Willowdene Care Home

Lizard Lane, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees TS21 3ET
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9.9 99 Reviews
  • Willowdene Care Home, Stockton-on-Tees
Welcome to Willowdene.

Located between Sedgefield and Fishburn in County Durham on Lizard Lane, just off Salter’s Lane, Willowdene Care Home is nestled in charming rural countryside.

The home is a two-storey, purpose-built building which specialises in general nursing, residential and EMI residential care. The Maples houses EMI residential residents and has a secure garden at the front of the home for residents to enjoy. Sycamore houses residential clients who have access to garden’s in the back of the home and the Elms is the nursing unit located on the second floor.

The home has a dining room and lounge in each unit along with a cosy coffee shop supplying complimentary refreshments for residents and guests and a conservatory. All bedrooms are provided fully furnished with communal shower rooms and bath amenities.

They have a full-time activities coordinator who provides a stimulating programme of creative and fun activities, entertainment, events and outings for residents to choose from, which also includes one-to-one sessions, weekly choir and chair exercises to name but a few.

They have a 4-star award in Food Hygiene awarded in February 2020 and believe food is a huge aspect of care and residents enjoy a cooked breakfast, choice of lunch and dinner meals, supper and hospitality trolley with drinks and cakes throughout the day.

The home has a small car park located at the front of the building for visitors and the nearest bus station is in Sedgefield Town.

The home's manager was awarded a prestigious 'dementia champion award' in 2017 for her work in promoting best practice and developing innovative services for people living with dementia at the home. This included introducing regular 'dementia friends' talks, increasing staff training on dementia awareness, and adding and adapting features to make the home environment more dementia-friendly.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • 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 48 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1239
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1265
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1496
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1336

Prices are subject to an individual care needs assessment and the type of room and services chosen. Please contact us for further information.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Willowdene Care 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

  • Ruth Wilkinson Robson (Care Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • A car park is located to the front of the home.

Parking

  • Visitors welcome at any time.

Willowdene Care Home Reviews (99)

9.9

Willowdene Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willowdene Care Home has 99 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 88
  • 11
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Date Published
  • 99
  • 8
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  • 29
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Reviewer Connection to Willowdene Care Home
  • 30
  • 21
  • 13
  • 8
  • 6
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 99, showing 1-20
Review from Patricia L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mother-in-law moved to this care home from another care home approximately 2 weeks ago. The care she has received is excellent. She has settled well. All care staff have shown good caring skills. They have demonstrated empathy and kindness. Mother-in-law and family all made welcome. There are plenty
of good-quality activities for stimulation. As a family, we were concerned about the negative effects of the move to my mother-in-law's. None have occurred, this being due to the quality of care and staff at the home.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for leaving us such a kind review, it is great to hear your experience so far, we will pass your positive comments on to the rest of the team as this is much appreciated.

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Review from Trevor L (Son of Resident) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been here for 2 weeks. The staff are very good and patient with her as she has dementia. Everyone is friendly to her and our family.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for leaving us such a kind review, we will pass this on to our team as they will appreciate your feedback.

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Review from Malcolm A (Son of Resident) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was in the home for only 2 weeks for palliative care before she passed away. All the staff we met and dealt with were so supportive and caring, not only to my mother but also to my wife and son and I. One member of staff in particular was very supportive, for which we were very grateful. Super
care home, and where my mother wanted to be.
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Review from F A (Mother-in-law of Resident) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law had requested staying in Willowdene as she had heard good reviews. She was not disappointed. She was well looked after until her death. My husband and I found all the staff welcoming and informative. Willowdene offers very comfortable surroundings for residents and visitors alike. Thank
you for the care you gave her in her last days.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you so much for leaving a kind review. It was a pleasure to look after your mother-in-law, and we are glad to hear you were pleased with our level of care. I will pass your lovely words on to the rest of our team as it is much appreciated.

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Review from Lottie H (Ex Family Member) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very caring staff. If any issues are raised, then they are dealt with immediately. They are really good with residents who are very disabled. You just have to ask, and it's done as and when they can. No problem getting parked. Thank you Willowdene
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. As always, we are here to answer any questions and will resolve any confusion immediately, my door is always open if you need anything.

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Review from Graeme T (Son of Resident) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are really helpful, cannot do enough for my Mam. Wonderful place. Thank you.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for leaving us a 5-star review, we are very grateful and will be sure to pass this onto the team as they will appreciate your kind words.

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Review from P P (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prior to admission, contact was made by manager, which was reassuring. Mum settled in well and all her needs were met whilst at the home. I had some concerns about the delay in commencing a drug treatment managed by the GP surgery connected to the home, but the nursing home staff were on the case to
get it rectified so the treatment could start.
However, I feel she was discharged too early (encouraged by the hospital social worker to have 2 weeks of carers left of her care package) - but was readmitted to hospital 2 weeks later! (Needed a tavi within a tavi.)
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. It's great that your mum settled in well and her needs were met. While the delay in treatment was concerning, it's reassuring that staff acted quickly. We appreciate your comments on the discharge process and areas for improvement.

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Review from C U (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willowdene Care Home provided exceptional care for my grandad, treating him with the utmost respect, dignity and compassion. The staff were kind, attentive and always went above and beyond to ensure his comfort. Knowing he was in such great hands gave us great peace of mind. He came home in such high
spirits and back to the fun, caring, witty grandad he was before he was poorly. I highly recommend this home to everyone.
Reply from Amy Herinckx, Commercial Business Partner at Willowdene Care Home

We appreciate you taking the time to share your positive comments regarding Willowdene Care Home and our team. We are glad your experience reflects the high standards of quality care we hold ourselves to here at Maria Mallaband Care Group.

