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Heron Hill Care Home

Esthwaite Avenue, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7SE
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I am so grateful for the care and dignity that was given to Mum right to the endMandy C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Heron Hill Care Home, Kendal
no criticism only praiseJayne S(Niece of Resident/Service User)
Heron Hill Care Home, Kendal
the care and support offered to my friend was outstanding.A H(Friend of Resident/Service User)
Heron Hill Care Home, Kendal

At Heron Hill Care Home, the team take pride in a service that focuses on great care, all tailored to your loved one's needs.

The Care Home is conveniently located in Kendal, an historic town which stands at the entrance to the beautiful English Lake District that has excellent access to road, rail and bus links.

The 24/7 dedicated care team of experienced nurses, carers and support staff work to deliver...  

Care Provided by Heron Hill Care Home

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

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 86 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
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Accreditations

  •  The National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • 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 CareN/A£1,650 - £1,750
Residential Dementia Care£1,650 - £1,750£1,650 - £1,750
Nursing Care£1,650 - £1,750£1,650 - £1,750
Nursing Dementia Care£1,650 - £1,750£1,650 - £1,750

Contact Heron 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)

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 £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Nicola Spedding(Manager)

Admission Information

  • Mixed with male-only unit(s)
  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2004
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (86)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (86)

Visiting

  • Currently have no visiting restrictions, although please avoid meal times.

Parking

  • On site parking

Heron Hill Care Home Reviews (86)

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9.6

Heron Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.649) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Heron Hill Care Home has 86 reviews.

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Showing 86 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Graham B (Husband of Resident) published on 14 October 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Overall the care provided is of a high standard. My main concerns are that it appears that regular medical checks are infrequent. The care staff are good and in most cases excellent in their dealing with my wife.
The food is very average and we were very upset with the very poor quality of the Christmas offerings in 23. The food had obviously been cooked the day or so before and just heated up on Christmas Day.
I appreciate that the catering staff like to spend this time with families. However, the food was almost inedible on this occasion which is very unfair on the residents. Improvement here is required.

There appears a lack of management staff at the weekends leading to several slips in what is a very good system. The library is being used as a restroom at weekends though there is a staff room. Perhaps some money may be made available to improve the quality of the staff room and make it more attractive for staff to use.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Regional Operations Director at Heron Hill Care Home

I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your experience, as all feedback received is positive as we can continually improve the support provided and whilst it is disappointing to hear that you felt the food was average I would like to offer you our assurance that the overall dining...  

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Review from S R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 19 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

This is my second parent here, moved both from other homes. My only regret is I didn't do it sooner. As an ex-nurse, I am more aware of care standards and can't recommend this home highly enough. The staff faced huge challenges with mother-in-law due to frailty of pressure sores that she arrived with. With their excellent care they healed and no more development. The atmosphere in the home is always welcoming and helpful. The staff obviously enjoy their work, take pride in it. Work as a family and care deeply. My mother-in-law was treated with respect and dignity at all times, as were the family. The entertainment staff were amazing with their imaginative activities, trips and visitors. Love the fact residents eat in a dining room, so homely.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Regional Operations Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of Heron Hill, it is always such a pleasure to share your views with the staff team who continue to do their very best for everyone within the home.

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Review from Allison C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 July 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Dad was a resident of Heron Hill Care Home for over six years. He was cared for by some excellent staff, who treated him as if he were their own. Dad, due to behavioural issues caused by Dementia, was accommodated on the male only unit. This was difficult for the family to grasp, as Dad was always kind, friendly, understanding, and loving. Due to his Dementia, Dad changed, not only at the beginning of his Dementia journey but continually, day to day. This made caring for him a huge challenge, but was a challenge the staff were more than up to. The permanent staff treated Dad with dignity, empathy, and understanding and did their best to calm and reassure him, and were there when he was scared, confused, and even violent. The nursing care Dad received was excellent, regularly reviewed, and we were consulted on any concerns or changes to his needs. At Dad's passing, everything was done how he wanted, with respect and thoughtfulness, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. Dad was a pleasure to care for and we miss him and all your family visits.

