






Located just outside Derby city centre, Willowcroft provides residential, residential dementia and short-stay care for up to 60 residents in a purpose-built home with deep community roots. Built on the site of the old Anglers Arms pub in Spondon, the home blends local heritage with modern comfort and thoughtful design.
All bedrooms are en-suite and include personal touches like mini-fridges and motion-sensor lighting, while ground-floor rooms open onto private patios. Communal...
Care Provided by Willowcroft
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 60 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Day Care
Facilities
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Willowcroft for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Willowcroft to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- MHA
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (60)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (60)
Willowcroft Reviews (63)
Willowcroft has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willowcroft has 63 reviews.
Willowcroft is a fantastic care home. The environment is always clean well kept and on first appearances resembles a hotel as opposed to a care home. All the staff we have met are always welcoming, polite, friendly and professional and cannot do enough to help. Recently we have become more involved with the management team who are amazing always supportive and understanding. My mother considers Willowcroft to be her home and we would not hesitate in recommending Willowcroft to family and friends. It is so reassuring to know my mother is being treated with dignity and respect in a safe and secure homely environment with great staff.
Thank you for your very kind words. It is great to hear that your mum is happy with us and thinks of Willowcroft as her home.
Mum was a resident at Willowcroft Care Home for the last 5 years of her life. Originally mum went there for respite but she said she felt safe there and did not want to leave when the respite came to an end so she remained there for the rest of her life. Although mum did not join in many activities through choice, there was always an array of different things going off in the home. The activities that mum did join in with, she enjoyed. The staff were always welcoming and receptive if there was a rare issue. All the time mum was there but particularly during last two weeks of her life, the whole extended family were made to feel that we were as important to the staff as mum was. Staff went way above and beyond to make those 2 weeks special for us. As a family we will always be grateful for the care and compassion we received from all staff members. The hugs, quiet ears and especially the food when we didn't realise how much we needed it the during the last day.
Thank you for your very kind words. We are so glad we were able to have such a positive and lasting impact.
My mum has been in residence at Willowcroft for almost 3 years. The staff have been consistently caring and sensitive to mum's needs. Nothing is too much trouble, even though they are often stretched to the limit. I am always welcomed with a warm smile, and mum says how blessed she is to be in such a lovely place with such lovely people.
Thank you for you kind words. Your mum is a remarkable lady, and we love having her here.
The love and care Mum was shown by the staff from management to cleaners and everyone in between was amazing and I will be forever grateful as I knew she was safe and well cared for. You even extended this to me and my family. Thank you.
Thank you, your mum was a very special lady. Looking after her was always a pleasure.
We expected my mother with her strong character to be a difficult move into Willowcroft. The transfer was made very easy with the support of staff and she was completely settled almost immediately. The care and support she has been given is exemplary and she is now a happy very communicative resident. Thanks to the team at Willowcroft.
Thank you for the lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you feel mum has settled well.
Since my Mum went into Willowcroft she has gone from strength to strength! From being a very frail, unwell lady she has now put over a stone on in weight and is in far better health.
She joins in all the daily activities, made new friends and is really happy.
The staff at Willowcroft are amazing! They are all lovely and look after the residents with patience and understanding. We as a family now have peace of mind that Mum is being well looked after and she is happy. We wouldn't want her to be anywhere else!
Thank you for your lovely review. Your mum really has become a huge part of our Willowcroft community.
Wonderful care for Mum right up to the end of her life. Also cared for her family as well at that sad time. Her two years here were happy and fulfilling. Staff were friendly and helpful and the place is kept spotless.
My mother lived with dementia at Willowcroft in a kind and caring environment. The staff did their best to create a feeling of home while maintaining the dignity of the residents. Mum joined in with most of the activities and enjoyed the entertainment on offer. She particularly enjoyed the visits from the therapy dogs that visited Willowcroft. Mum was able to attend the Sunday services held at the home which was important to her. There is a choice of home cooked meals, and snacks are available during the day. A continuity of the staff helped my mother as the staff were familiar to her. Mum was given end of life care in her own room at the home, which was exemplary. My sister and I were accommodated at the home at the end of Mums life. There is a great awareness at the home that family and friends are looked after as well as its residents.
