Alderwood Care Home

39 Essex Hall Road, Colchester CO1 1ZP
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10 104 Reviews
  • Alderwood Care Home, Colchester
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 local entertainers, music and movement classes, pet therapy visits, craft workshops, and regular excursions to local places of interest in the minibus.

Alderwood is a beautiful, stylish and comfortable home featuring welcoming en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounges, a bustling brasserie, cinema, and hair salon. The home is surrounded by a large, landscaped garden, which plays host to regular community events and the residents’ Gardening Club.

Underpinned by strong community links, Alderwood runs a ‘wishing tree’ initiative, working with local partners to grant residents’ wishes, big and small, as well as frequently welcoming school children to enjoy the company of the residents.

As part of Alderwood’s commitment to providing outstanding care, the long-standing team receives on-going training, professional development and guidance to support all residents to live happy and fulfilled lives.

Families know their loved ones are being cared for by a trusted and reputable team, who work together with the residents’ best interests at heart.

*awarded December 2020.
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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 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 What's included?

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)

Contact Alderwood Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

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)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • 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 (104)

10

Alderwood Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.950) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Alderwood Care Home has 104 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Alderwood Care Home
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Total of 104, showing 21-40
Review from D W (Husband of Resident) published on 22 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The whole staff of the care home are committed to the well-being of the residents and their families. We have become members of a very large and loving family where everybody is important. Nothing is too much trouble.
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Review from Carole N (Sister of Resident) published on 22 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but admiration for the way this establishment is run. The residents are content and happy. We visit at various times during the day and the service is always excellent. The staff are excellent and nothing is too much trouble for the residents.
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Review from Nicola B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Alderwood are amazing. They are dedicated to taking care of the residents and their families. I know Mum is safe, cared for and loved. The team go the extra mile to create special memories for everyone.
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Review from M E (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't praise everyone at Alderwood enough. Such a huge amount of care and work to give everyone a wonderful Christmas. My parents are doing things we could never dream of doing with them at home. They are treated with dignity, love and care. I couldn't wish for them to be in a better place. Thank you.
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Review from G W (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having had dementia for the last 12 years, my mother has received respite care in several care homes as well as private care with family so I think I can say with some authority, the care provided by Alderwood Care Home is exceptional and far exceeds the care she received previously. The staff are all
amazing as is the home, its garden, the food and the range of many daily activities. I only wish my mother had been a resident here much sooner.
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Review from Serena M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At Alderwood, there is an ethos of engagement and self-expression. The team know each resident and works to make sure that they settle in comfortably. The ethos of engagement and empowerment creates a tremendously happy atmosphere and there is no question of a lack of capacity preventing residents from
doing the things that they enjoy. The team create an environment which is safe, humorous and fun. The team were loving, caring, generous, humorous, patient, supportive, authentic and compassionate. She never lost her dignity and she loved these people but much more importantly they loved her, their care went way beyond the professionalism of just caring for bodily functions. As she became ill the team stepped up another gear and I can never express enough our thanks for the care that the whole family received at the end of my mother's life. She died peacefully surrounded by love and compassion. We will never forget this team of people. Thank you.
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Review from Benita S (Wife of Resident) published on 24 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has now been a resident at Alderwood for almost 17 months and during all that time he has had top quality care from care staff who have taken time to know him as an individual and adjust to his moods. Both he and I have been able to feel at home and I have always felt welcomed as a family
member when there visiting. There are always lots of activities going on which family and friends are welcome to engage in, as well as special days arranged specially for us to come and join in. Having experienced several other care homes I can honestly say that Alderwood stands head and shoulders above any of them and I would and do recommend it to anyone who might be considering care for a family member. I am just so grateful that they had a room vacant for my husband in our hour of need.
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Review from Carol B (Niece of Resident) published on 24 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunt moved into the Alderwood Care Home almost three years ago. All the staff were so helpful in making her feel at home and easing her transition from independent living to living in a care home. As her health has deteriorated over the years, they have done all they can to help her adapt to her
changing needs. As a family, we feel very confident that all her needs are met and know that we can visit at any time and that there is always someone who can answer any questions we may have. The atmosphere is happy and positive and we are very grateful to all the staff.
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Review from Hannah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Alderwood Care Home has been the best care provider for my mum. She is treated with love and care. The team are all fantastic and meets her ever-changing needs with understanding, kindness and joy.
