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

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 Criteria

  • 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 (9.683) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merlewood has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 75
  • 14
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Date Published
  • 91
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  • 26
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Reviewer Connection to Merlewood
  • 31
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Total of 91, showing 81-91
Review from Helen K (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Although my mother's stay at Merlewood was relatively short, we were extremely pleased with the level of care provided. Every member of staff encountered was so friendly and helpful and mum was looked after with such genuine care and kindness. Mum entered the home at the final stage of her life and
it's a shame she was unable to appreciate the activities and nurturing environment.
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Review from Mervyn G (Son of Resident) published on 13 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We reluctantly placed my mother into Merlewood in November 2016 and without doubt, I had a guilt complex believing I was letting her down. Within 48 hours of her arriving at Merlewood I realised it was a great decision, she had constant company which she did not at home, the quality of food is excellent
and far better than we could arrange through carers and family effort. Staff encouraged her to join activities and very quickly she became part of the status quo at 91 years old and having suffered a stroke five years earlier. Staff are unbelievably caring and patient with the residents, I could never do their job and can only admire their commitment and the love they show for the older folks.


If anyone is having a problem and wrestling their conscience over placing a loved one in Merlewood, go and take a look, I believe you will like what you see. It turned out a great decision for my mother.

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Review from R S (Son of Resident) published on 10 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and the facilities at the home were both exceptional.
The staff were welcoming and friendly and made the whole respite experience an extremely gentle one.
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Review from S R (Respite Resident) published on 5 October 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I came in for respite care after a hip operation. I came out very rested - walking well. Just what I needed. Not much to do if you are able bodied - but to be expected really!
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Review from Ian D (Son of Resident) published on 22 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother became a resident at Merlewood on the 20th July 2017 for end of life care. She has now sadly passed away. My family and I consider ourselves lucky to have found such a wonderful nursing home. From the kind, caring staff on all levels looking after not only my mother but caring for us as well,
nothing was too much trouble.
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Review from Dilys K (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother stayed at Merlewood for over four years. In that time, although she felt that it would take away her independence, she soon realised that the company and very comfortable surroundings were better than being alone. She was encouraged to take part in many activities, but if not feeling up to
participating would enjoy the chat with carers in the gardens. Everything was done that could be done to make her feel welcome and cared for.
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Review from J K (Resident) published on 3 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been a resident for 6 years and I note that the cleanliness of all parts is immaculate and the standard of upkeep and decoration is very high. Lunch is served in the dining room and the food is varied - 3 main meals each day (fish, meat and vegetarian) and vegetables are served separately.
Meals may be served in your room if preferred.


The carers are kind and cheerful and do splendid work. Some have been here for many years.


Activities are varied - scrabble, crosswords, shopping trips, visits to places of beauty and interest.


The grounds are extensive and well maintained, and carers take residents round in wheelchairs on sunny days.

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Review from Paul B (Cousin of Resident) published on 21 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My cousin, aged 95, was living alone and felt isolated. We all decided it would be better for her to come into care. Since being at Merlewood she has benefitted from the kindness and caring professional staff. Now she has the option of socialising with other residents. She has recently been very unwell
and has been nursed back to health by a dedicated team. We are all delighted with the positive attitude of all the staff from housekeeping to catering to social events. We could not have made a better choice.
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Review from Suzanne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been welcomed and cared for extremely well over the past 6months.
Since arriving at Merlewood we could not be more satisfied.
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Review from P N (Son of Resident) published on 28 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother stayed at Merlewood for 3 weeks recuperating from a knee replacement operation. Having stayed in other care homes previously, we can definitely say that Merlewood stands head and shoulders above the rest in all respects.
Mum had a lovely, bright room which was spotlessly clean and very well
maintained. All staff were very friendly and helpful, always preparing to spend a little time making sure all was OK. Food also excellent. We would like to thank all staff, including housekeeping, nursing and physio for their support in helping with mum's recovery.
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Review from Gillian (Widow Widower) published on 14 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was admitted to Merlewood initially for respite nursing after hospital. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He died on 23 Feb 2016. The nursing and care staff looked after him with professionalism, kindly care, cheerfulness and humour. They were
also kind and welcoming to me, his friends and family when visiting. The decor and surroundings were of high standards and kept clean by dedicated team of cleaners and laundry staff. The chef and kitchen staff, reception and management team were equally kind and helpful, making us all feel at home. The nurses and carers could not have looked after him better in his final days if he had been their own dad. His son and I are most grateful.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.683)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) 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 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.683 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (232 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (19 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 309 Ratings = 4.683
  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 24 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 24 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.