
The home is always spotlessly clean. It is a very well-run home.Judith A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

She has the best view and a comfortable room. The facilities are lovelyS T(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

major transformations to make it even more ‘dementia friendly’S D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The home is always spotlessly clean. It is a very well-run home.Judith A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

She has the best view and a comfortable room. The facilities are lovelyS T(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

major transformations to make it even more ‘dementia friendly’S D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Derwent Care Home is situated in the Derwent Valley, within the hamlet of Low Westwood immediately to the west of Hamsterley in County Durham. The River Derwent flows at the bottom of the valley, over which the care home benefits from wide-ranging and stunning views.
The care home offers residential care, dementia care and respite care. The modern and spacious home, located over three floors, has forty-four purpose-built and attractively decorated...
Care Provided by Derwent Care Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 45 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define 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
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
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Contact Derwent 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
- Mariposa
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Julie Baron(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2024
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (45)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
Visiting
- Visitors are always welcome at Derwent. Please visit the main reception area on entry to the home, and a member of friendly staff will be able to assist you.
Parking
- Dedicated parking at the rear of the building. Vehicles and belongings are left at owners own risk.
Derwent Care Home Reviews (119)
Derwent Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10, based on 56 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Derwent Care Home has 119 reviews.
I am getting well looked after. I have a lovely bedroom with a nice view. The food is excellent. The staff and management are great!
Thanks for your review. We delighted to hear you're happy at Derwent.
Food very nice, staff are wonderful, kind and friendly.
Thanks for your kind words and wonderful review.
I have known my friend my whole life, and since coming into Derwent, she is now thriving. She is involved in daily activities and loves going to house hairdresser's. All the staff are lovely and welcoming. The home is always spotlessly clean and tidy. I cannot fault the care she receives would recommend Derwent Care Home to anyone.
Thanks for your fantastic review - it is very appreciated.
This is my first involvement with Derwent Care Home, and my first impressions are all positive, despite my mother-in-law's initial reluctance; she seems to be settling in well. The staff have all been friendly and caring and always at home. She has a comfortable, airy room, good news all round.
Thanks for your review. We're proud to hear you have such a positive experience with Derwent - and will share your kind words with the team.
This was the first time I sourced Respite care for my mother. I chose Derwent Care Home as it had good reviews, and a good CQC score. I also visited it prior to making my decision. The home is a good size, well maintained, and very clean. The staff are well presented, friendly and professional. I was very nervous at first, but after visiting, and speaking with the staff and residents, I knew mum would be well taken care of, and she was.
Thanks for your kind words. We're delighted to know you're happy with the care provided at Derwent - I will pass your comments onto our team.
My mum has been in Derwent Care Home for about 4 years. Since an unsettle period last year with staff and management changes things have greatly improved. The moral in the staff team appears to have picked up and there is a brilliant care team, and the atmosphere in the home and relationships with residents, staff and family are lovely. The staff know my mam really well support my dad and me so much. I am kept informed and my requests are always dealt with effectively and timely. The home environment is always clean and safe.The activities have been brilliant especially the singers brought in. Hopefully this will continue and other Activity Coordinator will be appointed soon.
Mam moved into the home in September last year. We still have a few ups and downs with her but overall she is happy to be here. The staff look after mum really well and we as a family feel much better knowing mum is safe and cared for.
The home is always immaculately clean and well-maintained. The thing that makes this home so special is the staff. They are always pleasant and so useful to the residents and everyone who visits. I cannot praise them enough.
I visit the home nearly everyday to see my mother in law. I cannot tell you how happy and content she is, she absolutely loves it. The staff are wonderful, and she is often in awe of the care and attention she gets. I never worry when I leave her as I know she is safe and happy. The home is always very clean and tidy as are the staff. They make her any food she wants as she is a very fussy eater, however, it is sometimes not hot enough for her. She would go mad if she knew I was writing this. She is no bother and never complains. Thank you all.
I find Derwent Care Home a very pleasant and friendly place for my mam. The staff showed genuine care and interactions with my mam and other residents. The home is always very clean and tidy. Totally satisfied and confident that my mam receives the best care at Derwent. Thanks to all concerned.
