
I know Mum is safe, cared for and loved.Nicola B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Alderwood Care Home should be made the benchmark which all other care homes can aspire to.Claudine C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We have become members of a very large and loving family where everybody is important.D W(Husband of Resident/Service User)

I know Mum is safe, cared for and loved.Nicola B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Alderwood Care Home should be made the benchmark which all other care homes can aspire to.Claudine C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We have become members of a very large and loving family where everybody is important.D W(Husband of Resident/Service User)

Alderwood Care Home provides award-winning, person-centred residential, nursing and dementia care from a skilled and passionate team. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission* (CQC), it is also accredited by the Gold Standards Framework for compassionate end-of-life care.
With a focus on making life meaningful, every day, residents enjoy a fun and varied schedule of activities and events designed to support their health and wellbeing. These include live performances from...
Care Provided by Alderwood Care Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- 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 65 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
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Smoking not permitted
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Alderwood Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Alderwood Care Home 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
- Carebase
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Nikki Leaney(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (65)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (65)
Visiting
- Residents' visitors are always welcome, with no restrictions as to times/days.
Parking
- Free on-site parking is available.
Alderwood Care Home Reviews (106)
Alderwood Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Alderwood Care Home has 106 reviews.
I transferred my aunt to Alderwood from another care home. I cannot recommend the care home highly enough. All staff really do go the extra mile to ensure residents are happy and feel cared for and I have seen so many examples of this in the short time my aunt has been there. It clearly sets the benchmark for all others.
Thankyou so much Philip
Mum has been here since January and has settled in so very well, she participates in all the activities and especially enjoys the Friday movement class with Louis. The staff are absolutely wonderful, so caring and supportive not only to mum but us as a family. Kirsty the dementia nurse is so experienced and takes care of mum like she is her own family. I would highly recommend this home to anybody.
My Nan joined the Alderwood care-home family in January 2026 and I just wanted to take a moment to say how incredibly grateful we are for the care and support you provide to my Nan. From the very beginning, the kindness, patience and genuine compassion shown by every member of staff has meant so much to our whole family- a special mention to Kirsty her dementia nurse who quite honestly treats her as her own Nan and gives constant attention to detail. It gives us such comfort knowing she is in a safe, warm and happy environment where she is treated with dignity and respect every single day. Nikki and her team go above and beyond - whether it's the little chats, the encouragement to join activities, or simply taking the time to make her smile. It truly makes a difference, and we can see how settled and well cared for she is. The love Nikki shows to all the residents is beaming from her! Thank you for everything you do. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful.
We were looking for a care home for my elderly father who has dementia in the Colchester area. We looked at 7 different homes across the surroundings areas and knew instantly when we walked into Alderwood that this was the best place for him to be cared for. During the tour by Karen we met several members of staff all of whom were engaging and spent time to talk to us. The rooms that we were shown were of a high standard and spotlessly clean. The residents that we met were well cared for and many of them had smiles on their faces. With the homes catering for residential, dementia and nursing we knew that our Dad would never have to leave this facility if his needs increased. When Nikki did the home assessment, she met our elderly mother and took time to talk to her and reassure her that his needs would be fully met and that he would be happy there. Since he has been in the home he has been to some of the activities and is always happy.
My Nan has been at Alderwood for a few months now and as a family we were worried about the transition, however Alderwood have gone above and beyond to help us as a family and my Nan absolutely loves being here. My nans dementia lead nurse Kirsty is absolutely fantastic and treats my Nan as her own. She enjoys all the clubs and class that Laura works hard to put on, and quite frankly we all want to move in! Nikki the manager is second to none and we thank her for all her support. What a place! X
She is thriving, enjoying all the activities and the company. We feel a sense of relief we know she is happy and looked after.
So thank you to Nikki and her team .
Every individual person who works at the home shows wonderful care for our Dad - whether it's Nikki the manager, Fez and Laura - two carers on my Dad's floor, Kirsty the lead dementia nurse or Carl the handyman- they all know him, understand him, look after him and make him happy!
We couldn't have wished for a better home.
Our father is given the best care. The team at Alderwood respond to and anticipate his needs and go above and beyond to ensure he is understood and treated with dignity. He is always clean, well dressed and well fed. The team communicate with us effectively and with empathy. It is so lovely that they are able to see the man behind the dementia.
After mum passed in February 2025 the outstanding care continued from Nikki and all her team staff at Alderwood. First touch was the dignified manner in which mum's room was left after her passing to give us space and time to process her absence. Next, 6 weeks after her passing when life was moving on for everyone else a beautiful memory rosebush arrived in the post for each sister - all were lovingly planted to mark mum's presence. Finally, 10 months later to mark the first Christmas without mum a surprise crystal heart alongside her photo reminded us that she was not forgotten and the outstanding care continued at Alderwood.