Thank you for your lovely review. It is nice to hear how positively the team impacted your mum's day to day life. Looking after your mum and the rest of the family was our pleasure.
This wonderful care home as transformed my brother in law's life.The care he receives is outstanding form personal care to freshly laundered clothes. The food is just fabulous, proper home cooked meals. In fact he has put weight on. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who always have a smile on their faces.Thank you.
Thank you for your review, your brother-in-law is a pleasure to care for and a true gentleman.
What a relief it was to find this place! Once I'd looked round, I was convinced that this was the answer to my problems! Mum is safe, cared for and fed better than I could manage. She still asks to go home, but I know she's better here and is settling well.
Thank you for your kind words, we're really pleased that mum is settling in well.
Mum's been living at Willowcroft for 2 months now. Well led by the management team, the staff are supportive and show genuine kindness. Lots of activities to keep residents happy and the meal choices are good too. I know my mum is safe in their hands. Which has given the wider family much comfort. Well done Willowcroft.
Thank you so much for you're lovely review. We are so pleased Mum has settled in so well.
Mum has recently died after living at Willowcroft for many years, moving from the residential to the dementia side part way through. She has always been treated with care and respect. All staff work hard to make Willowcroft feel like home, and this is apparent as soon you walk through the front door - it has such a welcoming atmosphere. Not only have staff cared for Mum, but they have supported me. They always have time to listen and provide comfort for residents and relatives. The low staff turnover has meant that staff knew Mum very well and this gave me great confidence in their care. During the time that it was clear that Mum was dying, the care Mum and I received was exceptional. We were so well looked after and felt genuinely loved. Willowcroft is purpose-built with good-sized rooms, corridors and public areas that feel bright and airy. It is very well run and staff achieve the balance of being professional but also friendly and caring. I would recommend this home very highly.
Thank you so much for your glowing review. Your Mum was a wonderful lady and both you and she will be missed terribly.
Wonderful home and facilities, the staff go above and beyond to make my mother feel settled and comfortable. She is extremely well looked after and would recommend this home for anyone's loved one.
Thank you for your kind words. It is a pleasure caring for your mother.
This is a sad day for me today as we say goodbye to Willowcroft. My partner came here in May 2024 but unfortunately her complex medical needs can no longer be met by Willocroft as she now requires nursing care. However, I have to say a huge thank you to everyone at Willowcroft particularly those in Arkwright wing and management. Their dedication, care and support throughout some very difficult and challenging situations were handled with professionalism and kindness. It is a lovely well-run home and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is looking to place a loved one in very capable and caring hands. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your kind words, your partner is such a character. We will miss both of you. Please remember to visit us. We hope your partner settles into her nursing placement.
Unfortunately, she wasn't at Willowcrof for long, which is sad as I knew she was very happy there. If you want confidence and peace of mind that your loved one is being well looked after, choose Willowcroft.
Thank you so much for your lovely review; it is very much appreciated by all of us here at Willowcroft. Your mum was a lovely lady, and it was our honour to have cared for her in her final days.
There are plenty of activities to keep residents entertained. It was always clean. One thing that stood out to me was that when he went into hospital, they had already made up his bag with things he might need for me to easily collect and everyone get like they genuinely cared how he was doing. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to send a review and thank you for your very kind words, it is very much appreciated by all the staff in the home.
Willowcroft is really lovely, bright, clean, modern, and spacious, more like a homely hotel. Standards are very high and all staff are very caring and professional.