The carer and attention my dad has received over the last few months in particular from the warm friendly staff at Derwent Care Home has literally brought him back to life. After a time in hospital we thought he only had a matter of weeks but thankfully that has not been the case, and whilst his dementia is worsening he is brighter and seems content that I can only be down to the care he has received. Thank you.
I think the entertainment lady is so lovely, she takes my sister to Bingo etc and always has the time to talk to us and explain what my sister has been doing. The floor staff are also very nice and helpful. I cannot comment on the manager because I have never met her and friend and I come in every week.
Called in unexpectedly on our way back to Birmingham from Edinburgh. Our friend was in the dining room having dinner. We were offered a cup of tea in the conservatory while waiting. The staff are very friendly and there is a lovely atmosphere in the care home. The home is very clean and bright. Our friend is quite settled now and enjoys being there. She gets her hair done once a week and likes the singing activity.
Thankyou so much for your lovely comments, I will pass this on to our lovely staff
My mam has been in Derwent Care now for over 12 months and I feel very happy that she is being cared for here. Staff are friendly and helpful, and her room and the whole place in general are kept very clean and smelling good. Quality meals are provided as well as numerous activities for residents to take part in.
Thankyou so much for your lovely comments which I will happily share with all of the care home staff.
The changes to my grandma since arriving at Derwent Care Home have been outstanding. My grandma is once again living and not just existing. My grandma is involved in daily activities and weekly trips out to the local coffee morning and afternoon bingo. I cannot thank the staff enough no job is too big or too small. The home is always looking and smells lovely. There is no other place I would wish my grandma to be.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are so happy that your Grandma is enjoying her new lease of life here at Derwent care home.
It was my aunt's 100th birthday and I was told everything would be arranged by Derwent. We arrived and decorations had been put up. The table was beautifully decorated with an amazing cake with my aunt's name on it. We had a really delicious Sunday Lunch with her then went into the lounge where a carer had something special on T.V. for her. The staff went above and beyond all expectations and my aunt and all the family had the most wonderful time.
Thank you for the lovely review, we are so happy that you, your aunt and the family had a great day.
Overall very impressed with all aspects of the home. The staff are very friendly and can't do enough for me and my mam. Derwent is lovely and clean. They provide excellent care for my mother.
Thank you so much for this lovely review. I will pass this on to the staff team
Since my husband's admission (due a stroke) to Derwent in January 2024 I can honestly say that I feel I couldn't have chosen a better place for him to be cared for. I initially chose a home that was close by for visiting but soon became very aware that there are so many other factors to be considered. Derwent is an exceptionally clean and tidy home welcoming from the very beginning. The food is good and every care is taken to provide to the patient's personal preferences. This I have found in abundance from all the staff at Derwent from management down to all those you really see for example the kitchen and laundry staff. My husband and I have always been shown respect, love and care they are always helpful, friendly and compassionate and I would recommend this care home to anyone looking for a care home for a loved one.
Derwent Care Home - the name says it all. The staff care very much about their residents. They are all treated with dignity and love in very pleasant surroundings. It is reassuring for relatives and friends to know that their loved ones are in a safe place and will be well looked after. The food is good and the facilities excellent. They showed great kindness to my husband and I and my family appreciated the care given to him. Our sincere thanks to everyone.
My mam was admitted on May 24. I was not happy with the whole admission process. The day of her admission, she was greeted by staff at the main entrance, then staff directed us to the top floor by telling us to take the lift and gave us the code for the lift and go to top floor, your room is up there. not very appropriate. The four days she spent there she had 08:00 tablets given at 11:15 am and 12 pm my dad questioned why she was getting her tablets at that time, he said shortage and staff sickness?. We took her down to the ground floor where we could sit outside with her but were told by staff she couldn't have her lunch there, she had to go back to the top floor. There was no stimulation for her on the top floor. We asked staff what activities are there for those on the top floor we were told nothing really, they just wander up and down the corridor. My dad went in and saw the DM giving her morning tablets again at 11:55 pm. Not surprisingly he took my mam out of the home that day, no one challenged him.
Thanks for taking the time to leave your review Diane. We value feedback from all residents, their families and friends as it allows us to evaluate the service we provide at Derwent. We acknowledge your comments and would like the opportunity to discuss your concerns further. If you could give me a...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 23 October 2019Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Derwent Care Home.
There are no upcoming events for Derwent Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- 01 Feb 2018Recipient: Mariposa
Meet the Team (1)

We would like to introduce Julie Baron as the Home Manager at Derwent Care Home. Julie has excellent experience in the health and social care industry and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in the sector. We are delighted to have Julie leading our fantastic team at Derwent Care Home, and looking forward to seeing the impact she makes on the home.
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