
The relationship and connection the team have built with him is incredible to see.Eve C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We could not be happier with the level of care he has at Heanton Nursing Home.P B(Son of Resident/Service User)

The staff relate to my partner with dignity, respect and kindness.P J(Partner of Resident/Service User)

The relationship and connection the team have built with him is incredible to see.Eve C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We could not be happier with the level of care he has at Heanton Nursing Home.P B(Son of Resident/Service User)

The staff relate to my partner with dignity, respect and kindness.P J(Partner of Resident/Service User)

Heanton Nursing Home is registered for all care categories and stands in the peaceful village of Heanton Punchardon in the heart of Devon. The home is set in grounds overlooking the estuary, with views of the surrounding countryside.
Evolve Care Group recognises that each individual is unique. The approach of the team at Heanton is person-centred and they uphold high standards in privacy, dignity, independence and choice.
Heanton Nursing Home has a...
Care Provided by Heanton Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Learning Disability / Autism
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Alcohol / Drug Misuse
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 52 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
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
At Heanton Nursing Home, we understand that no two people are the same. Everyone is unique, with their own preferences, needs and lifestyle and we believe your care should reflect that. Because of this, our fees are tailored to each individual and their specific requirements.
To find out the exact cost based on your personal needs, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team – they’re here to help and always happy to talk things through with you.
What is Included in your Fees:
• All meals, snacks, afternoon tea and drinks freshly prepared every day by our Chef and available throughout the day and night within each individual kitchenettes
• Activities and events with a dedicated Activities Coordinator
• All utilities and accommodation costs
• Over the counter medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Home library service
• TV licence
• WiFi internet access
We also offer a range of additional services which are available at an extra cost, and a full list can be provided on request. These include options such as private dental and optician appointments, transport, hairdressing, chiropody, among others.
please contact Heanton Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.
Contact Heanton 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Evolve Care Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Abigail Denford (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed with male-only unit(s)
- Ages 50+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2024
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (52)
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.
Parking
- Heanton Nursing Home has a large carpark, overlooking stunning views of the Devon countryside.
Heanton Nursing Home Reviews (26)
Heanton Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.388) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Heanton Nursing Home has 26 reviews.
He was surrounded with respect,love,care and understanding about his complex dementia needs.
From the manageress,the clinical leads and all the carers at Heanton.
The patience when he was having a bad day,when he refused food and showers,they adopted the policy to leave him and go back later.
Above all they carried that care to all residents,husbands,wives,partners and all family members of residents who visited.
He was resident there from 2023 until he sadly passed in May 2026 and even then when we had a celebration of his life,the manageress Abi one of the clinical leads Marianna and a particular person Pam who was close to him came and supported me.
So thank you all for the support and care,you gave David and me xx
However I was wrong. Heanton was absolutely amazing for her. They understood her needs and although she had become immobile and non verbal she had lovely relationships with the staff. Small things made me so happy . They always spoke to her like she had her mind. They always explained what they were doing they knew what she liked and didn't like. They loved her. Its all you want for your family member when you have to entrust someone else with their care.
Now is the building lovely and modern - No! Does it need to be, do the residents care - No!
I wish I had found Heanton first. Thankyou to all the staff you are truly wonderful humans
Thank you for sharing this with us, and we are so sorry for your loss. Hearing your mother-in-law felt happy, loved and cared for here means the world to us. Our team will be incredibly touched by your words. Knowing that she was able to spend her final days feeling safe, understood and surrounded...
