Wickmeads

Wickmeads Road, Tuckton, Bournemouth BH6 4LG
Review Us
9.8 68 Reviews
  • Wickmeads, Bournemouth
Wickmeads is a charming, purpose-built residential and dementia care home, located close to the picturesque River Stour in Tuckton, Southbourne.

The home offers a pleasant and peaceful setting, a warm welcome and a home-from-home atmosphere. Residents can feel at home and enjoy their surroundings with relatives and friends, whilst safe in the knowledge that they are being cared for.

Wickmeads has well-appointed bedrooms, all with their own ensuite facilities. There are plenty of communal areas, including light and spacious lounges, dining rooms, activity areas, quiet lounges, a hairdressing salon and a café, where residents can socialise or relax as they wish.

Care services at Wickmeads are tailored for the individual, where an experienced, well-trained team has a deep understanding and empathy for residents. Professional services available include GPs, specialist nurse advisors, dentists, opticians, chiropodists and occupational therapists.

Residents can enjoy a wide variety of organised entertainment which includes coffee mornings, minibus trips and a full range of activity sessions.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1625
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1725
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1750

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Wickmeads 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)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Tracey Walker (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (50)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (50)

Wickmeads Reviews (68)

9.8

Wickmeads has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.779) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Wickmeads has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Wickmeads
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Total of 68, showing 1-20
Review from Sue B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The first thing to say is Wickmeads staff are very special. I have worked in healthcare for many years as a manager. Wickmeads impressed me and the family with it's excellent management and staff training.
All the staff delivered outstanding care. The food was excellent as good as a 5 star hotel.
The rooms and entertainment offered was also excellent.
There were well planned breakout areas and the lovely garden. Wickmeads gave our mum, nan an amazing period of respite care to enable her to return home.
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Review from Alison R (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother arrived as a tired, confused and and unwell lady - but due to the care and attention etc the wonderful team at Wickmeads she is now very happy, eating well and is proud to call it her home; and it looking forward to meeting her new neighbours and joining in with activities. She loves the food
- saying is just like a 5 * hotel! So thank you all, I am delighted she is at Wickmeads, safe, comfortable and respected.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Wickmeads

Thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased to hear how well your mother has settled in and that she feels happy, safe, and at home at Wickmeads. Your kind words mean a lot to our team - it's a joy to care for her.

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Review from V G (Resident) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had heart surgery at Southampton and went to Wickmead for 2 weeks before returning home. I was very impressed by the standard of care and cleanliness, and the genuine warmth of the staff. Family and friends came to visit me and were welcomed by the staff and offered cups of tea. When I returned home,
I sent a card saying that I would never forget their smiles, their laughter, their warmth, their concern!
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We're delighted to hear you felt so well cared for at Wickmeads and that your family felt welcomed too. Your kind words mean a great deal to the whole team!

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Review from C F (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As well as the excellent ongoing care that I see my mother receiving, I am so impressed by the range of outings, entertainment and activities available. My particular thanks to the ever-cheerful carer who regularly goes over and above.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Wickmeads

We're so pleased to hear how much you value the care your mother receives and that our activities and outings bring her joy. We'll make sure to pass on your lovely comments to the team member you mentioned - they will be truly touched.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Superb home, my mum is extremely well looked after, I consider the staff as my friends. Nothing is too much trouble, all dietary needs are catered for. Her room is always clean and tidy and most importantly, I know she is very happy and content, and I thoroughly enjoy visiting her at Wcikmeads and I
strongly recommend the home. Lots of activities.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear how happy and well-cared-for your mum is, and it means a lot that you feel at home with us too. Your recommendation truly means the world to our team.

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Review from S R (Wife of Resident) published on 9 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been at Wickmeads since the summer and is now very secure there. I can not praise the home enough. All the staff are amazing and very caring. The home is light & airy and has recently had a refurbishment of the lounge. Following the budget I was fearing the worse regarding the annual
fee increase, but this has been kept to a minimum
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so pleased to hear your husband feels secure and well cared for at Wickmeads. We truly appreciate your support and are glad the recent updates and changes have been positive for you both.

