Donwell House Nursing Home

Wellgarth Road, Donwell Village, Washington NE37 1EE
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9.8 48 Reviews
  • Donwell House Nursing Home, Washington
Donwell House Nursing Home offers quality care services through personalised packages that suit the individual while standing up for privacy and dignity.

This versatile service welcomes individuals with dementia and physical disabilities, being an adaptable accommodation and with staff boasting a great wealth of care experience.

Residents have a choice of communal and quiet lounges, as well as mature gardens with raised flower beds, a water feature and a patio area.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 63 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1290 – £1580
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1290 – £1580
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1290 – £1580
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1290 – £1580
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1580

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Donwell House Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Bianca Pavel (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2010

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (63)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (63)

Donwell House Nursing Home Reviews (48)

9.8

Donwell House Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.793) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Donwell House Nursing Home has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Donwell House Nursing Home
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Total of 48, showing 1-20
Review from Diane H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mam was at Donwell from February 2023 until July 2025 and I could not have been more happy with the care she received from all the staff. Their friendly cheerful manner with residents and families made it a home. Mam was happy and well looked after and I loved my visits, I was made really welcome
and was encouraged to join in many social activities which were really fun for all. Highly recommend them for the care of your loved one.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and lovely words. It was a pleasure looking after your mother.

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Review from J H (Friend of Resident) published on 15 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
As my friend, who is disabled, could no longer manage his day-to-day life in his own home, he went into Donwell House. I can see he is happier and more content. He has his own furniture in his room with personal things, which he likes, he is well looked after, which I am pleased to see. He has always
been a very independent man who got out and about in his electric vehicle chair when he lived alone, with the help of carers going in, so he is used to carers and accepts this is part of his life.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your friend and we are happy to see that he is happy living here.

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Review from Ann M (Friend of Resident) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are really friendly and take great care of my friend, he has really enjoyed staying here and congregates with everything going on.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time for review and kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your friend.

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Review from Terence C (Friend of Resident) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great home lots of activitys. Good food and choice of food. Friendly staff very efficent.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you so much for thanking the time to review us and for the kind words.

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Review from June D (Friend of Resident) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend is very comfortable, really well looked after. The staff are wonderful. There's always plenty to do. My friend is very happy.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review and kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your friend.

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Review from Karen W (Sister of Resident) published on 31 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit my brother twice a week,the level of care is very good,and he seems generally happy when I visit,the staff know to contact the family with any questions,and I can speak to the nurse in charge or carers any time i have questions or concerns.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review , it is a pleasure looking after your brother.

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Review from Geraldine C (Friend of Resident) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend went into Donwell House for respite but after 6 weeks knew he couldn't manage at home so decided to stay permanently. Now 8 months down the line he is settled in very nicely. He's very happy with everything, the staff are all very efficient, he loves all the activities. Everyone seems to go
the extra mile for all the residents. He is very happy with his choice and I have peace of mind knowing he is getting looked after.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and your kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your friend.

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Review from Mary Q (Friend of Resident) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend was admitted into hospital, he was told he needed to have respite, after being in Donwell House he realised he would not be able to cope at home, he stayed in the home where he said he loved being here as the meals are good, plenty of activities to do and the lovely staff are at hand to give
him support. My friend has always been a very private person, and the staff here have given him a new lease of life.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and your kind words. It is an absolute pleasure looking after your friend.

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Review from Joyce C (Regular Volunteer) published on 21 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Residents are well cared for in a very clean environment. Staff are dedicated and are caring in their roles. There are activities everyday and all residents are included regardless of their capabilities. Meals are nutritious and varied giving residents choice of alternatives. I would recommend this
care home to anyone looking for a place for their loved one.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and for your kind words.

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Review from Jonathan D (Respite Resident) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Only had a 2-week stay. I found all the staff helpful, understandable and accommodating to my needs. Specific mention should be given to the kitchen staff who went out of their way to cater for my dietary needs.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and your thoughtful review. It is truly a pleasure to care for you.

