
the place is very clean and the little garden is kept nice for residents.A M(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

My mum has been treated with dignity and compassion. We couldn't have asked for anywhere nicer.H A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

although I have not sampled the meals provided, they smell and look both delicious and nutritious.P M(Son of Resident/Service User)

the place is very clean and the little garden is kept nice for residents.A M(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

My mum has been treated with dignity and compassion. We couldn't have asked for anywhere nicer.H A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

although I have not sampled the meals provided, they smell and look both delicious and nutritious.P M(Son of Resident/Service User)

Holly Lodge Care Home is situated in the centre of the town of Shildon, which has easy access to the A1 as well as the small market towns of Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.
Holly Lodge care home specialises in dedicated residential, dementia and respite care. The highly-skilled caring team creates a warm atmosphere with care tailored to each of the residents.
Residents are encouraged to personalise their own en-suite bedrooms...
Care Provided by Holly Lodge 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 41 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
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Accommodation only
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Mariposa
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Dawn Heppell-Marshall(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (41)
Visiting
- Visitors are always welcome at Holly Lodge. 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 front of the building. Vehicles and belongings are left at owners own risk.
Holly Lodge Care Home Reviews (90)
Holly Lodge Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.700) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Holly Lodge Care Home has 90 reviews.
Despite lockdown my nana always sounds happy.
Thank you for your kind review the team at Holly Lodge have worked extremely hard to keep the resident's spirits high during this difficult time.
Mam was only in for a short stay to help her get back on her feet and mobile after three weeks in hospital but the care she received was excellent. The staff were fantastic, really friendly and got her back to her normal self in no time. As her stay was during Covid-19, I felt like I was ringing all the time but nothing was too much trouble and once Mam’s test came back negative I could visit her in their garden.
Was only in for a short stay, staff helped her get to the point where she could manage at home. Stayed during Covid-19 so unable to visit but the staff were lovely when I phoned of dropped things off.
The management and cares have given my parents the very best of care and go beyond what is expected of them, giving them dignified treatment, due care, stimulus to eat, immediate medical attention when required, watching over them safely and securely whilst helping keep their sense of humour active.
I found out my father had died through a third party, and missed his funeral because this care home took the word of an individual who they never did a check on. I was the only blood relative alive (his son), how can this incompetence be tolerated, I have no closure and do not know whether my father has been buried or cremated, his last wishes was to be with my grandmother and grandfather in Durham. I am still awaiting a death certificate, and cannot believe the incompetence of this care home.
Thank you Thomas. Firstly, it was a pleasure to care for your father over the last few years – he was delightful, and we believe enjoyed his time with the Holly Lodge family. Since your review, we have spoken – and we hope made it clear that your father’s step-daughter was listed as next of kin....
Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Safe and clean environment. Any problems listened to and acted on.
My mother-in-law is receiving palliative care and had work to be completed to modify her bedroom at home. Organised to stay at Holly Lodge for the week. She was warmly welcomed and looked after well during her stay. A huge thanks to the whole team.
Enquired 08:30 on 27th December and everything was arranged and confirmed by 10:15.
Welcomed on arrival and made to feel very much at home.
Great service!
The staff are very caring to the resident. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The entertainment is usually good.
I have found the staff to be very supportive to residents and their family. They make themselves available to speak to if required and try to work together with families and residents to promote quality of life. The building is well maintained with clean public and residential areas, giving a homely feel.
Mam is happy at Holly Lodge and is treated well. She enjoys the live entertainment with the other residents and would enjoy more of it if possible. The kitchen staff have been fantastic, making sure Mam enjoys her meals and will make alternative meals on request. The assistant manager is excellent in dealing with any issues/concerns promptly and with a caring attitude at all times. More attention needs to be taken when ordering medication as there have been times tablets have run out of supply due to not ordering on time. This makes Mam very anxious when she is told there are none left.
Nice staff, always clean. Good atmosphere. Rubbish food.
The management and staff are always friendly and helpful when needed. I have no hesitation in recommending Holly Lodge to anyone.
Mum is happy with the standard of care at Holly Lodge and she manages to keep her independence as much as possible. Her quality of life is maintained and she has put on weight after being underweight. The care staff work around her Parkinson's symptoms and offer assistance with mobility.
Always a pleasure to visit.
Also, the current manager has been careful to monitor and retrain staff where necessary.
The home is excellently run from the carers up to the management. Everyone involved in the home is polite and friendly and nothing is a bother to them. Would recommend this care home to anyone.
My husband recently had a one week respite break at Holly Lodge. As a family, naturally we had reservations and concerns about his stay, However we were very soon put at east thanks to the lovely warm welcome and the care, understanding and consideration from the manager and every member of the wonderful team at Holly Lodge. We felt my husbands needs were met with dignity and compassion and he was safe and happy during his stay. Holly Lodge will be our first choice for any further respite breaks. Thank you all.
The Senior Carer always always shows true kindness, compassion and genuine affection in her day-to-day care and support to Mam - she even took Mam to the local shop in her wheelchair whilst on her lunch break, this shows that she really really does care and demonstrates that she always goes the extra mile. Thank you so much for all that you do, words cannot express how grateful we are to you for really caring for Mam, what will we do when you shortly start your maternity leave.
The whole team at Holly Lodge have been excellent/outstanding re the care of my 75-year-old mother. The manager and deputy manager go the extra mile and are quick to respond to residents' needs. The staff are very friendly and pleasant. The standard of care at Holly Lodge is exceptional. Residents are always treated with dignity and care. Thank you Holly Lodge for taking great care of my mam, and putting my mind at ease knowing she is happy and cared for.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 12 February 2020Good
- CaringOutstanding
- 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 Holly Lodge Care Home.
There are no upcoming events for Holly Lodge Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- 01 Feb 2018Recipient: Mariposa
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Holly Lodge Care Home.
Meet the Team (1)

We are thrilled to introduce Dawn Heppell-Marshall as the Home Manager at Holly Lodge Care Home. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Dawn is well-equipped to lead our team and elevate the quality of care we provide to our residents. We look forward to seeing the wonderful impact she will have on our home and community.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Holly Lodge Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Holly Lodge Care Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.