Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Buckingham Close, Norwich Road, Thetford IP25 6WL
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9.7 77 Reviews
  • Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home, Thetford
Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home is a purpose built care home providing a friendly and supportive environment for older people requiring general or dementia nursing care. The home is situated in the bustling market town of Watton, a few miles south of Norwich and is easily accessible from the A11, A47 and is on the main bus route from Norwich.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of older people requiring general and dementia nursing care, Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home provides a modern and supportive environment with 70 single en-suite bedrooms with shower facilities arranged over two floors.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • 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 73 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1480
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1480
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1480
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1480
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1500

* Subject to successful assessment

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home 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)

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.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Jonathan Ellis (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2021
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (73)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (71)

Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home Reviews (77)

9.7

Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.697) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home has 77 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 51
  • 20
  • 3
  • 2
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Date Published
  • 77
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  • 27
  • 50
Reviewer Connection to Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home
  • 26
  • 13
  • 7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 77, showing 21-40
Review from Joanne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our overall impression of Buckingham Lodge is pretty good. The visually smart interior, excellent food, very welcoming staff and more importantly the feedback we get from our mother is always very positive. Slight concerns however on personal care. More assistance required in the toilet area we feel.
My dad is incontinent so more prompting and pad changes during the day would be good. My mother suffers with oedema so leg elevation and gentle exercise would be beneficial. I appreciate you are often short-staffed but these are areas of possible improvement we feel.
Reply from Binu Augustine, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you for your valuable feedback. I would like to assure you that with the implementation of our new management structure, we have made substantial enhancements to our staffing levels. Your suggestions regarding areas for improvement have been promptly addressed. If you ever wish to discuss these changes or any other concerns further, please feel free to come and talk to us.

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Review from T B (Friend of Resident) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend was a resident at Buckingham Lodge for four years. She didn't have any visitors but always said that the staff were excellent. She was always treated with kindness, dignity and respect by all staff who always went the extra mile, especially when she needed shopping done for herself. She was
very happy at Buckingham Lodge, she had no family apart from me.
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Review from Paul C (Son of Resident) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was well looked after while he was at Buckingham Lodge, and I would recommend this care home to others.
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Review from A C (Grandson of Resident) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandad was at Buckingham Lodge before he passed away! He was very happy there and was treated so very kindly by everyone at Buckingham Lodge. I would definitely recommend Buckingham Lodge to anyone, and I already know they would be very happy there.
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Review from Deborah G (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A house becomes a home when it is filled with kindness, love and respect, which are all the attributes that the carers at Buckingham Lodge possess whilst providing the best care for their residents. My mum is happy and feels at home - the carers are her extended family. I am forever grateful for the
professional care and attention provided for my mum. Thank you to all the carers - you all do an amazing job.
Reply from Binu Augustine, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for the kind words. We are working together to achieve the best outcome for our residents. They are our family.

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Review from S B (Niece of Resident) published on 2 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very up to date facility. Light and bright. Great staff, and warm atmosphere. I'd highly recommend Buckingham Lodge to everyone whose family needed that extra help. I know my family and my aunt herself appreciate the care she receives. Thank you for all you do.
Reply from Binu Augustine, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for the lovely comment. We will continue to work hard to maintain our high standards.

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Review from David L (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Modern building with up-to-date facilities. Clean and warm. My father-in-law is content, treated with kindness and care. Carers show him respect and he is content and feels safe. His family are welcomed and kept advised of his condition. Have dealt with questions in a timely and diligent manner. More
than satisfied with the home. Thank you.
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Review from D H (Wife of Resident) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Receiving excellent care, especially nursing.
Everyone is very pleasant and hard-working even though covid.
I think this says it all.
Thank you, everyone.
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Review from M D (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The resident in question was adamant that they did not want to go into care. Due to the standard of the home, staff, food and entertainment, this person has completely changed their mind. They love their life in the home and are happier and settled than either he or the family expected. An excellent
outcome thanks to the hard work from everyone involved.
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Review from Sharon F (Niece of Resident) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Seven months on from my aunt arriving at the home she couldn't be happier. Initially against going into any home after her husband died just under a year ago, she loves the company of other residents, having lived a quiet life following her diagnosis and through Covid restrictions as her late husband
did his very best to look after her. She thinks the staff are wonderful and I have never seen any of the staff, whatever their age or role in the team, treat her with anything other than care, kindness and dignity. Staff take an interest in what she chats to them about and she enjoys the activities and has picked up old hobbies such as knitting with the encouragement of the activities team when she had totally lost confidence in doing this. I always feel very welcome when I go to the home, whether it is to pick my aunt up for a weekly trip out, to chat to staff about her or to sit in the beautifully decorated and cosy lounge for a cuppa. I am kept well informed about any issues.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete and submit this review. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated by all involved.

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Review from Pat E (Resident) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I like being here. I like the food and being with people.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for your positive feedback which we will certainly share with the staff team who will be delighted to receive your comments.