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Review from R B (Resident) published on 15 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have lived here a year on the 5th of January, it took me a long time to get used to living here, but I am a lot better now. I can go out shopping, and take the bus to the Christ Church. I spend a lot of my time reading, I also have my meals in my room which I go and get. I like helping the staff with
the washing up if needed. I do make myself a cup of tea if I'm up early. I shower, wash my hair if needed, and put my damp towels in the trolly.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your review, we are really pleased that the home are supporting you with your independence. We will share your lovely feedback with the home.

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Review from Eileen S (Friend of Resident) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dear friend moved to Wickmeads recently. The first impression was of a lovely, welcoming, beautifully maintained building. She was made welcome, as were all her family and friends. The kindness and support of the staff made it clear that a difficult decision was the right one. My grateful thanks
to all at Wickmeads.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your 5* review. We are so pleased to read how your friend, her friends and family feel about Wickmeads. We will share this lovely review with the team.

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Review from B W (Respite Resident) published on 29 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I was present at Wickmeads Rest Home for two weeks respite. Those two weeks were good, apart from the food. We would have one or two days when food was good, then the next day or two would be very poor. Dont think they were interested in doing a good job (heard they were leaving). Hope replacement is
better.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased you enjoyed your time with us overall. Regarding the food, we strive for consistency, and your comments will be taken into consideration as part of our ongoing efforts to improve.

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Review from Tom J (Son of Resident) published on 3 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the way our mum was cared for during the 5 months she was in Wickmeads. From management to carers, all were truly exceptional, empathetic and dedicated to caring, often under difficult circumstances. The home is in a beautiful
setting, between river and sea, with stunning gardens expertly maintained. The interior facilities are purpose-built to a high standard throughout and are spacious. Residents rooms are well-equipped, comfy, light and airy. Activities are really engaging and regular. Visiting often, we felt part of the Wickmeads 'family' which helped relieve our anxiety about Mum being there. In summary, I think we found the perfect care home for our mum.
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Review from Joseph H (Husband of Resident) published on 2 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife had been to Wickmeads before and said that's the one. She spent 14 days there and was well looked after in "every way". The staff are all well trained and compassionate, well run, and when I asked staff for anything, it was done at once. Food and cleanliness first class. When my wife goes into
Wickmeads full-time, I know that she will be safe and happy.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your review, the team will be especially pleased to see 5 stars. I am delighted that your wife enjoys staying with us at Wickmeads and look forward to welcoming her back in the future.

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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our family's expectations have been exceeded in the first month of our mother's stay at Wickmeads. Someone from the family has visited most days at various times and the entire place is always spotless. We've observed spectacular levels of care and professionalism whatever the task with staff clearly
mindful of individual needs. Daily activities are incredibly varied with residents encouraged to suggest new ideas and flag favourites. The dining room is a pleasant environment with resident feedback actively sought and factored into menu planning where feasible. It's early days, but our mother appears to be thriving in this environment with more social activity and laughter than she's experienced for a very long time. In summary, so far, so good. A brief visitors' handout for newbies might be worth considering to highlight a few basics such as how to exit the building when reception is closed, using the tea and coffee machines etc..
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so pleased that your mother is enjoying her stay with us at Alexandra House, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your suggestions I will discuss with the team about possibly adding this to the welcome packs. All the best.

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Review from T H (Son of Resident) published on 22 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been here nearly a year and her sister was here for nearly five years. We have full confidence in Wickmeads staff and know she is being cared for 24/7, any health issues are noticed and relevant support is involved. She loves the food and enjoys the entertainment, especially the shows, pantomime,
singers and musicians. Thank you.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your wonderful review, rating the overall experience at Wickmeads 5* means so much to all. We're grateful for you taking the time to leave a review. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from G M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home was one of calmness and quiet. The staff were extremely helpful and caring. Activities varied to take part in.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your review, feedback means so much to the team, I will be sure to pass your feedback on to the team. Wishing you all the very best.

