Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Hill Road, Watlington OX49 5AE
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9.9 143 Reviews
  • Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington
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 individuals, the things that matter most to them and bring them joy. And the loved ones of residents are very much embraced into life in the home, giving it a warm, family feel.

There are so many activities to enjoy, from trips out into the community in the home’s minibus, to music, baking, animal visits and games on the Magic Table. This is an amazing piece of technology where residents play interactive games together.

And the surroundings at Watlington are very special. The gardens, which include an orchard, water feature and magnificent lawns, go all the way around the home. The bedrooms and communal lounges and dining rooms have beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. And there are often Red Kites flying above.

There is a beautiful, light and airy orangery. And there are large lounges to relax in with family and friends, who are welcome to visit at any time.

The home also has a hairdressing salon, for regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

The residents enjoy delicious home-cooked meals in the dining room, with freshly baked cakes served every day with afternoon tea.

Run by not-for-profit Sanctuary Care, the home is situated close to local shops and restaurants and has a neighbouring GP surgery.
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Care Provided

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 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

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2034
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466

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 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1466 and for nursing care £2034, 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.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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 £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Julie Cooper (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home Reviews (143)

9.9

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10, based on 52 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 143 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 143
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Reviewer Connection to Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home
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Total of 143, showing 81-100
Review from Rebecca B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was treated with the utmost respect and dignity and with great kindness whilst he was a resident at Sanctuary Care in Watlington. The staff, led by the manager, were phenomenal - professional, hardworking, kind and extremely loyal to their place of work. I cannot thank them enough for all
their hard work, especially during this past, unbelievably challenging, year. They greeted us, like visiting family members, with such warmth and we always were made to feel so welcome. Thank you all.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for such kind words - they are so appreciated by our team. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 15 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been so impressed with the standard of care at the Watlington and District Care Home. The team are incredibly kind, generous and patient. The manager is an excellent leader who seems to have a fantastic balance of people management, effectiveness and compassion. They have navigated through an
immensely difficult year during COVID, without losing the gentle spirit which makes such a difference to residents and indeed their families.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review for our home - it is so appreciated by the team at Watlington. Best wishes.

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Review from S S (Niece of Resident) published on 18 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the provision of care. The home has done everything in their power to cope with the COVID19 crisis and everybody seems to work very happily together.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words - the team will really appreciate it. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Caroline E (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Watlington Sanctuary Care is a wonderful care home that we really feel like has now become our mother's home and the staff there have become like hew new family. The warmth of the staff was evident from the first day we visited and in the year our mother has been resident, we have felt relieved and
reassured to have found a place that we know look after her needs so well. Thank you.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for such lovely feedback; it is much appreciated. Best wishes.

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so grateful to all the staff who have been caring for my dear dad, especially during the coronavirus crisis. They have, without exception, made the effort to individualism his care seeking additional support for him when needed. They have been concerned to make him as comfortable and happy as possible.
Thank you.
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Review from C P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Watlington for six months and the staff were very helpful and supportive during the transition. Both the caring staff and nursing staff are cheerful, caring, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile. Thank you.
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Review from D P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleased with every aspect of care.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and good scores for our home. Best wishes

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Review from C N (Wife of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursing care and consideration for my husband and all the family to the very end. Thank you so much.
I have recommended this wonderful home so many times.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review and I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Our team will be so appreciative of your kind words. Best wishes.

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Review from Nigel H (Son of Resident) published on 30 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A good and clean environment. Convenient for the town centre, with pleasant grounds, friendly and helpful long-standing staff.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words Nigel, I will be sure to pass your feedback onto Julie and the team. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from J L (Niece of Resident) published on 23 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every time I visit my aunt, I drive away knowing that she is in the very best place. Watlington & District Nursing Home is a very special place. The staff are outstanding and really know her. They are her family.
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Review from R L (Wife of Resident) published on 30 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It will be a very long time before I find a more professional and genuinely dedicated group of people.
A tremendous team.
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Review from R F (Niece of Resident) published on 1 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff were all very helpful and caring to my aunt.
They dealt with her needs. There was always someone popping in to see if she needed anything or just a chat.
She was very happy with the choice of food and the quality and portions.
Reply from Sophie Middleton, PR Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased you were happy with the care your aunt received and she felt content in the home. Mealtimes are also such an important part of the day and to hear she enjoyed the food quality and dining experience is wonderful. Kindest regards, Sophie Middleton

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Review from Susan S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I and my family would like to thank all the staff for there kind and loving care of our mother during her stay of 2 years. High standard of cleanliness and personal hygiene were given and always with dignity,
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear Susan, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to pass your thanks onto the manager and the team. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Pauline H (Resident) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have enjoyed every day on the unit.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear Pauline, thank you for your feedback. It is wonderful to hear that you are content with us here. I will be sure to pass that onto the team. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really good.
Mum is back in now and was here in the summer and I have fought to get her back here as they did so much for her last time.
Staff all great!
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear Karen, thank you so much for your kind words - it is great to hear how pleased you are with the care provided at Watlington. I will be sure to pass your feedback onto Julie and the team. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Sally H (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a wonderful care home. The staff are absolutely brilliant and my mum could not be anywhere better. The home is very well run and it is a pleasure to visit.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear Sally, thank you so much for your lovely review - I will be sure to pass your kind words onto Julie and the team at Watlington. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Pamela B (Resident) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a fantastic place. It's like being part of a family. They are so kind, they attend to all your needs. Nothing is too much trouble. My children say it's like an inclusive holiday hotel.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear Pamela, thank you for your kind words. It is really wonderful to hear how settled and happy you are at Watlington - your feedback is invaluable to future residents and their families. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Angie C (Niece of Resident) published on 21 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My uncle has been at Watlington since February 2018 after we moved him from another home as it was too far from us to travel and we were his only visitors. The care from being picked up at the old care home door to take him to Watlington has been second to none. The driver was helpful and very friendly.
On arrival, everyone greeted us as though they knew us. From cleaners to the receptionist. This has never ceased. The only thing that annoys us is we didn't move him sooner. I cant recommend this home enough. It's amazing.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Wow - what a lovely review, thank you for taking the time Angie! Your feedback is invaluable to us, and to the families of our potential residents. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the manager and the team. Best wishes

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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 21 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been looked after in an extremely professional and sympathetic way. His needs have always been met and he appears happy and relaxed in his environment.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Dear David, thank you so much for taking the time to review Watlington, your feedback is invaluable to us. I will pass your kind words onto the manager and the team. Best wishes

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Review from W C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am happy my mother is in a safe and secure environment and her health and welfare has improved since she became a resident.
Although she says she wants to go home I feel this is the best home for her needs.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about Watlington. We know how difficult the transition into care can be for both our residents and their loved ones so we are happy to hear that your mothers health has improved. I will pass this onto the manager and the team. Best wishes.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.901)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 52 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 52 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.901 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (551 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 608 Ratings = 4.901
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on 52 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 52 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 19 Apr 2019

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Outstanding
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (9)

Julie

Julie Cooper

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2005

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

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2020

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

Quenie

Quenie Pastrana

Job Title: Nurse Joined: 2022

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

Leila

Leila Verran

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2010

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

Maggie

Maggie Lloyd

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2005

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

Hassa

Hassa Belarhino

Job Title: Nurse Joined: 2022

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

Marion Stevens

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2004

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.

Billi-Jo

Billi-Jo Stone

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2019

Billi-Jo loves to make her residents happy and is passionate about her role as a care assistant.

Samantha

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2020

I really love making our residents smile.

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