a happy place to be, and her residents and fellow colleagues are just the best.
Frequently Asked Questions about Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home
What types of Care is Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home have?
There are 60 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home?
Lift, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to the centre of Watlington?
0.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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