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Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thistle Hill, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8LS
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Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home, Knaresborough
Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home, Knaresborough
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...  

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

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

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate 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)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,483N/A

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.

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)

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)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (93)

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home Reviews (73)

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8.8

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.795) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has 73 reviews.

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Showing 73 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Aileen S (Partner of Resident) published on 9 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience
Very good service provided.

Dad seems quite happy, thank you.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

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 Dawn L (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I visit my dad every week at Thistle Hill in a Covid safe environment. He always looks so well cared for and happy even though he misses us terribly. The staff are amazing to my dad and he loves them all. I can feel I could not be more thankful that York County Council found a place for my dad at Thistle Hill, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you to all of the staff.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We are very happy to be welcoming visitors back into the home as we know the residents have missed their loved ones.

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Review from S W (Wife of Resident) published on 25 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband has been a resident at Thistle Hill for almost 2 years. He suffers from mixed dementia and after having a stroke, had to leave his previous care home. I have nothing but praise for the staff, who have looked after my husband with kindness, respect and understanding. The care they have given him has been excellent, nothing is too much trouble. Although he is no longer able to join in the entertainment, there is plenty on offer - a brilliant job has been done in these strange times. I would have no hesitation in recommending Thistle Hill.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

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 J M (Sister of Resident) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The staff are great and very helpful. I just wish there was more physio support to help my brother to walk again and get his arm moving and also more support to help him recover further from his brain damage. We can't wait until we can take him out again and give him a huggle.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

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 J E (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The care that my father gets on a daily basis is excellent. Staff are supportive and caring and have been excellent during Covid-19. Our father is happy, and all his health and social needs are met. We cannot be more thankful for everything he experiences. This is a fabulous place for those with additional needs to live. Our only gripe would be in relation to management.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

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 Barbara B (Resident / Service User) published on 9 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

This is a home from home. I am very happy here. The staff are kindness itself and nothing is too much trouble for them. I enjoy the food and every day here.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words I will of course pass these onto the staff team, they always appreciate compliments. One of our main aims is to make the home as homely as we can and we are pleased you find it a home from home.

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Review from C P (Son of Resident) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Thistle Hill and staff is a wonderful home for my dad, he has dementia and Parkinson's and he has come close to dying a couple of times, both times he has bounced back from the brink thanks to the excellent care provided. It's a really lovely home and I feel my dad is at peace here. The staff and management are all really nice and polite at all times.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

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 Emma F (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Moving mum to Thistle Hill was the best decision we have made. She is so well cared for and all the staff are fantastic. We cannot fault them.
Since Covid-19 the staff have gone above and beyond to help my mum and us to still have contact with each other. The staff are coming in before their shift starts to enable us to speak to mum saying it's not too much trouble and they just want to ensure all their residents are happy.

Thank you for all your hard work. It does not go unnoticed.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home
Thank you for your kind words.

Everyone is working together through this difficult and uncertain time, and the staff are doing a fantastic job supporting the residents in making contact with relatives.

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Review from Gina F (Friend of Resident) published on 22 May 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I always found all of the staff friendly, helpful and most importantly very caring towards my friend, who had dementia and although a lovely lady, towards the end, could be a little difficult and rude to them. They were all well aware that this was the illness, not the real lady and treated her with great patience and care. On her birthday they had a little celebration and persuaded her to have a shower and put on a smart dress. We brought wine and it was a lovely atmosphere.
My friend did not like the food but, having said that she did not like any food! It always looked very good to me.

Towards the end, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff made a special effort to organise FaceTime calls to me, which was a great comfort to both my friend and me.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

It was a real pleasure to look after this lady, she showed a lot of spirit and kept the staff on their toes. I am so pleased that you were able to facetime during a difficult time.

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Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 3 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
1. Lack of communication: management to residents and relatives.

2. Lack of staff in all disciplines. High staff turnover: pay and inducement policy implications? Too much reliance on agency cover: cost?

