Downshaw Lodge Care Home

Downshaw Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 9QL
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8.6 26 Reviews
  • Downshaw Lodge Care Home, Ashton-under-Lyne
Downshaw Lodge Care Home in Ashton-under-Lyne is dedicated to high standards of individualised nursing and dementia care for men in Greater Manchester, who also present challenging behaviour in their means of communication.

The highly-qualified, experienced team at Downshaw is committed to providing safe, effective and compassionate care for residents – delivering individualised care planning with support from local mental health services.

The welcoming purpose-built 45-bed home is located in a residential area close to the bustling centre of the market town, which is well served by road, rail, a regular bus service and the Manchester Metrolink tram system.

The renovated rooms at Downshaw Lodge provide safe, comfortable and welcoming personal spaces for residents, and have been refreshed with a contemporary new decor, soft furnishings and non-slip wooden flooring.

Attractive and well-appointed communal areas and facilities include a new ‘pamper’ bathroom with a hi-tech easy-access bath, a retro-styled barber’s shop, a refurbished lounge and a secure, peaceful dementia garden.

Residents at Downshaw can enjoy a varied range of delicious and nutritious home-cooked meals throughout the day. The kitchen team welcomes input from both residents and their families when creating new menus.

Downshaw’s activities and well-being officer organises a range of activities and social events which residents are encouraged to participate in, if they so wish. These range from enjoyable sing-alongs to reminiscence talks about favourite sporting memories. Greater Manchester’s rich sporting heritage is also reflected in the fascinating collection of sports memorabilia throughout the home.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 45 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Catalin Babici (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (45)

Visiting

  • Downshaw Lodge Care Home is thrilled to welcome visitors. Visitors encouraged to visit their loved ones at their convenience; dedicated team members always available to greet them with a warm welcome.

Parking

  • Downshaw Lodge Care Home understands that convenience is key when visiting loved ones, which is why parking is hassle-free, offering on-site parking, completely free of charge.

Downshaw Lodge Care Home Reviews (26)

8.6

Downshaw Lodge Care Home has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.598) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Downshaw Lodge Care Home has 26 reviews.

