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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 (159)
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.925) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 159 reviews.
My husband has been here since November 2024. He has been treated with care and dignity. All the staff are respectful and make real effort to have a personal connection with the residents. All concerns have been dealt with promptly, and I have been up dated on any falls or other problems.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear that your husband feels cared for and respected at Watlington - it is so appreciated.
My mother-in-law has been very well looked after and is very happy and settled.
Thank you for your kind words. We're so pleased to hear your mother-in-law is happy and well settled. It means a lot to us!
All members of the Watlington Nursing Home clearly care passionately about what they do.There is a genuine interest in the welfare of all residents. Great efforts are made to provide a variety of activities to care for all, whether its a trip out, quiz night, singalong, arts and crafts or gardening. The kindness of staff in their interaction with residents is clear. Residents are treated as individuals and I feel 110% that my mother is in a safe and protected environment. She is happy which is what matters most.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're truly grateful for your trust and are so pleased to hear your mother feels happy and safe with us. Our team is passionate about providing personalised care and meaningful activities, and your feedback means a great deal to us all.
My mother has been a resident for several months and the standard of care is outstanding. From the beginning all of the staff irrespective of their role have been very supportive, kind and helpful. The nursing staff are very diligent in ensuring that all the nursing needs are addressed either themselves or by working closely with external agencies. Care staff are kind and empathetic despite having to meet challenging needs. All of the support staff are very friendly and helpful. A real effort is made by the management and all of the staff to create a welcoming culture and friendly environment while ensuring an excellent standard of care is provided. The lovely setting and quality of the facilities contribute to the very high standard, but it is all the staff that play the most important role in enabling the standard of care to be of such high quality.
Thank you for your thoughtful and generous feedback. We're so pleased to hear that your mother is receiving the high standard of care we strive to provide. It means a great deal to know that our entire team-from nursing and care staff to support and management-has made a positive impact. Your kind words truly reflect the values we work hard to uphold every day.
The staff were very kind and caring. The food was good (we had lunch with a resident. The place has a bright and calm atmosphere. We are and were very impressed and left convinced our relative is in very good hands.
Thank you for your kind words. We're so glad you had a positive visit and felt reassured about your relative's care. Your feedback means a lot to our team.
On my latest visit it was so lovely to see Gran talking animatedly about a concert given by some children who volunteered a performance. Music has always been so important to her and it is fantastic that the care home organises so many musicians to visit. It really brightens her day and she keeps talking about it for weeks afterwards. The staff are also really good at taking photos of the events so we get to see her actually enjoying them.
Thank you for your kind review. We're so pleased your Gran is enjoying the events organised by the home, It's lovely to hear how much joy these bring her.
Our sons & myself are very pleased & reassured by the care he received at Watlington.
Thank you for your review regarding the care at Watlington. We're very glad to hear you and your sons are happy with the care your loved one received.
My family & I are all so grateful for the superb care that both have been given in their time there.
The staff are simply quite outstanding, always happy to help. Always smiling & laughing with the residents, making it such a happy place. Nothing is too much trouble.
The facilities, grounds, food & equipment are all of an excellent standard & quality but ultimately it is the staff that makes Watlington such a special place.
Thank you all for all that you do.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. We are pleased to hear that both your mother-in-law and father-in-law have received the care and support they deserve. Your recognition of our team's dedication and the quality of our environment is sincerely appreciated.
Big thank you to the Sanctuary Care Team. Would highly recommend.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Sanctuary Care. We are delighted to hear that your father has received such excellent care during his time with us.
My step Mum's room was small but comfortable with an en-suite toilet and basin. What struck me was the gentle manner with which the staff addressed the residents. Each of the residents had their own photo mounted in a frame by their door outside their room. This helps them to identify their own room but perhaps it also helps care givers to see them as real people who have lived real lives.
There were recent photos displayed of my step mum engaging in activities with the other residents. I have the impression that there is a positive working atmosphere between the staff.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. We're so pleased you had a positive experience visiting your step mum and enjoyed lunch together in our garden-view dining room. It's heartening to hear that you felt welcomed by our team and noticed the respectful, caring atmosphere we strive to maintain.
Lovely atmosphere, staff always chatty & helpful. Plenty of activities, my friend's hair and nails always well kept. Care is always taken so that clothing is well presented and colour co-ordinated. In fact, everywhere is very colourful, this is important. Love to see all the photographs of activities, everyone looks happy & cheerful. As a lady approaching 90, the sort of place I would like if needed! The food (from the menu) always looks intresing.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted that the vibrant atmosphere and attentive care have made such a positive impression. It's wonderful to hear that your friend feels so happy and well looked after. Your kind words truly mean a lot to us, thank you.
I have visited a friend in the Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home regularly over the last 2 years, and it has always been a total joy. All the Reception and Care staff have have greeted us with a beaming smile, offered us news of our friend, including showing recent photographs taken at activities or celebrations, and created the most wonderful atmosphere throughout. How lucky the residents to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and totally committed staff.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so pleased that your visits have been so joyful and that our team has helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We're grateful for your kind words.
