Aspen Grange

Coldnailhurst Avenue, Braintree CM7 5PY
Review Us
9.8 96 Reviews
  • Aspen Grange, Braintree
Welcome to Aspen Grange, a purpose-built haven designed to provide exceptional care and support across two spacious floors. The home offers a range of services including residential, nursing, and dementia care, delivered by a highly skilled team dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents.

At Aspen Grange, the team has undergone thorough dementia-specific training and is committed to providing specialised care that meets the unique needs of individuals living with dementia.

The team also understands that transitioning into residential care can be a significant adjustment, which is why they take extra care to ensure residents feel at home from the moment they arrive. Residents are encouraged to choose their preferred room and personalise it with belongings from home, creating their own personal haven within the Aspen Grange community.

Residents enjoy a diverse and exciting program of activities aimed at promoting both physical and mental well-being. From gardening and film screenings to musical entertainment, movement classes, massages, and manicures, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Aspen Grange.

The team invites you to visit Aspen Grange and see the warmth and professionalism of the team and how they're dedicated to providing compassionate care in a welcoming and homely environment.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 49 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Good to Know

Owner

  • Opal Care Homes Ltd

Person in charge

  • Sharon Thompson (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (49)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (48)

Visiting

  • Aspen Grange Care Home is thrilled to welcome visitors. Visitors encouraged to visit loved ones dedicated team members always available to greet them with a warm welcome.

Parking

  • Aspen Grange Care Home understands that convenience is key when visiting loved ones, which is why parking is hassle-free, offering on-site parking, completely free of charge.

Aspen Grange Reviews (96)

9.8

Aspen Grange has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.803) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Aspen Grange has 96 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 96
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Reviewer Connection to Aspen Grange
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Total of 96, showing 41-60
Review from Linda (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It’s never easy when a loved one has to go into care, but Aspen Grange has been very caring and professional, especially as this past year with the Covid pandemic has been very difficult. Every effort has been made to keep my brother and me in contact with our dad, by video phone calls - thank you
to one member of staff in particular. Aspen Grange has managed the lockdown extremely well, and we are very grateful to them, knowing that they were taking all the necessary safety precautions. Dad’s behaviour can be very challenging and he can get upset quite easily, but he is treated with patience and understanding. While dad has his freedom to walk when he can, security is also excellent and very re-assuring. Thank you to all management and staff.
Reply from Sharon Thompson, Home Manager at Aspen Grange

Thank you very much Linda for writing this lovely review.