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Review from Amanda F (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
The staff at Heron Hill are amazing, they are caring, compassionate, and professional and gives me peace of mind knowing my Dad is being cared for. I would highly recommend Heron Hill.

Thank you all so much for the care you provide.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Regional Operations Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Heron Hill, all our staff will be delighted to read your experience on the kindness and care taken to support your loved one.

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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I feel reassured that my mother is well cared for and supported as she is unable to make decisions for herself any longer.

The staff are always so welcoming and polite, and I can tell they genuinely have my mother’s best interests at heart.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. The team love caring for your mum. I will pass on your kind words to the team that provides Mum's care.

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Review from Jan S (Friend of Resident) published on 16 February 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Superb home, very friendly caring staff. Their end-of-life care is absolutely second to none and very professional
Nothing was too much trouble, kept me updated on all of the care they were giving.

I would recommend this home to anyone looking at finding a caring understanding home for their loved ones.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you very much indeed for taking the time to share your thoughts and kind words, based on your personal experience of Heron Hill. The staff will be truly delighted to receive this feedback.

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Review from Judith M (Wife of Resident) published on 19 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I have always been welcomed at the home and kept informed regularly if need be by phone. The staff are always pleasant and patient in their caring of the residents in what must be difficult circumstances at times.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, I will ensure that these are passed on to the team.

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Review from Maureen H (Wife of Resident) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband has been well cared for in the Wheawall unit for a year. Despite very difficult situations, the carers are always respectful, kind and patient with the residents. They have a great understanding of advanced dementia and how to deal with the challenges it brings. All the staff from going through the front door are all very pleasant and go about their work in a kind and caring manner. Myself, our son's and their families and friends have always been made welcome when visiting. Heron Hill has become part of our family and we are grateful that my husband is relatively happy there.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words Maureen. I will make sure that the manager and the team are made aware of them.

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Review from L J (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The staff are very nice and welcoming. The food is awful, choices of food are not meeting my dad's choice ie more traditional meals and are not person-centred. The food supplier needs changing. I am concerned about other clients wandering around in room doorways as my dad is in bed and vulnerable. My dad has lost items of his clothes in the laundry and stuff bought other peoples into his room which do not belong to him. More activities for my who is in bed would be great.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, if you would like to pop in for a chat to discuss your concerns we would be happy to go through these with you.

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Review from Sue S (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Everyone from the front office to the people on my husband's unit are very kind and helpful. My only complaint is that my husband's clothes are always going missing, please can someone try to find them.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, I will make sure that these are passed on to the team.

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Review from Evelyn P (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I knew from the moment we walked through the doors of Heron Hill that everything was going to be alright.
There was such a lovely warm atmosphere and the staff were so welcoming; they gave me confidence that they would care for my husband.

There's a great programme of activities that would help him to engage and communicate. Nothing is too much trouble. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words, we are so glad that you and your husband are happy with us at Heron. I will make sure the team are aware of your comments.

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Review from C D (Wife of Resident) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Happy caring atmosphere, and carers and management are very approachable. The care of the resident is good, patient and friendly.
Rooms got a bit shabby but clean.
Food; vegetarian options are sometimes a bit basic, vegetables are sometimes rather overcooked and not much flavour but varied and my husband is generally content with his food.
Activities; my husband is very limited in what he can do and/or wants to respond to, so not applicable, really.

But overall, very content with care at Heron Hill.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your feedback, we will pass this on to the teams and look to rectify some of the areas you have raised.

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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My sisters and I have been visiting our mother regularly for the past seven years, and feel the home has been very caring and supportive over that time. As our mother's health has declined, she has become unable to take part in any activities so I do not feel able to comment about that aspect. The staff are always very approachable and pleasant, and look after our mother with great care.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, we will pass them on to the team on Cavell.