Although my husband has complex needs and has only been a resident for 6 weeks I have found the nurses and care staff to be very compassionate when dealing with him which has helped him to settle in very quickly. I have always received regular updates on my husband's progress which has helped me enormously and has made me feel very included in his care. The home itself is spotlessly clean and very comfortable and the food is exceptionally good. Thank you to the management team and all the other staff for the smooth running of such a lovely home.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We understand how important it is for families to feel included and reassured, especially when a loved one has complex needs. It's wonderful to hear that our staff have helped your husband settle in with such compassion. Your kind words will mean so...
Carried out in a friendly, helpful manner. All questions quickly and clearly answered. Excellent.
Thank you for your positive feedback for our team at Watlington. Your kind words highlight the excellent service provided - thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
My father was treated with care and dignity at Watlington care home. He enjoyed the many communal activities, and particularly liked the gardens during the summer. The carers were patient and gentle, and the home itself was clean and smart.
Thank you for your kind words about our team at Watlington. We're delighted to hear that your father was so well cared for and enjoyed the activities and beautiful gardens. Our team takes great pride in providing outstanding care and your feedback will mean a lot to them, thank you.
My cousin has been at Watlington Care Home for around two years now and I cannot praise it enough. From the moment I walk through the door, I'm always met with a warm welcome, and it truly feels like a place where we're valued as family. The staff are consistently friendly, approachable, and incredibly helpful. They always make me feel encouraged to help myself to a cup of tea, join in with the activities and even stay for lunch if I wish which only costs £3 for two courses. The home itself is immaculate, always spotless, and fresh smelling. It's clear that cleanliness is a top priority. The level of care my cousin receives is outstanding, and it's reassuring to know they are in such capable and compassionate hands. I am so grateful for everything this home provides, and it gives me peace of mind knowing my cousin is so well looked after and is very happy.
Thank you for your heartfelt review, the team at Watlington will be so pleased to read your kind words. It's wonderful to hear that you feel so welcomed and valued whenever you visit. We take great pride in creating a warm, family-like atmosphere and ensuring both residents and their loved ones...
I volunteer for a couple of hours once a week at Watlington, and I continue to be amazed at the level of care experienced by the residents. The staff have total understanding of the needs of all the residents, and can tell me instantly who would appreciate my company, whether it be being read to, or listening to music, or simply having a chat! The residents, without exception, always tell me how lovely the staff are and how well they are looked after. I hear about winning quizzes, listening to a visiting pianist, and how they can't wait for the good weather so they can go outside and enjoy the beautiful garden! I think they're busier than I am!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for dedicating your time to volunteering at Watlington. It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoy your visits and how engaged our residents are in such meaningful experiences. Our team takes great pride in creating a warm and stimulating environment, and it's wonderful to know their efforts are appreciated, thank you.
I have been visiting Sanctuary Care Home since April last year as a regular, weekly volunteer. The residents are looked after really kindly with gentleness and concern whilst maintaining a professional attitude. The residents tell me how lovely the staff are and they clearly love living there. There are plenty of a variety of activities organised for all tastes and everyone is encouraged to join in. This is a real 'home from home' with all the nursing care provided.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience as a volunteer. We truly appreciate your dedication and the positive impact you have on our residents at Watlington. It's wonderful to hear how much they enjoy living here and value our team's care and support....
My friend has been a resident at Watlington for about 5 years, her husband was also a resident here previously. I have visited her many times and can only speak highly of the care she has received from all the wonderful staff. From the lovely welcome you receive when you come through the door from the team at Reception, the Housekeeping team, Nurses and Care staff are always very friendly and accommodating. I was very pleased that my friend came to this home as it really is a home from home. Great food, always clean and well maintained and a great management team.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review, the team at Watlington will be touched to read your kind words. We're delighted to hear that your friend has received such wonderful care from every single member of the team, from reception and housekeeping, to our nurses and care staff....
My uncle entered the Watlington Residential and Nursing Home last year. He has complex health issues but was extremely independent before a long illness made full-time care necessary. We didn't expect his transition from independent living to be easy but both staff and management have gone beyond the call of duty to make him - and us, as his family - feel at home. The staff on reception are brilliant, professional and a total delight to deal with while the nursing and care staff are every bit as attentive, respectful, kind and knowledgeable as you could hope for. Meanwhile the home itself is immaculately clean, beautiful and well-maintained as well as comfortable. The food is also exceptionally good, varied and nutritionally balanced. All of this plus regular entertainment, therapy dog visits, thoughtful personal touches and organised activities make the Watlington the kind of nursing and residential home, I wish everyone who needs one, had access to. Superb in every way.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and glowing review. We're so pleased to hear how well your uncle has settled in and that both he and your family feel so at home. It's wonderful to know that our staff in every area of the home have provided the attentive and compassionate support he deserves....
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 (9)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
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.
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