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Review from Sue (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 12 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My Great Uncle was a resident for 3 years. Before going into care he lived in the community his behaviour became unsettled and he would be found wandering late at night. He eventually was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it was decided he was unsafe in the community. Aspen Grange became his home and although
he liked his own company he would sometimes join in with activities. The staff learned how to manage his moods and left him settled in his room when he wanted quiet time and encouraged him out when he was ready for company. He became more unsettled and eventually, the home recommended he move to the second floor as he could have more peace and quiet. Again on good days, he came downstairs on bad he had the quiet space he needed. The home ensured he remained safe and happy through his final years. After he passed away I went through photos from before he went into care and whilst in care. His weight had improved and he looked so relaxed and settled in the photos taken in the home.
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Review from R S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Aspen Grange have cared for my Father coming up to two years now; he has Alzheimer's and sadly his condition deteriorated to a point where I was no longer able to care for him and keep him safe. I had little knowledge of care homes but once I had viewed Aspen Grange my concerns and worries were answered
fully, I felt the staff were very friendly and Dad's room was amply big enough; we were encouraged to provide them with his personal belongings including pictures to hang up to keep some of his familiarity. Two years on and faced with Covid, Aspen Grange has clearly shown the levels the staff have gone to, to keep everyone safe and well looked after.
I am always encouraged to contact the Home at any time to see how my Father is; visits were arranged when lockdown restrictions were lifted last year in the garden and also a FaceTime call over Christmas as well was really touching. A personal thank you and well done to all the staff, you are amazing!
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Review from Jenny W (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 9 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother in law has been extremely well looked after. The staff are very caring, professional and compassionate. They keep us informed and consult us over each stage of his treatment and progress. The home itself is well maintained and during the Covid pandemic, the cleaning regime and hygiene have
been first class. He has settled in well and now is participating in the various activities. He now socialises with other residents. During the recent lockdown when we have been unable to visit every effort has been made to keep us in contact with him by video phone calls.
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Review from L K (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both me and my father have nothing but praise for all the staff at Aspen Grange. When my Mum had to go into care in July, due to dementia, we were both very unsure as to whether we were doing the right thing. However, the staff have all been very committed, professional and friendly to us and my Mum.
We have only been able to see my Mum in the garden due to Covid but we would be able to tell from her behaviour if she was not happy in the home and she seems very settled and content. We are always informed of any problems or concerns that the staff have. The care and support me and my Dad have also received from the manager, receptionist, nursing staff and everyone we have had contact with have helped us enormously through this difficult time not only with my Mum's condition but also with the restraints of Covid.
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Review from S R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Aspen Grange has given on the whole my sister and I peace of mind. Most of the staff are very friendly and accommodating, in particular, the manager who is the best and also the lady that let us face time mum when due to the Covid-19 lockdown we could not visit. The lady on reception is also very helpful
with general queries. Mum on a good day will be happy and cheerful and that makes us content.
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Review from T J (Son of Resident) published on 19 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good level of care, good communication on aspects of health and needs. No reported issues of concern.
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Review from Glenis M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have always found the carers very helpful and answer any questions I need to know.
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Review from A Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am happy with the care and support that Aspen Grange has given my mum since she arrived after spending some time in hospital. She has definitely improved as she was eating very little before. I feel the activities are especially beneficial to her. I also love that photos are posted of the residents
participating in the activities. It makes me feel happy to see my mum finally joining in at times. Thank you.
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Review from C H (Son of Resident) published on 13 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father suffered a modern worsening of his Alzheimer's. The staff informed me immediately, and they took special precautions to comply with covid19, best practice in order to allow me to visit him in his room. I am very grateful to have been able to see him.
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Review from D A (Wife of Resident) published on 10 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the care my husband gets. The staff are very caring and patient. The chairs in the lounge could be a little more comfortable, as most of the residents sit such a lot during the day. But I must say how proud I am of Aspen Grange, of how they handled the COVID-19. Well done Aspen
Grange.
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Review from G S (Niece of Resident) published on 10 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This covid-19 period has confirmed my thought on Aspen Grange. Having not seen my aunt for three months, I was so pleased to see how well she looked and the obvious progress the team had made with her. I am so grateful to all of you! Thank you.
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Review from J R (Son of Resident) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I identified Aspen Grange as the best candidate home for my father in an internet search a year before he needed the service, so I wouldn't have to choose during a crisis. Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 8 years ago and I worked hard to maintain his independent living in his own home. However, his
condition eventually advanced to the point where I felt it appropriate for him to be in a residential care. This is never an easy decision and those who have to make it have my sympathy. I visited the home in February 2020 and quickly saw that it lived up to my selection process. The staff were friendly, understanding and responsive from the outset and were able to give me a good choice of rooms and the opportunity to prepare the chosen room, by installing bookcases and filling them with some of dad's most loved books. Since moving in dad has shown a remarkable improvement in his alertness and ability to hold a conversation. He is clearly happier there, which is a great relief. The staff have done a tremendous job in protecting him from Covid 19 and the regular video calls have been amazing.
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Review from R V (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A positive, warm atmosphere with professional focus towards the resident of the carers. At first, these were (as expected) teething problems, however, we felt content and could trust that my father was in safe hands.
We had a difficult time getting the GP, social services, mental health team, carers
and nurses to be on the same page for our family. I initiated a meeting and having a key worker in this meeting has really helped all parties. This, I feel should be done everywhere. We are very pleased and would recommend to all our friends.
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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My dad has been a resident here for approx 7 months. He is well cared for and treated with dignity and respect. The home is clean, the rooms bright and the staff friendly. The security is excellent. The atmosphere is good and mostly calm which must be difficult to achieve. I feel happy that this home
is suitable for my Dad's care in his latter years.
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Review from Deirdre W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are very caring and always on hand to assist the residents. Some have very challenging behaviour and I have never heard them speak to a resident in anger. They are very patient and always divert the residents to calm them. Mum is safe and well cared for.
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Review from P T (Grandson of Resident) published on 9 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care my grandad receives.
Extremely pleased that the manager and staff support my nan and family as well as taking care of my grandad.
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Review from D W (Partner of Resident) published on 5 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My partner appears to be well and happy and has a good rapport with the staff, he has praised the food in particular. Have not met any management personnel and have not had an opinion on how my partner is doing. Not seen a care plan, assuming one exists.
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Review from P W (Wife of Resident) published on 10 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
When first entering Aspen Grange there is immediately a feeling of calm - no one appears to be rushing around. On the whole, the staff are kind and caring to the residents - only raising a voice if a resident appears to be difficult.
I always feel welcomed and comfortable when visiting my husband.
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Review from Christine R (Sister of Resident) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Pleased with the home and staff. Care is very satisfactory.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.803)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.803) out of 10 for Aspen Grange 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 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.803 for Aspen Grange is calculated as follows: ( (216 Excellents x 5) + (53 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 269 Ratings = 4.803
  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 Aspen Grange is based on 23 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 49 registered maximum number of service users is 9.8, which has been reached with 23 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: 15 Apr 2023

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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Sharon

Sharon Thompson

Job Title: Care Home Manager

I joined Aspen Grange as Manager at the end of January 2020. Having worked in the care sector for over 20 years, I have extensive experience as the registered manager of three previous care homes. These include residential and nursing settings, including supporting people living with dementia.


I have personal experience of looking after a family member with dementia, so I understand the impacts of the condition from both sides. My journey in care began as a care assistant 21 years ago, working my way to Home Manager, having achieved my Registered Manager award.


I am a firm believer in person-centred care to achieve a good quality of life for our residents. With the right care and environment, you can truly make a positive change in residents’ lives. I’m looking forward to working with my team and being part of the Aspen Grange Family.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Aspen Grange to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Aspen Grange has an Enhanced Service - more info.