My Dad has quite complex Dementia, and it is normally really hard for people to understand what he is saying, and to be able to connect with him emotionally so he feels safe, calm and understood. Heanton have been excellent from the day of his admission, and he just feels so safe there. When he lived at home he was always asking to "go home" and this would really distress him. Now he doesn't say this at all, and the team are just always able to find a way to connect with him, by encouraging him to be occupied with activities he likes doing around the house to have a sense of achieve, through to doll therapy where he has a focus for his love and affection. This was a very difficult decision from the families perspective, and we have been nothing but delighted and so reassured by our experience and the communication from the team. We cannot speak highly enough of how much his quality of life has improved.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it really means a lot. We know how hard the decision can be, and it's lovely to hear that your dad feels safe and settled. Seeing him connect through the things he enjoys and feel more at ease day-to-day is exactly what we hope for.
Since moving to Heanton Nursing Home, my father has been settled and happy. An individual and holistic care plan has ensured his care is personalised. Staff throughout the home are caring, patient and intuitive to dads' needs. There is a happy atmosphere, lots of laughter, empathy and a feeling of family. Activities are encouraged, a lovely garden with a stunning view. The food is excellent and individualised if needed.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, we're delighted to hear that your dad feels settled here. We're so pleased you've noticed the welcoming atmosphere, the activities, and our beautiful surroundings and we'll be sure to share your kind words with all of the team.
Normally I loath writing a review about any service or product as I am a firm believer in one persons meat is another persons poison, and what I see as good maybe bad for another. However, in this instance I am breaking the long standing rule I have had. If ever there was an example of never judge a book by its cover then Heanton Nursing Home is it. Although, the building and facilities look tired and worn the nursing care for the residents, as far as I have witnessed it, is beyond reproach. I have seen with my own eyes the whole team demonstrate a level of care, nursing, professionalism, patience and restraint that an angel would be proud of. Peeling wall paper, chipped paint and knocked around doors, in my mind, do not matter - the doors lock where they need to lock, and the chipped doors are no worse than in my home after the grandchildren have left. If my mother and father were alive today and needed a nursing home I would select Heanton without hesitation.
For quite a while there was no check-in in operation. Was a screen (COVID), then nothing - now a paper system.
No introductory 'sales pitch'. We have (partly) established who is what in the 'pecking order'.
Good staff generally, who keep me informed re falls and UTI's etc. Hospital noted lack of cleanliness for a recent hip op (social services aware).
Previous room smelly, current room much better. No idea about activities or value for money.
My wife has been a resident at Heanton Nursing Home for some time now, she requires both physical and mental care. The care is provided expertly by the staff at Heanton. They are very good at what they do, my wife can be quite volatile, screaming and angry one minute, to be happy and bubbly the next, the staff all take this in their stride.
My wife needs emotional and medical care and Heanton provides both these through their very competent carers and their expert nursing team, plus doctors are available when required. After visiting my wife, I go home feeling happy that she is well looked after by all the staff. If I have any queries, the staff, be it the carers, nursing or management are all available to listen to you and offer support.
The internal decor of the home is quite tired and needs a good bit of refurbishment, but the home is on lovely grounds with views overlooking North Devon, the staff are reliable and are like family friends.
Thank you for your kind review. The team will be thrilled to receive such valuable feedback!
I am extremely pleased with the care for my husband. He is quite challenging and the staff have endless patience with him. I am sure he could not be better cared for anywhere else.
Hi there, thank you for your kind review, the team love to hear how they make such a positive difference in the lives of our family members!
All the staff at Heanton seem very patient, friendly and attentive with all the residents. Staff make us very welcome every time we visit Mum and often have a chat with us. The food always looks nice and residents are given frequent snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Thank you for such wonderful feedback, the team will be delighted!
It is a great comfort that my husband is so well cared for by Heanton Nursing Home and the team. Thank you.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind words and we are so glad your husband is having a wonderful time and settled in Heanton! The entire team will be delighted to receive such valuable feedback. Kind Regards, Marketing Team.
Will be forever grateful.
Hi there, we are so glad that your father has settled into our Heanton family so well and we love seeing our relationship with him grow. We value true connection in our home and love to share this with you! Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it!
Myself and our family are also part of their family as well and so welcoming.
The management has been so supportive to me.
Nothing is too much trouble, to keep my husband cared for and safe at such a difficult time for us all. The catering staff deliver delicious food, especially cakes and puddings. The house is old but the rooms, and hallways are kept clean also everyone's clothes. Heanton is set in the beautiful North Devon countryside. We enjoy a walk and sit in the garden, relaxing with stunning views.
