Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thistle Hill, Knaresborough HG5 8LS
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8.6 69 Reviews
  • Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home, Knaresborough
Thistle Hill Care Home provides high-quality 24-hour nursing and specialist dementia care in its dedicated Memory Lane Community.

The home offers skilled care for younger people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and has close links with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The aim is to improve the quality of life for every resident by providing care in a safe and homely environment.

The team of highly qualified staff focus on the individual needs of residents using bespoke care plans, which are regularly reviewed.

This dedication can be seen across all aspects of life within the home, from cooking and hospitality to the social activities and events programme. Life at Thistle Hill is truly tailored to meet the variety of needs and interests of each resident.

The home is ideally situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales near the market town of Knaresborough and the spa town of Harrogate.

There are plenty of local amenities and visitors are always welcome, so why not call in and arrange a visit to see all that Thistle has to offer?

The home understands that looking for care can be a daunting process and are here to provide residents with the help and support needed.
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Care Provided by Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 93 Service Users

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)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • 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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1483

This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care 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)

Contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Dannie Tsoneva (Senior General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 18+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2015

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (93)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (93)

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home Reviews (69)

8.6

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.567) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has 69 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home
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Total of 69, showing 21-40
Review from Craig H (Son of Resident) published on 25 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing care and truly wonderful, dedicated staff and management. Everyone deserves praise for going above and beyond every single day, supporting my mum and making sure she is looked after and getting her the help she needs instantly when a doctor or hospital is needed for her health needs.
When I visit the care home, I feel the positive vibes straight away. So clean, welcoming, and loving. You feel so relaxed knowing your loved one, in my case, my mother, is so well loved and cared for. Thank you to every single member of the team who make this home highly recommended.
Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from Christine B (Niece of Resident) published on 25 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt went to Thistle Hill Care Home for end-of-life care and sadly passed away quite quickly during her short stay. She received wonderful care and we could not have asked for more. All the staff I met were very kind and a real credit to the nursing home. I am so pleased that my aunt was able to
spend her last two weeks at Thistle Hill, rather than in a hospital bed. A bid thank you to all the lovely people who looked after my aunt and supported me at such a difficult time.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words. I am pleased we were able to make your aunt's last days at Thistle Hill Care Home comfortable.
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Review from Christine H (Wife of Resident) published on 18 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After a very long hospital stay (my husband) where he refused to eat, the very first day at Thistle Hill Care Home he began again and never stopped until he left a month later! Lovely staff, kind and efficient, excellent food and a good atmosphere.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeI am happy your husband enjoyed the food at Thistle Hill Care Centre, and I will pass your kind words on to our chef. I hope your husband continues to keep well.
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Review from Benita T (Relative of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Professional, skilled care in beautiful surroundings. The added magic is the multi-culture of the staff. The care home offers that essential human connection to those living there and their relatives. Our family member experienced end-of-life care that has enabled our family to be closer. We can't thank
you enough for the human touch alongside high standards in all aspects. Our loved on died peacefully with dignity and respect with support for the family too.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words which I will share with the staff.
A big part of our end-of-life care is to support families as well as our residents.
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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother sadly passed away in December, but the last few months that she spent in Thistle Hill were spent amongst very caring individuals. The level of care was very high, with frequent monitoring and contact. Mum talked very little in the months leading up to her death, but I think she spoke to the
staff more than she talked to me. The staff were very supportive of me and my brothers, as well as my mother and that, was really appreciated.
Of the 4 different care homes Mum had experienced in Harrogate, I would definitely recommend Thistle Hill for its compassion, care and understanding, much more so than some of the others.
Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeCondolences to you and the family. Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from Michelle D (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sadly my dad only spent 5 months with you but boy were they a fantastic few months. From the start he was made to feel like family and so were we, the staff are all wonderfully caring and went above and beyond to care for my dad right up to the end of his life and they even made that as pleasant an
experience as it can be. Sometimes dad wasn't easy to care for with his dementia but they always dealt with him with compassion and understanding.
The whole setting is so peaceful and has a lovely outside area which we could take dad out to on sunny days and the food is 5 stars, freshly baked cakes were a favourite of my dads.
This home has everything you need and what's great is they make you as the visitor feel like part of their family too, they let you visit whenever you need and kept us informed of all dad's issues and treatments.
I can not praise them all enough, thank you Thistle Hill I would highly recommend you to all.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind comments. Your dad was a pleasure to care for and I am pleased we could make his final journey as peaceful as possible.
I will pass your kind words onto the staff team, as they will appreciate your kindness.
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Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad was only with you for a few months before he passed away. The care he received from your staff was outstanding, he was treated with care and compassion and nothing was too much trouble. I am very grateful for everything that your staff did for my dad over those few months he was with you, the
Father's Day celebration and Jubilee celebrations were well organised and led by your lovely activities coordinator.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words. I will pass this on to the staff team.
I am happy your dad enjoyed the celebrations with us.