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Review from Linda L (Wife of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We would just like to thank all the team of the Wheawall Unit, especially the senior members for the care my husband receives. He is always clean and well presented and he seems happy around staff and other residents alike. As visits are not as often as we would like (living an hour away) we know he is being well looked after and his welfare is the team's priority.

Many thanks to you all.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words, we will pass these on to the team.

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Review from S G (Son of Resident) published on 9 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Dad has settled into the home far better than we expected and is always looked after and is clean and shaven when we visit. His room is of a good size and is clean and well decorated coupled with a recently refurbished en-suite. The home appears very well run with a stable staff base that is of great benefit to dementia patients. The home has very much a family feel to it.

Initially was nervous about using a larger care home but they have the systems and infrastructure in place to offer strong levels of care. Also really good to see continued investment in the building fabric.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind feedback, we will pass this on to the team. We also look forward to your visits.

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Review from Gail H (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My brother and I are very happy with the care our dad receives. He is well looked after. We have no concerns. The staff keep us up-to-date re Dad and if he had to have the doctor. We are kept well informed.

It gives the family peace of mind knowing Dad is being well cared for. The staff are lovely and very helpful.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Hi and thank you for your kind words, I will pass these on to the team.

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Review from Barbara B (Partner of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I would just like to say how well my beloved partner is being looked after. He is always very clean and tidy. His room is always clean and tidy. The staff from reception to the unit are very polite and always greet me with a smile. He looked very happy when I visited him today and he gave me his usual lovely smile and was very pleased to see me with a kiss. I would like to say a big “thank you” to all the staff for all your hard work and wonderful care.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Hi and thank you so much for your kind words, I will share them with the team.

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Review from L B (Friend of Resident) published on 12 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Very pleasant staff on every floor. They are very kind to the residents. Very clean. The dining room is beautiful.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind comments, I will pass these on to the teams.

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Review from M B (Wife of Resident) published on 12 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My experience of Heron Hill Care Home is excellent. The staff can't do enough for you. They are all very pleasant and helpful. They also have lovely smiles from the carers to the management, maintenance, cleaners etc. They all do a great job, especially considering the difficult nature of the work.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your lovely words. We love your visits and the joy you also bring to the unit! I will pass your comments on to the team.

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Review from Roger B (Husband of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
All staff caring and when asked any questions about the patient there is an answer and if not will seek the answer.

The main downfall to the establishment is laundry and care of. Although clothing is tagged I have had to go to laundry on occasion to find my wife's clothing or have seen other patients wearing items of clothing or found item in unclaimed box or rack even though they are marked. Plus items can go missing from rooms i.e. personal cushions and blankets etc.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your comments, we are aware that the laundry systems need reviewing, and value any suggestions that you may have in relation to this.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 24 June 2025
Overall
Good
  • CaringOutstanding
  • 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

2 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 28 July 2026

Heron Hill currently has 2 bed vacancies and would be delighted to show you around our award winning home.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • 28 Apr 2026

    As we head into 2026, we are proud to recognise leaders who have made a meaningful impact through their NaDCAS journey. ?? This week, we are delighted to celebrate Nicola...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Heron Hill Care Home.

Awards / Recognitions (18)

  • 16 Jun 2025Recipient: Abbey Healthcare
  • 06 Jun 2025Recipient: Abbey Healthcare
  • 30 Nov 2022Recipient: Heron Hill Care Home

Accreditations

Meet the Team (1)

Nicola Spedding
Nicola SpeddingJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2019

Nicola started her career in the care sector in 1992 as a carer in a nursing home. She worked her way up to her current position of Registered Home Manager. Along the way, Nicola has studied to gain the knowledge required to become a good home manager. She has her NVQ level 4 in Health and Social Care and Management, along with the Registered Managers level 4 award. Nicola has worked in both residential and nursing homes for the elderly.

Nicola is passionate about promoting a high quality of care for her residents, their families and her team. Nicola supports her team to achieve this through training, supervision and guidance. She also encourages open and honest discussions with her residents and their families to help her and her team perform the best they can.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Heron Hill Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Heron Hill Care Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.