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Review from Veronica D (Cousin of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
We make a round trip of over 200 miles every fortnight to visit my cousin as he doesn't have anyone else to visit. He seems quite happy where he is and gets the care he needs. He gets on well with the staff. It would be nice to see him out of bed occasionally, but being a stubborn individual, he can't
be forced.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to share this review and your comments. As you have mentioned there can indeed be some challenges built into supporting our residents to make their own choices and always respecting their preferences. Your positive observations in relation to care and his relationships with staff are absolutely appreciated.

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Review from Sophie W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and helpful.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this review. The team will be delighted to receive such positive feedback which is greatly appreciated.

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Review from J S (Husband of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been a resident of Buckingham Lodge for over two years, and I have formed a very positive view of this care come. Receptions and caring staff are friendly and helpful. Caring is relaxed and adaptable to the needs of the moment. My wife is now settled and less confused and refers to her helpers
as "friends". I and my family are grateful to the staff for the attention and help of those who now have charge of her care.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete and submit this review and particularly for your kind and detailed feedback. It is always both helpful and insightful to read about positive personal experiences. Comments such as this are greatly appreciated by the whole team.

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Review from Ann D (Friend of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff here are very helpful and friendly and I especially welcome the fact that my dog is welcome here too. The person I was visiting loves this dog and it cheers them up a lot every time he sees her. I think the care here is good and there is always a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete your review. We are always pleased to welcome family pets as part of visits as this can make such a difference to a Residents day. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will of course be shared with the whole staff team.

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Review from Ronald J (Husband of Resident) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Despite being short-staffed, the staff provide excellent service, showing care to patients, in this case, my wife. They should be commended for their efforts.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such positive feedback. The staff are indeed doing an excellent job. The home is now fully staffed with each and every member of the team highly appreciative of your kind words.

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Review from Jenny S (Niece of Resident) published on 27 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunt has been in this home for just over a year. The facilities, cleanliness, staff and level of care are excellent. We cannot fault it at all and would recommend it. My aunt is happy and we can rest assured that she is safe and comfortable.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this review. Your comments are greatly appreciated by the whole team.

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Review from C A (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law went in for respite care after having an operation. When I was shown around the home it was very clean and residents seemed happy. Upon arrival at the home, the room was not ready for her. One of the staff members went off to get a pressure mat to be put on the floor alongside the bed
but it didn't work. Two further mats were tried and they didn't work either! The call buzzer also did not work. She was not assisted/helped to get in and out of bed, the food presented to her was not a soft food diet as requested and the water jug was filthy dirty and the drinking glass was cracked. Respite care... there is no care! Stay lasted less than 24 hours. Disappointing.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We always value feedback around specific aspects of individual experiences which we can use to continue improving the overall service that is provided. It is very disappointing that your expectations were not met and we would of course be pleased to explore each point in more detail with you, if you feel this would be helpful.

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Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A care home that is on top of their game! The staff are so helpful and friendly and the home is immaculately clean. If only all care homes were like this. Always kept informed of any change in my wife's condition.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review and for your comments which are very greatly appreciated. It is excellent to know that you are so satisfied with the service we are providing.

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Review from Simon P (Son of Resident) published on 7 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff seemed lovely. The room never seemed clean. Curtain rails broken. The telly very complicated to use and not enough free electric sockets.
Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to give a review and particularly for your kind acknowledgement of the staff team and the care and support they give to our Residents. We also appreciate your feedback around other specific aspects of your experience which we will use to continue improving the overall service that is provided.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.697)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.697) out of 10 for Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.697 for Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (231 Excellents x 5) + (72 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 314 Ratings = 4.697
  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 Buckingham Lodge Nursing Home is based on 27 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 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 27 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: 25 Jan 2023

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Requires improvement
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • 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 (9)

Meet the Team (3)

Kris Moore

Kris Moore

Job Title: Hospitality Manager

I have worked in the hospitality trade for 16 years across a wide range of environments including hotels, pubs, kitchens and events planning, I also worked as an IT manager within Health, Social Care and Education with Norfolk County Council for 10 years specialising in NHS integrations and leading on Social Care transformation. I have always moved towards roles where I can truly feel like I can make a difference and be able to see first-hand the positive outcomes of my work and believe that my two previous roles complement each other in my position, allowing me to really help drive all areas of hospitality, wellbeing and activities here at Buckingham Lodge.


I have a large family so my focus outside of work is to spend quality time with them, generally in the great outdoors going camping & hiking and taking part in bushcraft and water-based activities.

Millie

Millie Sadd

Job Title: Administrator

Hello! I’ve worked at Buckingham Lodge since 2018, I started on a bank contract as a Housekeeper whilst I was in high school as I moved into college I started to learn more within the home such as Kitchen Assistant, Laundry, Support Worker and Senior Support Worker. I am now enjoying my role as Home Administrator.


Everybody is so supportive and I know who to turn to if I need some help. There are also lots of training opportunities that I utilise to expand my knowledge in various areas.


In my spare time, I enjoy attending various car shows and spending time with my family. I also like to organise Car Shows that we hold here at Buckingham Lodge.

Adrian

Adrian Maudling

Job Title: Receptionist

I've been with the company for five years and it has been a great experience. I enjoy dealing with family members and making the admission of their loved ones an easy transition for them.


In my spare time, I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy novels and spending time with my grandson.

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