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team; we work hard to recruit the right carers and ensure they are inducted and trained to a high standard. We continually review our rota's to...  

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Review from L M (Mother of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

On the whole, the home is quite good, however staffing levels need assessing and more continuity on the night shift would make this an excellent home.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. We work hard to recruit the right staff and ensure they are inducted...  

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Review from Caroline O (Wife of Resident) published on 10 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband was only in the home for a few weeks before he died. They looked after him extremely well. The staff were excellent and the atmosphere was very good.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, the staff do appreciate positive feedback.

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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Thistle Hill seems to be a well-run home. The staff are happy. The residents are well cared for. The manager has an open door.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, it is always good for the staff to receive positive feedback.

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Review from Claire W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Staff were excellent with everything they did for my mum. She was treated with dignity when she died in the home. Staff should be told what a good job they do, and thanked.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

We believe end of life care is very important. Thank you for your kind words and I will pass this onto the staff team. They always appreciate words of encouragement and kindness.

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Review from Rick H (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
The staff and volunteers at Thistle Hill cared for my father who had been sectioned under the mental health act as his dementia caused him to suffer great anxiety leading to behaviour which could be both unpredictable and aggressive.
During the 20 months he resided in the home, he calmed down enormously thanks to the high quality of the professional, patient care he received.

My father is now at rest and my family and I would like to thank the team at Thistle Hill for all they did for him during his residency and for making us feel so welcome when we visited.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We are happy that your dad was able to enjoy his time at Thistle Hill Care Centre.

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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother has dementia and is not easy to handle as she is aggressive at times. Also, she has a high fall risk. When my mother ended up in hospital after breaking her thumb, her care provider wouldn't take her back and so we were left trying to find a care home provider. As soon as we went to view Thistle Hill, the welcome from walking into reception and upstairs in the dementia unit gave us such a warm feeling that my mum would be well looked after. The care is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review. We aim to make all our visitors feel at home when they visit us at Thistle Hill. The carers always welcome positive feedback about the care they give, as it is important to them that they are doing a good job.

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Review from Patricia C (Resident / Service User) published on 25 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I have been a resident for nine years. We are short of carers, no cover when they have holidays, this time becomes very muddled.
Dignity is not carried out at times. Some care staff have no bedside manners.
We have new management, who don't seem to be in the same manner which we had yet.
Cleanliness is poor, we have only one good cleaner.

Value for money is low, as some jobs are very muddled.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 06 July 2023
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (79) & Events (0)

News
  • 29 Jun 2026

    Barchester’s Thistle Hill Care Home in Knaresborough has teamed up with a local Colour Analyst professional Elaine Gill from House of Colour to help us discover how to choose colour...

  • 29 Jun 2026

    Some of our residents enjoyed a lovely afternoon wander around our Charlotte’s Way, woodland walk in the grounds of the home, making the most of the warm weather and beautiful...

  • 29 Jun 2026

    We were delighted to welcome children from Red Kite Nursery for our monthly intergenerational visit. This month’s theme was Under the Sea, and residents and children enjoyed a live virtual...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home.

Awards / Recognitions (16)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home.

Meet the Team (9)

Dannie Tsoneva
Dannie TsonevaJob Title:General ManagerJoined: 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 Thankachan
Pratheesh ThankachanJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 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 Hudson
Debbie HudsonJob Title:Home AdministratorJoined: 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 Almond
Rebecca AlmondJob Title:Admin AssistantJoined: 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 Hardisty
Joe HardistyJob Title:PhysiotherapistJoined: 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 Sadowska
Ewelina SadowskaJob Title:Head ChefJoined: 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 Walls
Stephen WallsJob Title:Head of MaintananceJoined: 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 Newband
Amber NewbandJob Title:Activities LeadJoined: 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 Durrant
Jean DurrantJob Title:Resident AmbassadorJoined: 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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