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Review from Jeff V (Son of Resident) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very nice clean and very caring place for my mother to stay, staff are very professional and attentive to my mother's needs. I could not wish for a better place to both keep my mother safe and to put my mind at ease. If I had to score it would be 10/10. Thank you Willowdene.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review, I will pass this on to the team as they will appreciate your kind words.

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Review from P M (Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a lovely place, with a warm welcome, and lovely and friendly staff.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, we will certainly share this with our team as they will appreciate your kind words.

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Review from Carole E (Respite Resident) published on 17 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was admitted by ambulance on the 17th of October for respite care for 6 weeks after breaking my wrist and a sprained ankle. A warm, welcoming greeting from management and staff alike was so reassuring. My nicely decorated room and furniture and ensuite were clean, tidy, and spacious enough to accommodate
my various mobility aids. Each staff member, without exception, gave me their full caring attention with a smile and comforting words, from management, administrators, carers, kitchen, household, and cleaners. Activities (varied) to socialise and exercise with other residents were so reassuring. A safe friendly haven.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Dear Carole, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you had a great respite stay with us and felt well cared for and safe. It would be great to see you again, feel free to visit us any time.

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Review from Eric E (Husband of Resident) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife suffered broek bones as a result of a fall. We were unable to manage at home so general practitioner arranged for her to recover from her injuries in care at Willowdene. She received every possible care and attention from all staff to facilitate the most speedy return to a level of mobility
which enabled her to return home.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, we will be sure to share this with our wider team as your words are much appreciated.

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Review from Tracey M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
From my first interaction with Willowdene via an initial call the staff were friendly, informative and understanding. For my father and me as his daughter, the hard decision for Dad to move into Willowdene was made easier by the staff's understanding of the situation and showing caring and friendly
hospitality from the beginning. Nothing was too much trouble and where they could help with requests, staff did so. The emphasis was very much based around Willowdene being a home and residents were made to feel welcome and at home. For my father at this time he found giving up his independence was very difficult and here again the staff went to great lengths to help him retain as much of his independence for as long as possible in his last few weeks. For us as a family, this was a very emotional time and situation, staff helped where they could and showed great support and empathy not only to the residents but to the family as well.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, we are glad to hear that you and your Father felt supported and well cared for, will be sure to share this with our team as it is much appreciated.

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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad was admitted to Willowdene in May and has spent the last few months there. We could not fault the care, attention and professional that everyone who worked there displayed. They went the extra mile to care, not only for Dad but for me and my sister too and no query was too big. What I really appreciated
was that whenever I rang for updates, they always had time to answer my endless questions. Thank you.
Reply from Ruth, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for the lovely review, we will share this with our team as I am sure they will appreciate your kind words.

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Review from R H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since Dad was admitted to Willowdene Care Home we have been impressed with his care. The staff are pleasant, friendly and most importantly professional and dedicated to their residents. They also made sure my sister and myself were coping, looked after and supported during the final days of our dad's
long life.
Reply from Ruth, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind review, we will share this with our team as they will certainly appreciate your feedback.

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Review from John J (Husband of Resident) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a person whose wife is a resident at the home, I see first hand how professional and organised the entire staff are, even though my wife has dementia she really enjoys being involved in the games and activities, none more so than when there is a live singer on which give me peace of mind, knowing
she is enjoying herself. I highly recommend Willowdene to anyone who is thinking of using the home for their loved ones. Willowdene gets 10 out of 10 from me.
Reply from Ruth, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you so much for leaving a glowing review about our home, we will pass this on to them directly.

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Review from Elaine G (Niece of Resident) published on 16 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willowdene has cared for my elderly auntie. The activities coordinator works tirelessly for the welfare of the clients.
Reply from Carys Miller, Digital Marketing Apprentice at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and share your experience at Willowdene. We are so pleased that you and your loved one had a great experience.

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Review from C H (Resident) published on 10 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A good place to live. Happy and caring staff.
Reply from Ruth, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and share the experience that you have had here.

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Review from G M (Resident) published on 10 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have lived in Willowdene for almost three years and thank almighty god for this blessing. My ratings for excellence says all!
The staff on all levels have become almost like family, definitely friends!
Reply from Ruth, Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home

Thank you so much for leaving a glowing review, we will pass this on directly.

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Review from S C (Resident) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been living in this care home for over 2 years. I enjoy living here, there is always something going on, we have fun singing and dancing.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.891)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10 for Willowdene Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.891 for Willowdene Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (307 Excellents x 5) + (31 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 341 Ratings = 4.891
  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 Willowdene Care Home is based on 29 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 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, which has been reached with 29 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: 6 Feb 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 (6)

Meet the Team (1)

Ruth

Ruth Wilkinson Robson

Job Title: Home Manager

Hi, my name is Ruth and I am the Care Home Manager at Willowdene Care Home. I am pleased to manage this beautiful home. I qualified as a nurse in 1995 (RNLD) and worked for 17 years in the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities sector. I have 20 years of experience in management, 12 of those in Older Peoples Services. I take an open and transparent approach towards the care home,

Frequently Asked Questions about Willowdene Care Home

What types of Care is Willowdene Care Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Willowdene Care Home have?

There are 48 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Willowdene Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Willowdene Care Home to the centre of Stockton-on-Tees?

9.2 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 Willowdene Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willowdene Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.