Sundial Care Home

Tipton St John, Sidmouth EX10 0AG
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9.6 24 Reviews
  • Sundial Care Home, Sidmouth
Sundial Care Home is a beautiful country residence enriched with history situated in Tipton St John.

The home has been refurbished and purposefully designed throughout to help provide an unrivalled level of personal care for individuals who require residential care.

The care team at Sundial have worked tirelessly to undertake intensive training, which has resulted in a revolutionary model of care being implemented at the home.

Sundial Care Home has recently been rated outstanding by CQC - August 2018
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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
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 37 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Liz Thompson (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (37)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (31)

Visiting

  • As part of their household model of care, they don’t believe in having set visiting hours – you should be able to visit your relatives or friends whenever you like, just as you would if they were living in their own home. You are welcome to visit day and night, and the team encourage you to feel comfortable and treat it as an extension of your loved one’s home. They recommend calling in advance so they can make sure that it doesn’t clash with any trips out or doctors appointments.

Sundial Care Home Reviews (24)

9.6

Sundial Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.577) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sundial Care Home has 24 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Sundial Care Home
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Total of 24, showing 1-20
Review from Ros H (Wife of Resident) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband went to Sundial from hospital on the NHS 4 week route to home unable to walk and still quite ill after 7 weeks hospitalisation due to a hip replacement and hospital based infection. The care team have been incredible and have embraced my husband and myself in their family, guiding me through
the very sad decision not to allow him home. Broken in body, mind and spirit in the 12 weeks he with with the care team they breathed life back into him, brought the smile back to his eyes and, incredibly, as I was told he'd never walk again, had him walking with a frame. It was a very difficult decision to relocate him closer to home and my very grateful thanks and love go to the wonderful Sundial family. Miss you all.
Reply from Macey Ryan, Communications Team at Sundial Care Home

Thank you for your kind words and for allowing us to support you both through this journey. We are so pleased with the progress he has made during his time with us, and we send our very best wishes to you both. Thank you again.

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Review from Joy H (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 15 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful sensitive care of my brother-in-law and they are very interested in his background history and family. Information given about my brother-in-law on arrival. The manager thankfully discusses with us if he has any downturns.
Reply from Macey, Communications Team at Sundial Care Home

Hello Joy, thank you very much for your kind words.

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Review from John P (Husband of Resident) published on 16 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
At times appear to be short of staff.
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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been at the well-managed Sundial for a year now and we have no regrets about such a difficult and crucial decision. She is happy and content and the carers go to great lengths to show their compassion. They also make me so welcome when I visit Mum, usually daily and we both feel we are part
of a loving family. It’s great to see lots of improvements and a new minibus to take the residents out. Mum went out on a trip to a garden centre last week and enjoyed the well-organised outing. Thank you to all the carers for being amazing.
Reply from Macey, Communications Team at Sundial Care Home

Hi Sue, thank you for such kind words, they mean a lot to us! We're also so happy to hear Mum enjoyed the Garden Centre trip.

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Review from Paula J (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has been in Sundial’s care for over 3 years now and is just celebrating her 97th birthday. I am very happy that she’s so well looked after by everyone in the Sundial family and consider ourselves to be very lucky she was placed there during Covid.
Thank you everyone at Sundial!
Reply from Macey, Communications Team at Sundial Care Home

Thank you Paula for your kind words! It's truly touching to know your mum is happy with us and to receive such positive feedback from yourself.

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Review from Maria W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was originally sent to Sundial from the hospital for respite. We were very warmly welcomed by the manager and all the staff. After a lot of back and forth with social services, it was agreed that she was in the best place for her. All the staff are wonderful and nothing is too much trouble for
them. On the whole, Mum is very settled there and seems to get on with everyone. She especially loves all the staff and they seem to love her too. Being there gives her companionship and she can retreat to her room if it gets too much for her. The facilities are always clean and in full working order and the staff are well trained for the services that they provide. There are always cups of tea and biscuits available and they seem to have a varied selection of food for tea like sandwiches, pasta, cake and even pizza.
Reply from Cammi, Marketing Department at Sundial Care Home

Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it! We are so happy your mum has settled into life at Sundial and has become part of the family. Kind regards.

