Merlewood

Hollow Lane, Virginia Water GU25 4LR
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9.7 91 Reviews
  • Merlewood, Virginia Water
Merlewood Nursing & Residential Home is a converted Victorian house with bedrooms purpose-built all on the ground floor for nursing and elderly care needs, located within 23-acre grounds and surrounded by the picturesque Surrey landscape.

The service keeps close links with related health services, including hospices, GPs in order to ensure personal care packages remain updated and effective to each individual.

Many trips, outings and events are organised as part of the home's activities programme, including musical entertainment, art and handicrafts, film shows and garden fetes.

With 42 beautifully appointed rooms, Merlewood provides a range of care types, including residential care, nursing and palliative care, and respite and short stay options, all tailored to individual needs with personalised care plans.

Merlewood is a converted Victorian house with all bedrooms on the ground floor enjoying views of the beautifully landscaped grounds. Merlewood has a tranquil atmosphere that feels like home. Residents enjoy the beauty of nature with manicured gardens, quiet walking paths, and outdoor seating areas ideal for relaxation. Known for its vibrant community and active social calendar, designed to cater to varied interests and abilities. From art classes and music therapy to themed events, residents are encouraged to engage, connect, and thrive.

Dining at Merlewood is a daily enjoyment. The in-house chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals using fresh and seasonal menus, served in an elegant dining room where residents dine together.

Merlewood’s warm and welcoming team ensures each resident feels valued, supported, and cared for in every aspect of daily life, making it a place where comfort, companionship, and exceptional care come together seamlessly.
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Care Provided by Merlewood

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 54 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1600

Fee rates are dependent upon the type of stay . Level of care is determined by a full pre admission assessment.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Merlewood 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)

Good to Know

Person in Charge

  • Debbie Vellender (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (54)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • The home have an open visiting policy.

Parking

  • Ample parking on site and disabled parking by the entrance.

Merlewood Reviews (91)

