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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 Lewy Bodies Dementia. The thing I was so relieved 1with the kindness and care from everybody in the team. Also, most of the staff had been working there for a long time, which speaks volumes. Plus, they kept the dementia people on the ground floor, which most nursing homes do not.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review for Watlington; the team are certainly very special there, and indeed, the fact that so many have been there for such a long time speaks very highly of the home.
Absolutely fantastic care, can't fault it.
It was very well organised and conducted very professionally and thoroughly. Everything was discussed in detail with lots of time to ask questions. It wasn't rushed and I was able to raise any issues. Thank you!
A wonderful calm environment and always spotlessly clean. The carers are so attentive to my father's needs, ensuring he is always comfortable and safe. And excellent at communicating any concerns. A great team.
A well-organised and run care home. Both I and other visitors to the resident are pleasantly received, and every effort is made to accommodate visiting times. The residential areas are clean and comfortable, the decor is in good order, and entirely free of unpleasant odours. The care of the staff is adapted to residents' needs and is always given with a positive and cheerful demeanour. The needs of the resident are discussed regularly with me (as next of kin) and communication is both relevant and clear. Despite being confined to bed or a chair for at least a year now, my mother shows no signs of distress. My mother is not really able to join in activities but is nevertheless helped to participate in those requiring only passive attendance. I have a sense of confidence which allows me to get on with my life.
Felt like a big family, with a big hug. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
I have recommended to friends for their family members.
My mother passed away in August having spent the last 2.5 years in Watlington & District Nursing Home. I cannot fault her care. She suffered from debilitating dementia which was awful to witness. The staff were always patient and kind, despite her aggression. The home was always bright and clean and you were always greeted warmly by all the staff. I live over 250 miles away but the staff maintained a high level of communication. Mum always looked pretty - her hair and nails done! I cannot thank the staff enough for nursing and caring for Mum in her latter years with such dignity.
Thank you for your kind words about the team at Watlington. We are sorry for your loss and are proud to hear that the team provided such wonderful care for your mother.
Whatever time of day of visit my husband is always clean and happy. The staff are polite, happy, and always helpful.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words about our fabulous team at Watlington & District Nursing Home.
The pre-admission experience was equally as professional, we did have challenges with the authorities but the home supported me, and gave help and advice whenever possible. I only have praise and thanks for everyone.
The room was excellent and the staff were very lovely and helpful. I much appreciated their help when I wanted to walk to the dining room as my walking is important to me. The food was mostly excellent. However, I find it quite lonely as I miss my friends and family.
Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your lovely words. It is brilliant to hear that you are happy with your room and our home-cooked meals! We do know it can be quite a difficult transition moving, however our doors are always open for visitots and our team are here for you too. Best wishes, Fae
My mother has been in the home for some time now and is very settled. She receives a very high level of care from the staff who are warm and friendly. As I live a distance away from the home, it is reassuring for me to know Mum is in safe hands and happy. We are very grateful to all involved.
Thank you so much for your kind words for our home and team - it is wonderful to hear that you have peace of mind with your mother in our care at Watlington. Best wishes.
There is nothing we can fault about this home, the standard of care has always been amazing.
So thank you Watlington Nursing Home. Also, brilliant food.
Thank you so much for your review, it's wonderful to hear how much happier your mother is with us. Best wishes, Fae
My husband has lived at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home for over four and a half years. He is cared for with great kindness, good humour and gentleness. My concerns raised are immediately acknowledged and addressed. Communication is good. It is a great solace for me to be able to go home at the end of every visit knowing how excellent his care is.
Mum is cared for with skill and kindness and is very happy in the care home. Standards are high.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear your mum is happy and well cared for by our compassionate team. We will pass your kind words on to the team. Best wishes.
The care home is located in a beautiful setting, nestling in the foothills of the Chilterns, surrounded by lovely mature gardens. The staff are all very caring, attentive and patient and are well organised and supportive of each other. They organise many highly creative activities and work hard to engage all of their residents. Although the food is all freshly prepared ad cooked on the premises, the health options are a bit limited.
We are extremely happy with the care provided for our mum - it's highly professional, compassionate and thoughtful. We are so glad mum is here and for all the care and support she receives.
Thank you for your kind words - we are so pleased to hear how happy you are with the care provided to your mum. Best wishes.
Very happy my mum could come and join the happy, relaxed atmosphere there at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home.
Thank you for your wonderful review. It's great to hear how happy you are with the care provided to your mum at Watlington. Best wishes.
My stay here has been really, really good and the care is most wonderful. I wish I could stay and the food has been excellent, now I shall be back to microwave food which I don't look forward to. Thank you a million times to all the staff, they have all made me very welcome.
Mam seems very happy and at home here.
My husband was in Watlington & District Nursing Home for two weeks. The staff were excellent, friendly and attentive to all his needs. The time he was there could not be faulted. Hopefully, in the future, he can go back in.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team. Best wishes, Fae
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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