Willowdene Care Home

Lizard Lane, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees TS21 3ET
Review Us
9.9 105 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.

Care Provided by Willowdene Care Home

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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1300
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1400
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1554
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1619

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.

Contact Willowdene 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 £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Contact Willowdene Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Ruth Wilkinson Robson (Care Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • 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.

9.9

Willowdene Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.930) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willowdene Care Home has 105 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 94
  • 11
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 105
  • 9
  • 15
  • 34
  • 71
Reviewer Connection to Willowdene Care Home
  • 33
  • 21
  • 13
  • 9
  • 6
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 105, showing 1-20
Review from Helen G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 26 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic! Can not fault the place or staff, they are so friendly, caring and go over and beyond. The activities are stimulating and brilliant, enjoyed by everyone. It is a comfort to know my grandma is cared for so well by such wonderful staff. She is extremely happy here and loves it. Thank
you to all and very merry Christmas.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear how happy your grandma is and that our team and activities make such a positive difference. Your kind words mean a lot to everyone here.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sally R (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister and I transferred my mum from a care home in Durham to Willowdene in 2023. We have been so happy with the care that mum has received since then. We feel secure that she is having the best care possible for her. We appreciate the communication from the home whenever there has been any incidents,
or if she hasn't been feeling well. She is always clean and nicely presented when we visit. No one wants to put loved ones into care but we know that she better off there.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're really pleased to hear your mum has settled well at Willowdene and that you feel confident in the care she receives. Your trust means a lot to the whole team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Stan T (Son of Resident) published on 22 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mam has been in now for a few years, and all I can say is this place is wonderful its so reassuring that she's looked after perfectly.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for taking the time to write this review. We really appreciate your kind words and will make sure your feedback is passed on to the team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from R A (Niece of Resident) published on 12 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff and management always ensure that all residents and family are welcomed and important. Christmas coffee morning was enjoyable with fab cakes. Other events are always a pleasure to attend too.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for leaving such a kind review, it is a pleasure to hear that you enjoy our events, we look forward to more in 2026.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from G S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One big happy family, my mam is so happy here x
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for leaving such a kind review, it is great to hear that your loved one is settled and happy.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A N (Friend of Resident) published on 6 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have come for the xmas fayre, everyone was very welcoming and friendly, its a lovely place.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for leaving such a lovely review, we are grateful for the support from friends and family who attended our Christmas Fayre, and we are happy to hear you had a great time!
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in respite 3 times in Willowdene and has now decided to live here permanently. she has gone from a little frail old lady to a much happier person and now feels very safe and cared for in here.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from T L (Son of Resident) published on 15 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was on the dementia unit at the home for 8 weeks. There was never any staff shortages and always plenty of staff to help feed anyone that needed support. I have moved my mother to Willowdene from another home and it was the best thing I have every done. This home is excellent in my opinion.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for your lovely review, we will share this with our team as all will appreciate your kind comments.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law moved to the care home in July 2025. She has received exemplary care from all the staff. Both she and her family have been well looked after. The kindness and empathy shown by the staff will stay with us forever. My mother-in-law died recently; her end-of-life care was second to none.
We couldn't wish for a better death, dying peacefully. As a family we will treasure the memories made prior to her death. Words cannot thank you enough for all the care, love, dignity shown to her end and her family. Thank you.
Reply from Ruth Wilkinson Robson, Home Manager at Willowdene Care HomeThank you for your kind words, it was a pleasure caring for your mother-in-law and her family at Willowdene. We will pass your lovely comments on to our team as they are much appreciated.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeWe 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThanks 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank you for your kind review, we will certainly share this with our team as they will appreciate your kind words.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeDear 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank you for your kind review, we will be sure to share this with our wider team as your words are much appreciated.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 HomeThank you for the lovely review, we will share this with our team as I am sure they will appreciate your kind words.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.930)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.930) 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 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.930 for Willowdene Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (374 Excellents x 5) + (26 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 401 Ratings = 4.93
  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 34 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 34 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.

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (6)

Loading...

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.