
Willowdene Care Home provided exceptional care for my grandad, treating him with the utmost respectC U(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

I could not wish for a better place to both keep my mother safe and to put my mind at easeJeff V(Son of Resident/Service User)

What a lovely place, with a warm welcome, and lovely and friendly staff.P M(Resident / Service User)

Willowdene Care Home provided exceptional care for my grandad, treating him with the utmost respectC U(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

I could not wish for a better place to both keep my mother safe and to put my mind at easeJeff V(Son of Resident/Service User)

What a lovely place, with a warm welcome, and lovely and friendly staff.P M(Resident / Service User)

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...
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 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
- 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
Prices are subject to an individual care needs assessment and the type of room and services chosen. Please contact us for further information.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Willowdene Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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 £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Maria Mallaband Care Group Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Ruth Wilkinson Robson(Care Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2017
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (48)
Visiting
- A car park is located to the front of the home.
Parking
- Visitors welcome at any time.
Willowdene Care Home Reviews (110)
Willowdene Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.905) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willowdene Care Home has 110 reviews.
We recently moved my mum to Willowdene Care Home from another home, which we didn't feel she was safe. The difference in care is incredible! The staff really do seem to want to do their very best for the residents. From the moment Mum arrived, we knew we'd made the right decision. Mum seems more content and she is even walking around more as her mobility has improved. Staff seem to be well trained and knowledgeable as well as being very proactive. Willowdene Care Home has made a difference to my and my sister's life already as we feel reassured that Mum's getting the care she deserves and that's a huge relief to us. Thank you!
Impressed by the dedication of staff - needs of clients are all noted and acted upon with a very pleasant attitude.
Willowdene Care Home had a coffee morning and was a great success for residents and visitors/family. Carers were very welcoming and friendly, as were all the staff, and a very enjoyable day was had and was great to see residents enjoying the day.
Always made to feel welcome by all members of staff. The atmosphere is always positive and residents look happy and well cared for
All staff were excellent, nothing has been too much to ask. All mother's care needs were catered for. Communication with all the staff was excellent throughout her stay.
Happy with the care my wife receives.
I visit my friend in the dementia wing and I have always been very impressed by the care and friendliness of the staff, sometimes under very difficult circumstances. I cared for my elderly mother when she had dementia so I know very well how hard it can be. They always seem to be able to keep their sense of humour but also they treat the patients with dignity. I also know a few of the other residents who are very happy there.
I am extremely impressed with the care my mother has received at Willowdene Care Home. All of the staff have been exceptionally helpful, polite and friendly, often going above and beyond. My mother praises the staff continuously and has not waivered in her gratefulness for the care provided by all staff, from the nurses to the carers, cleaning staff and catering team. I wish to add that our experience of care was fabulous.
I am truly thankful to have such a caring home in beautiful surroundings which provides entertainment indoors and outdoors ie: squirrels, rabbits, birds and in summer, horses in the meadow.
I like to go out with other residents.
Mother-in-law was very happy with the whole experience and says she would happily return.
My mother is very precious to me and leaving her care in the hand of strangers was extremely worrying. However, all my concerns were needless when I saw how happy and settled mum was at Willowdene. This was down to the wonderful staff who worked tirelessly to give her the best possible care. Mum was listened to, looked after with dignity and respect and reassured when anxious. Willowdene is spotlessly clean and the meals smelt and looked delicious! The admin side of mum's stay was smooth and efficient too. Mum will be returning to Willowdene and I feel confident in her being there as I know they will meet her needs in every way possible.
Lovely staff, happy home with lots to do and kind people.
My mother (100 years old) has been at Willowdene Care Home since November 2020 and so far most of her stay has been subject to the difficult conditions imposed by Covid - staff wearing masks and restrictions on activities and visits from family and friends. Despite that, I believe she has been well cared for and am grateful that she did not get ill from Covid-19. Sadly in 2021, she was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease but, fortunately, Willowdene Care Home is able to offer specialised care and so I believe it is in her best interests to remain there where she will receive care and affection.
My friend has settled well in the home with support from the staff within the home. Everybody is very friendly and supportive. The home is very clean and well kept. The food is very nice.
Everything is OK.
Good, all needs met.
Lovely friends in the care home. I enjoy the activities, we all enjoy it.
I have a lovely room and the staff are kind and helpful.
The manager and all the staff at Willowdene are friendly and approachable at all times in what has been a difficult situation with Covid-19. I have not been able to visit my mum in the normal way because of Covid rules but the home has helped as much as possible with Skype calling and other visiting opportunities when rules have been relaxed. My mum has advanced dementia but I know she is well cared for because she is happy.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 06 February 2020Good
- 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 Willowdene Care Home.
There are no upcoming events for Willowdene Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (7)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Willowdene Care Home
- 28 Feb 2023Recipient: Willowdene Care Home
- 30 Jun 2022Recipient: Willowdene Care Home
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Willowdene Care Home.
Meet the Team (1)

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,
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.