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Review from John T (Son of Resident) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The service was excellent;the carers attention to detail was second to none: they found out my father's interests and made conversation with him. his care was excellent as they spoon-fed him and hoisted him from bed to wheel-chair to armchair. a very impressive set-up which i would wholeheartedly recommend.
The staff were so friendly, and also extremely competent. they were able to move from one patient to another offering very good personal service.
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Review from T W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has been in numerous care homes in the past couple of years. Downshaw is the best by far. All the staff are dedicated and approachable. My dad appears to be the most settled he has been for some time.
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Review from J S (Wife of Resident) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
My husband has been in Downshaw Lodge for 4 years and is well looked after. The staff seem to understand his needs and generally show care and respect. Rooms are clean. The staff always helpful when asked for anything. Sometimes seems to be low on staff as residents all in one lounge when other lounges
are available. Generally happy but care home needs some updating and money investing in it. Good communication of any issues or urgent updated.
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Review from J D (Brother of Resident) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother is a resident at this care home. They always update me on his welfare. They always keep me updated of his needs and come across very empathetic.
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Review from Wendy A (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful staff for the care, compassion and genuine kindness offered to my late father and myself when I visited. He spent his final 3 years at Downshaw Lodge with end stage Alzheimer's. He was always happy and settled and any behavioral issues were managed
competently and gently. My only suggestion would be that the decor could benefit and update. However if this work meant that the level and quality of staff would be compromised I would always choose staff over decor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Review from Catherine M (Wife of Resident) published on 11 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In my experience, Downshaw Lodge is the very pinnacle of excellence. My husband, who was 83 last week, has been a resident, at this care home since February 2024, and, unfortunately, suffers with vascular dementia. I have cared for him at home, until my own health began to suffer, and, reluctantly,
had to find an alternative. This proved extremely difficult and took some five months. He is very well cared for, always clean and smart, and has regular haircuts, and chiropody. The staff are brilliant, nothing is too much trouble, and, last week they had a lovely birthday party for him. I know how worrying the situation can be when a loved one needs special care, but, now thanks to the kind, caring staff at Downshaw Lodge, I can rest easy. Thank you so much.
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Review from B M (Wife of Resident) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I or family members go to visit every day and always find it a pleasant, friendly and caring place to be, from all the staff (catering to managers) as I walk through the home observing my surroundings. Plenty of food and drinks around for the residents. The quality of food is usually good and sometimes
can fluctuate a little.
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Review from Myros M (Son of Resident) published on 26 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been at Downshaw Lodge since October 2020, I feel that he was in the best place and even when he deteriorated rapidly these last six months, he was looked after most efficiently. The family do appreciate the dedication that the staff showed in such a stressful time. Thank you all.
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Review from Gill S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad moved to Downshaw Lodge almost 12 months ago. He has advanced vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. Prior to his move, he had become increasingly angry and frustrated, both traits which were very much out of character. From the initial enquiry, we were treated with kindness, honesty and consideration.
The manager was very open about what care Dad would receive and what we could do which may help his transition, including some notes about his life and his family and pictures for his room. Dad adjusted instantly and returned to the gentle, calm man we all know and love. Throughout Dad's stay, he has been shown an amazing level of love and care from the team at Downshaw, and this care and consideration is extended to the family as we wrestle with Dad's deteriorating condition and all this means. I cannot properly express our gratitude to the manager and her wonderful team for all they do and wholeheartedly recommend Downshaw Lodge to others. We feel very lucky to have found them.
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Review from Julie P (Sister of Resident) published on 28 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother has been a resident at Downshaw for just over 3 years. He is very well cared for and treated with respect and dignity by the well lead team. Manager and team of carers both excellent. No concerns at all.
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Review from Susan B (Wife of Resident) published on 28 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
His care is excellent. Clean-shaven, shower every day even hair cuts, no smells like his previous home.
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Review from Ian L (Son of Resident) published on 9 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad had been a resident at Downshaw Lodge for about 3 years at the time of writing this review. I cannot praise the staff here highly enough, with the job they do, dealing with residents suffering from severe dementia and the challenges that this presents. I have never had any cause for concern about
the treatment, surroundings and food offered and couldn't have chosen anywhere better for his care. I recommend Downshaw Lodge to anyone who is considering residential care for their parents.
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Review from R M (Son of Resident) published on 15 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff and wonderful care for my dad.
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Review from Nayeeda Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall the care home is not bad. Staff are good and I feel my dad is looked after but have been a few occasions where we have had to speak up about his personal hygiene, also food going missing from his room.
It has been over a year since we saw my dad due to Covid and now have started to go see
him again. Maybe my views will change again.
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Review from Neil S (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are very accomodating to my father who is not always the easiest to deal with. The manager's doors are always open if we have any questions, and I would just like to say a big well done in the way the home has dealt with the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Review from Rachael B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone is very caring, you all work very hard and take excellent care. The way you protected loved ones over the past year has been incredible. Thank you so much.
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Review from S L (Sister of Resident) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother has been a resident at Downshaw Lodge for three years. I believe he has had the best care possible and although the last year has been testing for everyone, the staff have been excellent in the care and helpfulness to both him and his family. We can't appreciate enough the way he has been
looked after.
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Review from Maureen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad seems happy and settled. Staff are helpful and polite.
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Review from T I (Son of Resident) published on 4 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Have found overall experience to be excellent. Management are approachable anytime, have always found them to be caring and they do act on any concerns. Staff are polite and know how to handle residents with dignity and respect. We have always been informed of any changes to behaviour or health concerns.
We as a family are confident that our father is receiving the best care we can hope for.
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Review from C L (Wife of Resident) published on 4 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Only been on three visits, but the care seems very clean, and the staff are very helpful.
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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.598)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.598) out of 10 for Downshaw Lodge Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 5 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 4.542 for Downshaw Lodge Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (47 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.542
  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 4.056 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Downshaw Lodge Care Home is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 45 registered maximum number of service users is 9. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 9 = 0.556
  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: 3 Oct 2024

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Requires improvement
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Claire

Claire Williamson

Job Title: Care Home Manager

I have worked in the care sector since 2005, at first as a care assistant. I studied hard and achieved NVQ levels one to five before attending university and completing an adaptation to nursing qualification. I became a care home manager in 2010 and have been at Downshaw Lodge since mid-2016.


I strive to be a kind, understanding, caring and supportive manager, maintaining and developing good working relationships with my colleagues. I support residents to the best of my ability, enabling them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Downshaw Lodge Care Home

What types of Care is Downshaw Lodge Care Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Downshaw Lodge Care Home have?

There are 45 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Downshaw Lodge Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access & Gardens are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Downshaw Lodge Care Home to the centre of Ashton-under-Lyne?

1.1 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 Downshaw Lodge Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Downshaw Lodge Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.