Thorn Springs

Collie Place, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 6TW
Review Us
9.9 59 Reviews
  • Thorn Springs, Dunstable
Thorn Springs offers 24-hour, all-inclusive residential and dementia care in surroundings which create a great place to live.

Care Provided by Thorn Springs

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 66 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1566

Our all inclusive fee gives peace of mind and allows residents to enjoy our facilities and services without having to worry about extra costs. It includes a monthly appointment at our onsite hair salon, regular chiropody appointments, a full and varied activity program, annual eye tests, annual dental check ups and transport and accompaniment to medical appointments where necessary.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Thorn Springs 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

  • Katie Hughes (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (66)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (66)

Visiting

  • The well-being of residents is a priority, and nothing is more important than keeping them in touch with their family and friends in any way possible. Thorn Springs are pleased to welcome visitors into their home, with no limit on the number of visitors for each resident. The home pride themselves on having an open-door policy.

Parking

  • Thorn Springs has plenty of onsite parking for visitors.

9.9

Thorn Springs has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.884) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Thorn Springs has 59 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Thorn Springs
  • 28
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Total of 59, showing 1-20
Review from Angela M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been made to feel very welcome at Thorn Springs. After living in her home for 89 years where she was born, it is lovely that she feels settled and now talks of Thorn Springs as her home. The staff are excellent, nothing is too much trouble and its peace of mind as a family that she is happy
and being taken such good care of. Dinners have been a bit of an issue but have improved since residents have been involved in meetings, excellent that their views are considered so highly. A big 'thank you' to everyone at Thorn Springs.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear Angela,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We truly value all feedback, as it helps us to continually improve our services where needed. Positive comments…read more
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Review from Margaret S (Resident) published on 8 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I became a permanent resident in July 2025. It was a good decision as I lived on my own. To no longer have the responsibility of running a home and feeling safe and in a friendly atmosphere was well worth the upheaval.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear Margaret,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of our home. We're delighted to hear that you feel settled and enjoy living here with us at Thorn Springs Care…read more
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Review from R H (Friend of Resident) published on 30 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is lovely and clean, tidy, smells nice, wide open plan design inside. The residents are all happy and look loved and cared for. The staff are all very friendly and chatty. They go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
We'd like to extend our appreciation to you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We appreciate your support and will strive to continue to uphold the highest standards for…read more
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Review from Martin R (Friend of Resident) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend is living in Thorn Springs and moved in very apprehensive but that feeling soon changed. My friend comes out with me regularly and we still are as social as we would be if she were at home. She feels safe, has lots of company with other people and especially the support from the staff.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear MartinThank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of our home. We are pleased to hear you are pleased with the quality of care your friend receives at Thorn Springs care…read more
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Review from Carolyn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend Thorn Springs Care Home as the most caring, friendly home where the staff go the extra mile to provide a happy environment for all the residents. There is a wide range of activities and all the facilities are very nice and well maintained. You always receive a warm and friendly welcome
when you first arrive and that continues throughout the home.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear Carolyn,We'd like to extend our appreciation to you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. Positive reviews like this provide a real boost to our colleagues who work tirelessly…read more
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Review from Michael C (Husband of Resident) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has Alzheimers' and became a resident at Thorn Springs last December. It was a very difficult decision to place her in a care home, but I am so pleased that I chose Thorn Springs.
The environment of the home is superb, it is spacious and well equipped. The rooms and the communal areas are very
comfortable. The food is good too. There is excellent planning of regular activities, including visits outside the home.
Above all the staff are fantastic - I cannot praise them enough. They are caring and supportive, both for residents and for families. Supporting someone with Alzheimers' can be very challenging, but my wife has always been cared for respectfully and kindly. Their concern has been to understand my wife, her difficulties, and how best to care for her.
I am a regular visitor, and I have seen that over the months she has been at the home, my wife has become settled and content. This is entirely down to the support the carers have given her.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear Michael,We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise; they work tirelessly…read more
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Review from Janet B (Wife of Resident) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were shown all facilities when we arrived which were excellent. Very friendly and kind staff and felt quite happy leaving my husband in their care for two weeks.
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Wed like to extend our thanks for your kind words following your husbands short care break with us at Thorn Springs care home.Positive feedback & kind words such as this are always so gratefully…read more
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Review from Kevin B (Son of Resident) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum stayed at Thorn Springs for 2 weeks in March/April . The staff were fantastic with her and all the other residents. Plenty of activities for her to do .