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Review from Jennifer H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
There are no words to adequately express my and my family's gratitude for the care and kindness received from the Manager, her Deputy, and all the wonderful team at Wickmeads have given both my parents. Both came here in their nineties, with very different needs - my mother with advanced dementia and
my father with ongoing health issues. The consistently excellent care shown by all the care staff has been deeply appreciated, and their support of us as a family, too - we are always made to feel welcome, and nothing has been too much trouble. They have gone above and beyond in terms of their kindness and understanding. The staff move between floors, so have an understanding of all residents' needs. The staff member in charge of activities, is so caring, writing weekly emails about the excellent activities. The setting is lovely, and homely, with beautifully kept gardens, flowers and places to sit. We are so grateful for all they have done for us all - because that is how it feels.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your kind words. The team at Wickmeads will be absolutely delighted to read your review. As always, we wish you all the very best.

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Review from H F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my father receives at Wickmeads is outstanding. The care home itself is spotlessly clean with a warm and welcoming feel. Dad has been treated with dignity, kindness and respect throughout his residency (more than two years) but, in recent weeks, he has weakened significantly and his level of
care has increased greatly, not only medically but with the core, permanent staff showing real compassion towards him and my mother who visits him on a near daily basis. It's been very difficult seeing my father decline but the one thing I've never had to worry about has been his time at Wickmeads - I feel he's safe, warm and being looked after in every way possible.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your lovely comments, I'm sorry to read that your dad's health has declined recently, and I wish him and you all the best.

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Review from K K (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Myself and my brother only wanted the best for our mum. She has worked hard all her life. I also have worked in the caring profession. Mum has been looked after with such care and love. The staff and management have always gone above and beyond to help us and mum. The food is excellent, the home is
always warm and clean, mum's clothes are looked after. I would say this is the best home - 5 stars.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5 star review. I am so pleased that your mother is enjoying life with us at Wickmeads, I will be sure to pass your lovely comments onto the team. Thanks again.

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Review from L S (Wife of Resident) published on 4 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident of Wickmeads Southbourne, Bournemouth since June 2021. He has complex medical needs and is in the very early stages of vascular dementia. His care has been administered with kindness, understanding and with emphasis on dignity. Activities are carefully planned and trips
out arranged when possible and the residents are encouraged to participate in a gentle manner. Wickmeads is a light airy and well-decorated home with a very pleasant garden accessible by the lift. A warm welcome always.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your wonderful review, the team will be thrilled. I am so pleased that your husband is enjoying staying with us at Wickmeads, and I wish you both all the best.

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Review from J K (Friend of Resident) published on 9 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having worked in care homes myself in the past, I have been extremely impressed by the quality of care provided at Wickmeads. The staff are all really lovely to the residents and the visitors. They treat residents as individuals and always find time for a fun comment or cheery enquiry about how they
are. They share news about themselves too so residents feel they know them like friends. We have asked to bring food to our friend for a 'take away' in the lobby and staff are always keen to support us in making it feel like a home from home. All areas are spotlessly clean and it always smells fresh. Food is excellent and we have attended both Christmas and coronation events which are lots of fun with great decorations.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you so much for your lovely 5* review, it means so much to the staff, wishing you all the best.

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Review from Caron R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Wickmeads are to be commended for making the King's coronation weekend one to remember. It was such an important event for (most of) the residents and all staff worked hard and were enthusiastic.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Wickmeads

Thank you for your review, I am delighted that you enjoyed the celebrations, all the best.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.779)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.779) out of 10 for Wickmeads is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.779 for Wickmeads is calculated as follows: ( (174 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 213 Ratings = 4.779
  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 Wickmeads is based on 17 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 17 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: 13 Feb 2025

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)

Tracey

Tracey Walker

Job Title: Home Manager

I’ve worked in the care sector for 30 years in total and not a day goes by that I do not love my job and the people I look after. Seeing a smile and achieving the best outcome for them is what makes my job so rewarding. I’m also very proud of the staff at Wickmeads, who are dedicated, caring and always go the extra mile.


The views and opinions of residents are very important to me, and I like to involve them in decisions governing what is essentially their home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wickmeads

What types of Care is Wickmeads registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Wickmeads have?

There are 50 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Wickmeads?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Wickmeads to the centre of Bournemouth?

4.0 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 Wickmeads to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Wickmeads has an Enhanced Service - more info.