From cleaner to care home manager you get a joyful, friendly welcome.
My mum feels like she is on permanent
holiday, with fabulous meals, entertainment and well-considered events.
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Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot thank all the staff at departments at Alderwood Care Home enough for all their hard work, love, kindness, support and dedication not only to our mum but to us, as a family, as well.
What an amazing team you have, keep doing what you all do best.
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Review from Suzanne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Alderwood Care Home for nearly two years now. She has dementia and at the age of 97, is very cantankerous! The manager and all staff in this wonderful home are exceptional and I can’t thank them enough for their care and compassion at all times. An exceptional care home.
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Review from Mary W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Alderwood is the only place my mother-in-law would like to be other than her own home. She has dementia, but recognises Alderwood is now her permanent home. The staff are caring and kind under the supervision of their excellent manager. The food is excellent, well served and presented. Equipment enabling
my mother-in-law to partake in activities and rest is excellent. It is also comforting for the family to know a local GP visits regularly.
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Review from Ian H (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful care from the staff at Alderwood Care Home over the past four years. They showed special care and sensitivity in the last few days of my dad's life. He was treated with dignity and we, as family, were kept informed and made welcome.
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Review from Gill M (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mum became a resident at Alderwood Care Home. I have found the staff to be very caring and supportive. Always prepared to help with any concerns. They make great efforts to hold activities to include family members. We, as a family, feel safe and secure in the knowledge that Alderwood takes
such great care of her.
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Review from Linda L (Sister of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care of residents in Alderwood is exemplary. The manager leads by example and sets the tone for the whole organisation. The staff are kind, loving, caring and professional. My sister has been a resident since 2016 and is happy and well cared-for. The food, all made in house by the dedicated chef
and his team, is excellent and there's a wide range of activities to keep residents engaged. The whole place is spotlessly clean and having a hair salon and other facilities in house is the icing on the cake. Visitors are welcomed and the frequent events, particularly during the summer, make everyone feel part of the Alderwood family. I'm so delighted that we found such a fantastic place for my sister to live out the rest of her life.
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Review from Liz S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolute fantastic. We cannot praise the Alderwood Care Home team highly enough. They are caring. professional and kind. It really is an outstanding home in every aspect and we wouldn't want our parents to be anywhere else. Thank you so much for all you do.
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Review from Jacqueline S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in Alderwood Care Home for just over four and a half years. It is the best decision I have made, the care is second to none. She is loved, fed well and any personal requirements she needs are done with a smile. I can thoroughly recommend Alderwood to anyone who is in the same position
I was, and you can be reassured your loved one will be treated with respect and love.
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Review from Wendy W (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is very happy, settled and joins in with activities most days.
Staff are wonderful. Very caring and patient.
Facilities are clean and comfortable
Overall very happy with all aspects of Mum's care and day to day living.
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Review from Joy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident at Alderwood Care Home for nearly a year now and is living with Alzheimer's. We can't thank the wonderful staff enough for supporting my mum after she broke her leg recently, she is now up and walking about and back to her old self with the support of everyone. The Activity staff
are wonderful, events are always going on and we especially enjoyed a recent resident/family/friends BBQ. We are always made to feel welcome, thank you.
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Review from Amanda P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been a resident in Alderwood Care Home, in the dementia ward, since 11 Feb 2021.


The care home manager has been absolutely amazing since day one when she took the time to send an email confirming his arrival and what he was doing - making pizza and being charming.


The next amazing

thing for me and my family was a video meeting set up so we could see and talk to him on his birthday which was very emotional because of the Covid Pandemic I had not seen my father since November 2020 when he first went into care.


He has a lovely room overlooking beautiful gardens, his own on-suite and it is always spotless. All the staff are so friendly and happy and the food is fabulous - a major concern to me as my father has a great appetite.


Although my father's dementia is now far more progressed and he no longer knows who I am, he always gives me the biggest smile on my visits and usually has crumbs down his top from his latest snack.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.950)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.950) out of 10 for Alderwood Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 5.000 for Alderwood Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (216 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 5
  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 4.95 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Alderwood Care Home is based on 18 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.95
    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 65 registered maximum number of service users is 13, which has been reached with 18 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: 19 May 2018

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Outstanding
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 (23)

Meet the Team (1)

Nikki

Nikki Leaney

Job Title: Home Manager

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.”

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.