When she needs the help again I won't hesitate to bring her back here .

Reply from HC-One Limited, Administrator at Thorn Springs
We'd like to extend our thanks for your kind words following your mum's short care break with us at Thorn Springs care home.Positive feedback such as this is always so gratefully appreciated and will…read more
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Review from T L (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since our Dad has moved in December he has enjoyed every minute being here the staff are excellent the go above and beyond, it feels home from home. The staff care 100%. Thorn Springs Care Home is definitely the top of the care homes as they are so friendly, they care about the residents 100% and they
take pride in their jobs. Love you guys on your excellent work Tina
Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Thorn Springs
Dear Tina, We'd like to extend our appreciation to you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. Positive reviews like this provide a real boost to our colleagues who work tirelessly to…read more
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Review from Elizabeth E (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We placed Dad in here for 3 weeks respite care whilst we went on holiday.
Overall impression was that it was extremely clean, staff very professional and friendly, they took time with Dad to make him feel comfortable and to make sure he had the best possible experience!
We will definitely use Thorn
Springs again and would not hesitate to recommend them to others
Reply from HC-One Limited, Administrator at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise; they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from Z M (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Dad has been at Thorn Springs since a decline in health and mobility following a stroke in December, and has absolutely flourished since moving here. He raves about the food and the entertainment, but most importantly he feels safe and happy and doesn't feel lonely living alone any more. I cannot
put into words how caring and thoughtful every single member of staff is. They really take the time to listen to any and all concerns and think outside the box when it comes to tricky solutions. The level of care is second to none. They really treat Dad as if he's part of a great big family here and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Reply from HC-One Limited, Administrator at Thorn Springs
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review of our home. We are pleased to hear you are happy with the quality of care your dad receives at Thorn Springs care home and we…read more
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Review from P C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at this care home for 2 years now. On all my visits - regularly daily mostly - there is always a smile awaiting as you enter the home. The care is exceptional and the facilities are second to none. I have recommended this to friends and acquaintances and have helped a couple
who decided to opt for Thorn Springs, given my experience at the home, who decided on the home for their loved ones.
Reply from HC-One Limited, Administrator at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise; they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from Simon G (Son of Resident) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home continue to provide top quality care for my father. Throughout his stay he has had superb support from the staff who really seem to want to go above and beyond to make their residents and the families visiting feel it's their home. The focus on care and quick resolution of any issues is first
class. They also seem to be able to give everyone some attention no matter how awkward some characters of this age / mental capacity can be! I for one have been so impressed and so grateful that we chose this lovely home for my father's final hurrah! My heartfelt thanks for all the support over a difficult period of emotional roller coasters for all involved.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from Linda B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 20 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot find one bad word to say about this care home from every single member of staff they are wonderful. The activities include, visiting garden centres, coffee shops, general shopping at the local shops. The activity staff bring a range of singers, choirs and bands. Evening activities have included
Mecca hosting bingo for the residents and their families. Many creative activities daily.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise, they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thorn Springs Care home is amazing. My mum has been living there now for almost a year and loves it. The staff are so kind and very thoughtful and always on hand to help the residence. Mum loves the entertainment and having people around her to interact with. We love visiting her and her friends and
are made to feel like part of a big family.
I strongly believe that Thorn Springs has changed my mums life for the better.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise, they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was concerned when my very private, fiercely independent mother decided she needed to move into an assisted living home. Luckily she chose Thorn Springs where she was allowed the freedom to be herself and where she feels supported and at home, all due to the amazing, kind and professional staff. Thank
you Team Thorn Springs, you have a lovely home.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