My husband has returned to Alderwood after he stayed there for a year previously. His health significantly declined and he had to be taken to hospital for some extra care and Alderwood was the only place I would ever have him return to. They have already in only a few months completely transformed him and I am so happy with his care. I feel happy and confident knowing he is in the best place possible and I feel so much more relaxed when I am not with him as I know they love and look after him so well. I couldn't recommend Alderwood any higher and tell anyone who asks about care that Alderwood is the home they should go to.
I am so delighted we found Alderwood it has transformed my mother in law's life and all round wellbeing. She is extremely well cared for and thoroughly enjoys participating in all the activities that Alderwood offers. Every single member of staff is kind caring and respectful towards her and warm and welcoming to us when we visit. It is extremely well managed and the attention to detail in creating a home environment is heartwarming.Alderwood encourages a strong sense of community and organises a wide variety of events throughout the year that friends and family can enjoy with their loved ones. The recent fireworks evening was a shining example of hospitality they offer.
Mum has lived at Alderwood for over a year and everything about Alderwood is fantastic. The level of care she receives is exceptional, all the staff are so caring and professional. Everyone is so welcoming and there is always a lovely atmosphere. Mum loves doing all the activities and the regular days out. The food is excellent, especially the cakes! The whole place is kept spotlessly clean.
My mother has been living at Alderwood since April 2025 and has had and continues to have amazing care. Every single member of staff treat mum with kindness and respect which is all you could ever ask for. Alderwood is a beautiful home, always clean and is continuously updated and maintained. The daily activities are excellent and I can't wait to see what they do at Christmas!
Alderwood is a place that I visit five or six times a week all staff are wonderful, my wife is looked after so well and if there is any problems they a solved quickly, They are all Angels I can't recommend them all highly enough. I am so lucky to have found a care home that really cares.
The care and compassion that is employed at Alderwoods is 2nd to none. I and the family are in no doubt that the expertise, commitment and understanding of Mums needs has been the main reason for Mum still being with us today. Her home for the last 4 1/2 years. They have engaged her in daily activities and brought about much happiness.
My sister has been in Alderwood Care Home for 9 years and has always been treated with respect and has received exceptional care. She is happy here. I did not expect my sister to live such a long and healthy life once she was diagnosed with dementia, but the staff and management at Alderwood have extended her life and the quality of it. I couldn't imagine her being anywhere else!
I can rest easy in everyone at Alderwood to look after mum as she is on palliative care with stomach cancer. They have kept my mum well and alive for over a year even though the hospital said she only had a few months prognosis.and also no falls or injuries and unnecessary hospital admissions as everything has been discussed and planned for my mum to end her days in a place she calls home and is loved .
My father received incredible care and felt safe and happy and fully involved in decisions around his health. The Alderwood team sensitively involved Dad in everyday and significant decisions. He was delighted at the many in-room celebrations Alderwood provided for him on special occasions.
My mother also moved to Alderwood and became at ease extremely quickly thanks to the expert carers on the dementia floor. I have not seen Mum so settled and laughing so often for many years.
In summary, I have found Alderwood to be an oasis of comfort, kindness and professional care and can recommend it with no reservations.
My son has been in care for some 32 years, ever since undergoing a botch operation on the brain. Prior to becoming a resident at Alderwood Care Home his condition, both physical and mental had deteriorated to the point of being in a semi-vegetative state. Since being at Alderwood his condition has improved dramatically, both physically and mentally and his quality of life has improved. All this is due to the care provided by the staff and management at Alderwood.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 19 May 2018Outstanding
- CaringOutstanding
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
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 (8) & Events (0)
- 10 Jun 2026
The sounds of a brass band brought back a lifetime of treasured memories for Jenny Watton, aged 89, whose deep-rooted connection to the Salvation Army inspired a special surprise organised...
- 09 Apr 2026
An Essex care home’s partnership with a day nursery is bringing generations together through shared activities and music, creating lasting benefits for both residents and children. The three and four-year-olds...
- 18 Dec 2025
Mike Short, aged 58, loved swimming until he suffered a brain injury while having surgery when he was 22 years old. Thanks to his care home, Mike is ‘making a...
There are no upcoming events for Alderwood Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (23)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Carebase
- 31 Jul 2025Recipient: Alderwood Care Home
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Carebase
Meet the Team (1)

Nikki has been qualified as a nurse for over 30 years, with 23 years of experience in specialised care for the elderly in the private sector.
“Every day I feel lucky to be in a profession that I truly love and to be part of so many people’s lives. I’ve had so many heart-warming and humbling experiences over the years with some truly amazing rewards.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Alderwood Care Home
What types of Care is Alderwood Care Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Alderwood Care Home have?
There are 65 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Alderwood Care Home?
Smoking not permitted, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Alderwood Care Home to the centre of Colchester?
0.6 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 Alderwood Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Alderwood Care Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.