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Review from V B (Wife of Resident) published on 3 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very caring, lovely staff.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words, I will pass this on to our staff team.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Made both my parent's last year/months easy. Treated with care and dignity. Palliative care for my mum was outstanding, working closely with the NHS Palliative care team.
On a personal note, all front-facing, admin and management were a lovely friendly group of people I consider friends. Thank you
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind comments. We work hard to ensure that people have a dignified end-of-life journey.
I will pass your kind words on to the team.
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Review from C B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 25 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father-in-law received end-of-life care, and it couldn't have been better. He loved his garden and had a lovely view from his window of the grounds. The staff were excellent, and nothing was too much trouble. The only thing I didn't really agree with was being given this review to fill in on leaving
the care home just after my father-in-law had passed away; it would have been better to post it.
Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from J S (Husband of Resident) published on 30 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife spent five months in Thistle Hill and was extremely well cared for, given her sometimes stubborn and erratic mental behaviour. She received good personal interaction with most staff members who became her friends and walk out to go home 28/02/22.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words; your wife was a pleasure to support.
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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, clean room, patient staff, good meals.
Reception and management very helpful.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind comments; I will pass these on to the staff, who will appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Val S (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum spent the last 7-months of her life at Thistle Hill. I was nervous about her going there as I did not know the care home at all, and it was during the period of lockdowns, so I could not visit in advance. However, my nervousness was unfounded, and I found the home to be a bright, welcoming place
with caring staff. Mum had a lovely room. There did seem to be plenty of activities, though unfortunately, Mum's mental health had deteriorated to such an extent she would not always join in. Mum passed away in the home in November. The staff had always been so kind to Mum and to me, never more so than in those final days and hours. They treated her with dignity and as if she were their own family member. I will always be grateful to them.
Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomePlease accept our condolences to you and the family. Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from P L (Son of Resident) published on 7 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the quality of care being provided for my mother. All the staff at Thistle Hill are very committed and helpful, always put the resident first. They have kept going so well during the most difficult of times and I'm extremely grateful for their dedication, kindness and loyalty to the
home.
Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from A K (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad was only with you for a little no more than 2 weeks before sadly passing away. During that time he received the best care we could have asked for. The staff were extremely comforting, kind, understanding and helpful and most of all caring. We as a family thank you. Also, the care and love you
showed to my mum was so lovely.
Thank you again.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words, which I will pass on to the staff team. Not only are we here for our residents but we like to offer support and care to our relatives and visitors.
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Review from V G (Wife of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you for the excellent care you gave to my husband during the short time he was with you. I am very grateful for all you did for him and the friendliness you showed me and my family. Thank you for everything.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words we enjoyed having him with us even if it was for a short time. I will pass your comments on to the staff team.
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Review from Aileen S (Partner of Resident) published on 9 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
To write a review after the long months of Covid, it is extremely hard. Having been unable to visit for such a long time, but we came through, visits started again#, My partner isn't always fit for outdoor visits and getting a bedroom visit is at a premium. I only managed one a week re:- availability.
Until a member of staff came down with Covid and we're back to no visits again. When it comes to care I feel he is well looked after. A lovely job on refreshment at the home.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you, it has been a difficult time and we do try to get everyone at least one visit per week. As soon as we are able the home will reopen to visitors and we look forward to seeing everyone again.
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Review from Pippa W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very good service provided.
Dad seems quite happy, thank you.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words, I will pass this onto the team.
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Review from Helen R (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum, battling with Alzheimer's, spent the last 13 months of her life at Thistle Hill, Deighton unit, where the team looked after her with extraordinary care and dedication. Of course throughout this time they had to battle with the pandemic and the various restrictions that came with that, particularly
for families trying to see and be with their loved ones. The team were very supportive, as best they possibly could be, through these difficult times and I would really recommend them to anyone looking for a similar care setting.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words which I will pass onto the team on Deighton. It has been a difficult time for everyone and we are grateful for the support we have received from our families.
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Review from John T (Friend of Resident) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a person who visits my friend weekly. We have found over the couple of years, the home gives absolute first class service to their patient and treats visitors with respect and understanding. A first-class nursing home in a lovely setting.
Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review; we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.567)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.567) out of 10 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.2 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 11 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 4.201 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (80 Excellents x 5) + (48 Goods x 4) + (20 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (6 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 159 Ratings = 4.201
  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 4.366 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on 11 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 = 3.775
    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 93 registered maximum number of service users is 18.6. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 18.6 = 0.591
  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: 6 Jul 2023

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 (13)

Meet the Team (9)

Dannie

Dannie Tsoneva

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2015

Hi, my name is Dannie, and I am currently the General Manager here at Thistle Hill Home.