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Review from Lindsay M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has and continues to have amazing care from all the staff. He is included and feels part of a large family, he is treated with respect and nothing is too much trouble. All the staff are knowledgeable regarding my father's care, which is a huge relief and I don't feel that his care is compromised
in any way. I feel Sundial is definitely a 'home from home' and there couldn't be a better place for him. He enjoys his food and there is always more if he would like it. I can't thank all at Sundial enough for the care of my father, but also helping us as a family transition when he first arrived many months ago.
Reply from Cammi, Marketing Department at Sundial Care Home

Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it! We are glad that Sundial has become his 'home away from home', this is something we feel is very important. Kind regards.

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Review from Jess H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sundial was the very best decision we made for my father. The care is outstanding; he is part of the Sundial family. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The staff are all superb, from cleaners to the senior staff. The peace of mind it offers us as a family is so valuable, and seeing him happy means so
much to us. I cannot recommend Sundial highly enough.
Reply from Marketing Department, Marketing Department at Sundial Care Home

Thank you, Jess, for such wonderfully kind words; the whole team will be thrilled for such valued feedback.

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Review from Nigel S (Son of Resident) published on 31 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very friendly and warm environment with professional staff who are very caring. It has indeed been a difficult time through Covid, and it will be good to get back to normality.
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Review from Robert R (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 28 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Felt apprehensive when my mother-in-law was admitted to Sundial Care Home. The first impression is a large manor house set in a rural setting on its own grounds. Met by care home manager who allayed our fears and put our minds at ease. Shown around the property and introduced to the staff. Mother's
room sunny aspect with countryside views. Meals are cooked to a good standard and nutritious. All staff met were friendly and always had a smile.
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Review from Penny H (Friend of Resident) published on 16 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For over three years, I have been visiting my friend and neighbour twice a week pre-Covid, then with contact by phone until restrictions eased, followed by very carefully arranged visits always backed up with the visitor providing a negative test. I have found the staff extremely courteous, caring and
always a smile on their faces despite the obvious strains and stresses they must have been under.
I cannot recommend them highly enough for the time and patience shown to all the residents. Sadly my visits have come to an end as my friend passed away this week. The respect shown at this time to the deceased and the care taken to keep myself and the relatives informed went above and beyond.
Thank you all at Sundial.
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Review from Karen B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandmother was sent to Sundial directly from the hospital after suffering from a fall. Since she has been under their care, she has settled in really well. We are able to communicate virtually, which works well as it's lovely to be able to see each other. It is never too much trouble for the staff
to arrange these calls. When we were finally allowed in to visit, we were met with friendly, efficient staff. Nan was in a comfortable room with a lovely garden view, she had everything to hand and was very happy. I am very relieved that she is being looked after and receiving the care she deserves.
Reply from Sian Harris, Relationships Lead at Sundial Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We are so thrilled your Grandmother has settled in well.

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Review from Jayne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My mum went into Sundial December 2020 and the first four weeks she had four falls. When I saw her on Facetime I was devastated. She had a cut under her eye and bruising to the side of her face. There was food in the corner of her mouth. I wasn't happy with what I saw so I raised my concerns with the
home and social services. Because of this, my mum was given 28 days notice to leave the home. When my mum arrived at the new home I was so distraught to see her as she was so frail and had lost so much weight. I was told that she was able to walk with a frame but she had lost all her mobility. This had happened in the five days since we had the last Facetime with my mum and hadn't been notified by Sundial of any change in her. My dear mum passed away ten days later.
Reply from Josh, Communications Team at Sundial Care Home

We would like to begin by sharing that we at Sundial are greatly saddened by the passing of someone who we personally cared for.
While we are unable to comment on any of the issues raised, the team care for each person who lives at Sundial with the same devotion as if they were their own relative. Every person who moves to Sundial is unique and decisions are made that we believe are in their best interests. There are regular discussions with the families about any updates surrounding care.
The family requested that they would like to move their mother closer to the family home. We were then later notified that the family had changed their mind & asked if mum could stay with us at Sundial.
Regrettably, because the relationship had broken down at this time with the family, we decided it was best for all for their mum to move home. Unfortunately, as a result, we have been on the receiving end of defamation around the care that was provided.
Our thoughts are with the family.