Thank you all.
Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it! We are more than happy to support you and your husband and glad that he has settled so well into our Heanton family. We also love the food! I will be sure to share this with the team. Kind regards,
My father has been a resident at Heanton for over two years. Although he suffers with severe dementia, he is very comfortable, quite content, safe and well cared for. The staff are all very friendly and they treat the residents with a lovely, personal approach - nothing is too much trouble. They are well trained in how to deal with the dementia condition. Activities are arranged to occupy the family members and the staff take the time to sit and chat with Dad which he loves. They have been great during the last year in these difficult times, keeping me informed of anything concerning Dad, as visiting has been restricted during the lockdowns. The wellbeing and safety of the residents is always paramount which is a credit to the manager and her team.
I would not hesitate in recommending Heanton to anyone looking for a nursing home when their precious relative needs caring for.
The staff are amazing and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the way they look after my dad.
All though my husband was only at the home for a short time I found the staff to be very supportive and friendly. They even managed to fulfil a life long wish of my husband. The care given to my husband was first class, especially as he was such a challenging client. I highly recommend the home and would have no worries if I myself ended up as a client.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ellen. He was a well-loved and cherished member of the Heanton family, who made a lasting impression on all of us at the home. We were delighted we could fulfill his lifelong wish of holding a meerkat which brought him so much happiness.
My husband has been at Heanton 18 months, he has been very challenging behaviour at times. The staff are well trained hot to handle the situation. Not only do they look after him, but they also support me. The home is improving facilities all the time, making it more like home. The staff are very caring to all their family suffering from dementia. Every week there is outside entertainment as well as inhouse, the home is open to family and friends 24 hours a day with no restrictions.
The zoo experience with the meerkat was fabulous. My dad really showed interaction and enjoyment with it.
Was good to get Dad settled in a nice safe home, after being moved from pillar to post for six months. We could not be happier with the level of care he has at Heanton Nursing Home. The staff all seem dedicated and make it such a relaxed place to reside or visit.
Staff and residents friendly. Care appears good.
Heanton Nursing Home is a warm friendly and caring place. The staff are dedicated and deal with any situation efficiently. My mother can be quite challenging but they know exactly the best way to handle her. The residents are treated like family and my husband and I have always been welcomed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Heanton to anyone who is looking for an outstanding nursing home.
The staff in the home is always helpful and understanding. They always explain what is happening and how my Mother in Law has been. They always speak to her and ask how she is. They always ask if I want a drink or something to eat. They are always polite. How they interact with the other family members is excellent.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 22 November 2024Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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 (23) & Events (1)
- 30 Jul 2026
Some people spend their lives searching for ordinary comforts like a favourite song on the radio, the warmth of a cup of tea or the sight of birds in the...
- 30 Jul 2026
At Heanton Nursing Home, a new four-legged visitor has already made a strong impression to everyone at the home. Ralph, a therapy dog from Pets for Therapy, recently made his...
- 20 Jul 2026
Every person receiving care, whether in a care setting or at home, brings with them their own life experiences, personality, preferences and ways of communicating. Because of this, building meaningful...
- 01 Aug 2026Organiser: Heanton Nursing Home
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Heanton Nursing Home.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Heanton Nursing Home.
Meet the Team (2)

Abigail Denford is the registered manager of Heanton Nursing Home.

"I have worked for Heanton Nursing Home for years now. I very much like the continuous progress the company makes in striving to make the people that live with us feel they are living in their own home. Our team at Heanton are growing all the time, being fully supported by our central support. We are evolving fast."
Frequently Asked Questions about Heanton Nursing Home
What types of Care is Heanton Nursing Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Alcohol / Drug Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Heanton Nursing Home have?
There are 52 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Heanton Nursing Home?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Heanton Nursing Home to the centre of Barnstaple?
4.0 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 Heanton Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Heanton Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.