It has been a relief for us to know that Dad is safe and so well cared for. After extending his stay for a few more weeks he recognised it was the best place for him. In his words, “We couldn’t have found anywhere better, the staff go above and beyond looking after me, meals are excellent, I enjoy the church services and there is plenty going on with activities I can join in if I want to - I can’t fault it."
Willowcroft is exceptional and clearly professionally run. There is a lovely atmosphere, the management team are always available, staff are very caring, always have time, and treat residents as individuals with dignity and respect.
Thank you for the lovely review, it is very much appreciated by the whole team here at Willowcroft. It is also so nice to read what your father has said about the home, it really does mean a lot that both family and the resident themselves are happy with the care and support given.
Staff spoke to medical professionals and obviously gave a comprehensive brief regarding my Dads health and general well-being.
Medical professionals and staff then spoke to me about the best course of action resulting in a change in medication but not an unnecessary visit to a hospital.
Staff understand Dad's needs and how to look after him together with keeping me informed.
Thank you for your kind review, we do always endeavour to work closely with healthcare professionals so that your dad can stay in the home where it is familiar to him.
My father has been in Willowcroft Care Home since 6th January 2023 after initially going in for two weeks, I had been on a look around on 01/01/2023 and viewed two vacant rooms with my brother. I was impressed with what I saw on that first visit, Dad had previously had four carers a day visit him at home for four years. Dad is in a first-floor room, plenty of storage space and ensuite with shower. Staff are all very nice. He has assistance with having a shower and wheeled down to the dining room for each meal. There are various activities every day, I organised a songs from musicals, film themes and photo quiz for them on Friday 19th May 2023.
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased that you are happy with the care that your dad receives. It has been a pleasure getting to know your dad as well as yourself and your brother. We are also very grateful for your suggestions and input with our activities – it is very much appreciated by both the residents and the staff.
Management-Finance - My bank was sent an enormous bill for some of my stay at Willowcroft - some £415.87. You claim to give notice of changes to finance/payment. I've had no notice about this excess for my payment in May, leaving me to find the extra money, avoiding answers to my correspondence. In May I suggest you introduce quality control and quality assurance in the department as many companies do already. I know this is a 'one-off' payment but I need to find the money.
Thank you for submitting a review. Please be assured that we do exercise quality control and quality assurance at MHA. I can confirm that the fees charged are correct, however, I will be very happy to go through this with you again.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 24 September 2019Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (4) & Events (0)
- 30 Jan 2025
There’s nothing like MHA at Christmas. Our care homes, retirement living schemes, and communities are filled with tinsel, Christmas trees, and lights - a burst of light in the gloom...
- 30 Jan 2025
Working in social care is not for the faint hearted. Long hours, challenging circumstances and dealing with vulnerable individuals would put plenty of people off. Despite all this, 19-year-old Olivia...
- 30 Jan 2025
A 24-year-old care assistant working at MHA Heather Grange care home has been recognised for her tremendous work ethic and attitude and has been awarded the home's employee of the...
There are no upcoming events for Willowcroft.
Meet the Team (1)

Victoria Humphrey, known to many as Vicky, is the Home Manager at MHA Willowcroft. She first joined the home in 2011 as a part-time Night Care Assistant and has since progressed through a variety of roles, including Senior and Deputy Manager. After a brief time away managing MHA The Herons, Vicky returned to Willowcroft in July 2024 to lead the home as Manager.
Vicky’s career in care began after serving as a Combat Medical Technician in the Army, where she spent five years travelling the world. Since leaving the military in 2004, she has dedicated over 27 years to the care and health sector.
She is passionate about providing care that is truly centred around each individual—recognising their preferences, needs, and personal story. Vicky also strongly believes in the power of effective, compassionate leadership and the positive impact it has on both team culture and the quality of care delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Willowcroft
What types of Care is Willowcroft registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Willowcroft have?
There are 60 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Willowcroft?
Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Willowcroft to the centre of Derby?
3.2 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 Willowcroft to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willowcroft has an Enhanced Service -more info.