I have worked in the healthcare sector since 1996. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.  My career has progressed over the years, including spending many years in the Cardiology Unit and Intensive care, and I am proud to have received my Bachelor's in Nursing in 1996. I am very passionate about ensuring the residents receive the best care and experience.


I work with a dedicated and supportive team that aims to achieve the best for the home. I look forward to welcoming you to our home.

Pratheesh

Pratheesh Thankachan

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

Hi, my name is Pratheesh, and I am Deputy Manager here at Thistle Hill Care Home


I started working in care as helping others and making a difference gives me purpose and drive and I continuously strive to improve my skill set every day so that the residents receive the best possible care and so that I can lead the team well – I have now been promoted to Deputy General Manager and I am excited for the future here at Thistle Hill Care Home.


I love getting to know the residents, their families, and I love the partnerships I’ve made with my colleagues and the wonderful team here.

Debbie

Debbie Hudson

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2018

Hi, my name is Debbie and I have been working at Thistle Hill since 2020 and started as a part-time admin assistant which I loved, however, the chance to become an administrator has recently arisen and I was appointed and started this position which is full-time in June. I am really enjoying my new position.


I like to spend my spare time with my family I have two grown-up daughters both of whom are nurses.


One of my daughters works here at Thistle Hill. I am a proud grandmother to two lovely granddaughters who are nine and two.


I like to travel when this is permitted and love Corfu in Greece where I have been on holiday for 15 years. I recently went to Las Vegas with my younger daughter, where we spent time exploring, and visited the Grand Canyon via helicopter flying over the Hoover Dam.

Rebecca

Rebecca Almond

Job Title: Admin Assistant Joined: 2026

Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I am the Admin Assistant here at Thistle Hill Care Home. I joined the team in 2026, previously working in care for the last 20 years. Joined the team to support with all aspects of the administration of the home to ensure it runs smoothly.


Providing excellent customer service is something I thrive on, going above and beyond for relatives and their families.


In my spare time, I spend time with my 5 grandchildren and love horse riding.

Joe

Joe Hardisty

Job Title: Physiotherapist Joined: 2024

Joe is our wonderful in-house Physiotherapist at Thistle Hill Care Home. Joe is a very popular member of the team and residents love him. Joe is not only busy at work, he has a very busy time at home with two little ones - a boy and a girl, who he is so proud of. When he gets a minute to himself, Joe chills out by watching the football and playing football. Joe likes to do a bit of running and plays the piano.

Ewelina

Ewelina Sadowska

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 2008

I love to get to know our residents, creating wonderful, wholesome dishes for them to enjoy. Understanding their individual nutrition and dietary needs is very important, and we take great pride in knowing the food we serve helps to improve residents' well-being here at the home.

Stephen

Stephen Walls

Job Title: Head of Maintanance Joined: 1994

Stephen is responsible for maintaining the environment and equipment within Thistle Hill, thereby ensuring the comfort, safety and well-being of our residents.

Amber

Amber Newband

Job Title: Activities Lead Joined: 2026

My name is Amber Newband, and I’m excited to be joining Thistle Hill as the new Activities Lead. I previously worked as a teacher’s assistant at a local school, where I gained experience supporting learning and engaging with Children.
I’m looking forward to bringing that passion into my work here and creating meaningful, enjoyable activities for everyone.


In my spare time, I enjoy working in my art studio and painting with watercolours.


I’m really looking forward to getting to know and working with the residents and families. If you see me around, please feel free to say hello!

Jean

Jean Durrant

Job Title: Resident Ambassador Joined: 2014

My name is Jean, and I have lived at Thistle Hill since 2014. The carers are so good to me, and they feel like a second family.


The care team are always there for me, and no ask for help is ever too big or small.


I take great pride in being the Resident Ambassador. Every day I like to say good morning to everyone and make everybody a cup of tea or coffee.


I really enjoy helping in the office and welcoming guests as they come into the reception.

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