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Review from John C (Friend of Resident) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After recently visiting a dear friend at your home, I was truly overjoyed to see how well he is being cared for. He looked so well and genuinely happy, which warmed my heart.
The home itself is beautiful-clean, spacious, and pleasantly fragrant. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the welcoming
atmosphere. The staff were all smiles and incredibly kind, creating a lovely, comforting environment.
It was such a wonderful feeling being there, and I was thoroughly impressed by how caring and attentive everyone was. To the whole team: please keep doing what you're doing. It's clearly making a difference-it shows in the residents' faces.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking such good care of my dear friend.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that you had a nice experience visiting our home. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience.

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Review from Jeffrey L (Husband of Resident) published on 2 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are satisfied with everything in the care home and management and staff.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your loved one and seeing you on a regular basis visiting.

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Review from Gladys D (Sister of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Pleased with my sister's care. Sometimes not happy with choice of clothes in winter she is cold.
Reply from Bianca Pavel, Care Home Manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thank you for your review. We're very pleased to hear that you're happy with the care provided. We also appreciate your feedback regarding clothing choices - we will take this on board and ensure we learn from it. We value every piece of feedback, as it helps us ensure the best possible care is provided at all times and that our residents feel happy and comfortable.

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Review from M A (Son of Resident) published on 18 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having a parent moved to a care home is not a decision that is easy to make. Having no real alternative I am relieved and delighted that we chose Donwell House.The staff could not be nicer this is endorsed by my mum too. I finally realise how much of a strain it was on my closest family members, I trying
to keep mum in her own home. She is so much safer than when carers visited 4 times a day. So pleased we chose Donwell House.
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Review from G A (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum in law has been at Donwell House since December 2024 when she was no longer safe to return home after a hospital stay. She has settled in well, loves the food, the staff and company. She is doing as well as can be expected - at 91 years young. Yesterday she took a "funny turn" in the bathroom
when a family member was present. Previously (at home) this would have resulted to me how professional competent caring the staff were. No less than five staff reacted to the emergency buzzer. Money could not buy better peace of mind. Our relative is happy and safe. We are really reassured that she is in the best place.
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Review from Christine C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 20 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our first contact with the care home was under emergency circumstances, taking our mother-in-law at short notice. On a number of different occasions and each time, we felt she was treated with kindness and respect. Communication between the care home and ourselves was amazing. Daily activities and trips
keep her very engaged during all her stays. We have been very pleased with all their services and the kindness of all the staff. Thank you for everything.
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Review from Karen B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was discharged to Donwell House from hospital at end of life with cancer. I cannot fault the staff at the home, they were lovely towards my dad and our family and nothing was ever a bother for them. I would have no hesitation in recommending the home to anyone requiring the service. They have
a great team of staff and are always doing something to keep the residents entertained.
Reply from Howard Emanuel, Regional manager at Donwell House Nursing Home

Thanks for taking the time to review the home; the team and I are all thankful for your kind, considered words.

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Review from Susan A (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose Donwell House for our mam following recommendations and viewing the home ourselves. The warm welcome from management, staff and residents, not only to mam but to the wider family too, made the transition from 'home' to care home so much easier. We were always kept well informed of every detail
relating to mam's care and any requests or queries we had were quickly dealt with. As difficult as it was for Mam to leave her own home, she very quickly saw Donwell House as her new home, with lots of new friends. It was very clear to see how happy mam was. The end of mam's life in Dowell House was comfortable, peaceful and respectful. We could not be more grateful for this.
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Review from Louise M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mam received full nursing care after living independently from February 2023. She was made to feel very welcome and at home from every member of staff. She received excellent nursing care and was treated with warmth, dignity and compassion. I visited every day until her passing in July 2023 and was
always treated with kindness and warmth and can never thank them enough for all there support especially in Mams final days.
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Review from R W (Husband of Resident) published on 23 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am more than happy with the care given at Donwell House Nursing Home. She's well-fed and kept very clean. The staff are very good and happy to help when asked.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.793)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.793) out of 10 for Donwell House Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.793 for Donwell House Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (162 Excellents x 5) + (40 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.793
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Donwell House Nursing Home is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 63 registered maximum number of service users is 12.6, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 27 Aug 2020

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 (0)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Donwell House Nursing Home

What types of Care is Donwell House Nursing Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Donwell House Nursing Home have?

There are 63 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Donwell House Nursing Home?

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

How far is Donwell House Nursing Home to the centre of Washington?

1.7 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 Donwell House Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Donwell House Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.