9.7

Merlewood has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.730) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merlewood has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 74
  • 15
  • 2
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Date Published
  • 91
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  • 23
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Reviewer Connection to Merlewood
  • 31
  • 17
  • 11
  • 9
  • 7
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  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 91, showing 61-80
Review from Pam P (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 14 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Merlewood are courteous, caring and helpful. They have made every effort to engage residents in activities and keep contact with friends and family during these difficult months during the covid pandemic.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your review. We are very proud of the care we provide for our residents especially in these difficult times.
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Review from Margot B (Regular Volunteer) published on 14 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to congratulate Merlewood for the wonderful way in which everyone has worked to keep everyone safe, secure, and thriving! I have come there as a volunteer for many years and have seen and witnessed your great kindness and care for friends and residents - a wonderful place when the time
comes to enjoy and relax.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your lovely review. We are proud of the team's response to keep everyone safe. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Review from Ann H (Wife of Resident) published on 1 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident for nearly 1 year. During this time he has received the most outstanding care and nursing. The whole feel of Merlewood is one of sincere friendliness and professionalism. Management, which has eased the sadness of missing him at home. I am highly grateful and consider
ourselves very fortunate to have found this nursing home and to have a place there.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for you lovely review of the care and team at Merlewood. We take pride in the compassion and homely atmosphere experienced by residents and families.
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Review from Gen S (Next of Kin) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt has been a resident for 4 years at Merlewood in Virginia Water. She is very happy there and we both are very impressed and happy with the way the home has handled the Covid-19 crisis. Some visiting from outside her room has certainly helped and hopefully, this will be able to be increased
to some extra visiting time slots in the near future.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your review. We are slowly moving forward with unlocking and further visiting arrangements.
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Review from Jane C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged everyone, but we hear so much in the news about how care homes, in particular, have struggled at this time. Merlewood, however, has done a brilliant job. They closed to visitors before the national lockdown and since then have maintained excellent vigilance and
precautions. The staff have been aware of how much the residents miss contact with visitors, but have put on events and services to raise spirits. The home has been free of cases of the virus and is now able to start lifting restrictions in the same careful way that they were put in place. We really appreciate the care and protection our mum has received during this very difficult time for all, especially the elderly.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are proud to have remained free from the virus and are now able to offer garden visits.
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Review from Peta W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff have dealt well with all the restrictions resulting from Covid-19, managing to keep residents safe and reassured whilst in lockdown. Activities have had to be suspended for the time being.
Management has kept relatives updated throughout.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are now able to offer garden visits and hope to offer more in the near future.
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Review from Liz (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother became unable to cope during lockdown. As she had previously been to Merlewood for a short stay, it was our first choice. They were able to accommodate my mother within 24 hours which was amazing. The transfer was arranged and she was very efficiently transferred to her room. It was very strange
not being able to help her settle but the staff have helped her to adjust to the new surroundings and she is being looked after very well.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to review and share your experience of your mother's admission to Merlewood. We appreciate your feedback, we take pride and satisfaction in delivering quality…read more
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Review from Catherine R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The most delightful staff who were so caring at all times. My mother was given the best end of life care from September 2019 to April 2020. She was happy and comfortable. Could not fault anything.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to review and share your experience of your mother's time at Merlewood. We appreciate your feedback, we take pride and satisfaction in delivering quality compassionate…read more
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Review from Jeanie B (Aunt of Resident) published on 7 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The time my nephew was in Merlewood was the best we could have wished for in the circumstances. The care he was given was wonderful and after being in hospital for a week, he so appreciated the lovely food provided that was presented beautifully as well. All the staff were so good and I cannot praise
these people enough.
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Review from J G (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff at Merlewood are professional, caring and look after the patients with care and dignity. They kept me informed of doctors visits, medicines and her care from day to day. An advance care plan was put in place so that her wishes and mine were recorded. A very friendly atmosphere at all times
and activities were good.
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Review from Tracy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Too many words could spoil my review. So here are just a few. Extremely grateful for the care and attention my mum was shown during the last weeks of her life. The respect and the tenderness which she was shown each and every minute, day or night is lacking in today's society.
I thank the nursing
staff who every day pass the telephone to my mum so we could continue our ritual of the daily chat. And the compassion I was shown during and after my mum passed.
Thank you all, I will never forget.
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Review from Judith H (Wife of Resident) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care provided at Merlewood is excellent. The whole place looks, and smells, clean and pleasant. The residents each have an en-suite room and are treated with respect and kindness. There is a full range of social activities, organised by a very competent team, in which all are encouraged to participate.
Food is served in one of two dining rooms or in residents’ bedrooms and is good. I owe Merlewood a huge debt because when my husband came here he was given 4 weeks to live, but with the excellent care he has received at Merlewood, he is doing well over two years later!
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Review from J B (Son of Resident) published on 21 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for 3 years and I can honestly say the staff have looked after her wonderfully. They have displayed professionalism to the highest degree. As a family member, it has been immensely reassuring that her needs have been met in such a lovely way. Thank you.
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Review from Ron B (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father went into Merlewood for two weeks respite care while he was there his condition deteriorated and we converted his stay to permanent. While he was there the care provided was professional, compassionate and at the very highest level.
Merlewood is a bright, cheery place, well appointed and
staffed by brilliant people. We are very grateful for the care provided to my father. Thanks and best wishes for the future.
Reply from Richard Hawes, Chief Executive Office at Merlewood
Thank you for your positive comments on our home, we try to ensure that all our residents and families have a positive experience, and will ensure your thanks are passed on to our colleagues in the…read more
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Review from Andrew (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and organisation of Merlewood provided an excellent environment of care for my mother in her last years. This was not only a comfort to her but to our family as well - thank you.
Reply from Richard Hawes, Chief Executive Office at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is our aim to provide exceptional care at all times, and we will make sure your comments are passed on to colleagues at the home.
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Review from Mike B (Son of Resident) published on 17 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father recently spent two and a half weeks in Merlewood Nursing Home which turned out to be the last two weeks of his life! While he was in there he was cared for in the best possible way. He was made very comfortable in every aspect. All the staff worked in a most professional and friendly manner
to both residents and visitors. I cannot thank everyone enough for all the help and support they have they given all the family.
If needed I would not hesitate in recommending Merlewood to anyone!
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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful environment and caring staff. Clean, food is very good, staff and residents look happy. Nice range of activities feels safe and secure. Entering/exiting through the front door is a little difficult when manoeuvring a wheelchair as the pathway from the door to the outside is not even, have
to lift the wheels of the wheelchair to exit. My mother seems happy and I am happy. The staff are compassionate, responsive and wonderful with the residents.
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Review from Chris G (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Merlewood highly enough.
My father came for end of life care for the last two and a half weeks of his life and the staff could not have been nicer, more caring or professional. Their commitment to their patients was obvious and as a result, they made a very difficult time so much
easier. The setting and facilities are first rate but this would count for little without caring staff, which is in itself a tribute to excellent management.
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Review from W G (Respite Resident) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I was in Merlewood for a short stay and I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who without exception were kind, considerate and cheerful and made my stay most enjoyable.
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Review from L R (Niece of Resident) published on 26 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My relative was moved from Cardiff to Merlewood to be close to where we live. When she arrived by ambulance, it was felt that she would be there for a couple of weeks, as she was so weak. Twenty months later, she passed away. She was SO WELL cared for by the amazing staff and she was so happy living
there. All of the staff are truly wonderful and we would have no hesitation in recommending Merlewood to anyone. Thank you all for the love and care given.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.730)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.730) out of 10 for Merlewood is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.730 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (214 Excellents x 5) + (47 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 274 Ratings = 4.73
  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 Merlewood is based on 22 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 54 registered maximum number of service users is 10.8, which has been reached with 22 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: 22 May 2019

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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 (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Debbie

Debbie Vellender

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2013

Debbie trained as a nurse at St George’s Hospital Tooting and Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton in the 90’s. This was followed with over 20 years nursing in the NHS, mainly within Medical and Elderly care, working her way to the position of Advanced (Clinical) Site Practitioner at a large local hospital. It was during this time that Debbie’s passion for care of the elderly blossomed, along with the personal fulfilment of getting to know people in her care, and their families.


Debbie moved into Social Care at Merlewood in 2013 as Deputy/Clinical Care Manager to use her skills and experience in a different aspect of elderly medical care. In 2019 Debbie became General Manager of the home. Debbie gets huge satisfaction from leading a team of like-minded compassionate individuals; Merlewood residents and staff have become a second family to her.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Merlewood to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Merlewood has an Enhanced Service - more info.