Thank you for sharing such positive feedback about our home. At Thorn Springs, kindness is at the heart of everything we do and are so pleased to hear your loved one is happy and settled here. Kind…read more
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Review from Isabel L (Niece of Resident) published on 31 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thorn Springs is a lovely home. My auntie is living there and she is so comfortable there as she is well looked after. The staff are brilliant and the home is nice and clean. It's so nice to see the people that live there are content.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
We'd like to extend our appreciation to you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. Positive ratings and comments like this provide a real boost to our colleagues who work tirelessly…read more
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Review from S L (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into Thorn Springs in September after being given a diagnosis of Altziemers and I am so pleased we found this home for her. The staff and carers really go above and beyond and nothing is too much for them. The home is very modern, clean, and has so many activities laid on for the residents
and the food provided is plentiful and tasty. There is always plenty to occupy my mum within the home if needed and if she just wants to chill in her room that's ok too. I highly recommend Thorn Springs and can see a noticeable change in my mum's mood and well-being since she has moved into Thorn Springs.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
We'd like to take a moment to thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of our home. It means so much to our colleagues when they receive this level of praise; they work tirelessly throughout the…read more
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Review from Gillian B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I live abroad so I cannot visit very often and it is important that I can be confident of the care given to my mother at Thorn Springs. They have not let us down.
Whenever I visit I am impressed by the happy atmosphere and the friendliness and efficiency of the staff. The day rooms are attractive and
there is always something planned to stimulate the residents. It is a shame that there is not more outdoor space but they often venture out to the local café and beyond.
The rooms are clean, attractive and well-equipped but a little small.
Mother can be difficult sometimes, but the staff take it in their stride with great patience. There is good medical follow-up with a GP visiting regularly and they can arrange for eye and hearing tests.
The staff communicate well with relatives and are always ready to listen and answer questions.
The food is good and plentiful, with a choice of dishes. Hot drinks and cake are always available for all, not to mention the delicious milkshakes.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
Thank you for sharing such positive feedback about our home. At Thorn Springs, kindness is at the heart of everything we do and are so pleased to hear your Mum is happy and settled here. Kind words…read more
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Review from D G (Son of Resident) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It's a lovely place. The staff are all nice and polite. They have taken good care of my mum.
Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Thorn Springs
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review of our home. We are pleased to hear you are happy with the quality of care your mum receives at Thorn Springs care home. Kind…read more
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  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
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  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.884)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.884) out of 10 for Thorn Springs 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 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.884 for Thorn Springs is calculated as follows: ( (333 Excellents x 5) + (34 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 371 Ratings = 4.884
  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 Thorn Springs is based on 31 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 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 31 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

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)

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Meet the Team (5)

Katie

Katie Hughes

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2022

Katie is the Home Manager at Thorn Springs Care Home

Melanie

Melanie Metherell

Job Title: Front Of House Manager Joined: 2022

Melanie is the Front of House Manager at Thorn Springs

Tracy

Tracy Davidson

Job Title: Care Manager Joined: 2022

Tracy is the Care Manager.

Natalie

Natalie Jackson

Job Title: Activities Coordinator Joined: 2023

Natalie is an Activities Coordinator at Thorn Springs.

Elaine

Elaine Dockerill

Job Title: Activities Coordinator Joined: 2022

Elaine is an Activities Coordinator at Thorn Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thorn Springs

What types of Care is Thorn Springs registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Thorn Springs have?

There are 66 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Thorn Springs?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Thorn Springs to the centre of Dunstable?

1.3 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 Thorn Springs to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Thorn Springs has an Enhanced Service - more info.