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Review from Margaret M (Sister of Resident) published on 8 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
At times it is sometimes difficult to identify who are visitors or residents.
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Review from Keith P (Son of Resident) published on 17 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
The overall standard of the home was satisfactory but it felt very under-resourced and short of investment with old furniture, poor décor, dripping taps and a large derelict area in front of the building. Our largest disappointment was how unwelcome the family felt and especially our father, who was
struggling to adapt to his wife of 64 years was now in a home.
We felt in the way and a nuisance when visiting and were, not with all staff, uncomfortable asking for help to move our mum or get her up.
Sadly, visiting was unpleasant, often put in a dark corner at the back of the main room. The fact the brochure says every bedroom has ensuite bathrooms is not true.
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Review from William H (Brother of Resident) published on 17 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
As my brother has been a resident for 3 years, it is noticeable that as the care home achieves full capacity the shared living spaces are becoming cramped.
Other observations - would all staff wear corporate tabards with name tags, please?
It is desperately hard to park as the area is like a bomb
site. Very frustrating for all visitors!
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Review from J T (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has Vascular Dementia and is now very frail. She has now been a resident at Sundial for over two years, where their recent CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’ is very well deserved and the care she has received there is superb.
She had become withdrawn and depressed in her previous care home but
within days of her arrival, we saw a visible improvement in both her physical and mental well-being. She became herself again - alert, enjoying the good food, engaging with the other residents at meals and speaking to her visitors again for the first time in months.
Sundial has a happy, welcoming and non-institutional atmosphere with comfortable, well-decorated rooms, plenty of windows giving sunshine, natural light and views of the lovely garden and the Otter Valley. We are very grateful to all the staff for their excellent care of my mother at this stage in her life. Also their support and consideration for relatives and friends and the care they have for all their Sundial residents.
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Review from Joanna S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Placing your relation in a care home is always going to be a decision not reached lightly. The staff at Sundial couldn't have done more to make the transition run more smoothly. All the staff are a delight. Cheerful, friendly and attentive to everyone. The house is bright and airy. Bedrooms light and
comfortable. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere and the staff engage with everyone. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
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Review from J D (Relative of Resident) published on 9 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home has a welcoming and open atmosphere, it is clean and well furnished, the staff are all friendly but professional in their duties.
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Review from M G (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother settled very quickly into Sundial, supported very well by the friendly, helpful staff. She is so much happier than when she was living at home with carers popping in. We were so pleased and relieved to hear her reply when we asked what she thought of her life at Sundial. "I'm really happy
here, I couldn't wish for a better place to be. It's lovely!"
It's good to know mum is content and happy. Knowing that she's safe, warm and cared for 24 hours a day frees me up to live my life now without constriction.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.577)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.577) out of 10 for Sundial Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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 4.777 for Sundial Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (74 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 94 Ratings = 4.777
  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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sundial Care Home is based on 8 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 = 3.8
    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 37 registered maximum number of service users is 7.4, which has been reached with 8 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: 24 Aug 2018

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Outstanding
  • Responsive Good
  • 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 (1)

Meet the Team (1)

No image found

Elizabeth Thompson

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2000

Elizabeth Thompson is the registered Home Manager of Sundial Care Home

Frequently Asked Questions about Sundial Care Home

What types of Care is Sundial Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Sundial Care Home have?

There are 37 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Sundial Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Sundial Care Home to the centre of Sidmouth?

3.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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