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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Reviewer Connection to Alderwood Care Home
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Total of 104, showing 41-60
Review from M K (Wife of Resident) published on 24 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The rooms, staff care and overall experience is splendid. My husband has settled in so much better than I expected. The atmosphere is delightful and the staff and management so helpful. The ability to visit at any time and it is made possible that I can have dinner or lunch with him so comforting.
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Review from Terence R (Husband of Resident) published on 24 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can’t thank the staff enough for the times they have pulled my wife through a number of illnesses that she has suffered.
We are lucky the home has a great manager, who has so much experience in caring for the residents.
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Review from Sharon B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum has been a resident in Alderwood Care Home since June 2022. Mum has dementia and was extremely anxious at the thought of leaving her home and moving to somewhere new. The care home manager took the time to visit mum prior to the move to introduce herself and to reassure mum that she would be
moving to a place where she would be well cared for. We cannot praise the staff highly enough for making the move as stress free as possible and for the continuing support they have given to both mum and us. The staff look after mum with kindness and compassion. Everything about the home is amazing - wonderful staff, lovely food, activities every day, a happy atmosphere and excellent management of mum's nursing needs. We feel that Alderwood provides the best of everything and it is a great comfort to feel that our mum is so well looked after
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Review from Bridget J (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had two other care homes to view when we visited Alderwood but we knew instantly this was where we wanted mum to live. The manager was so helpful and friendly and the team really cared for mum after a few days she looked like the lady we knew before her hospital stay. Everything about this home is
magnificent, the bedrooms are beautifully furnished as are all the communal rooms. There is a hairdresser/nail bar/cinema/massage room. We always took a peek at the menu when we visited and the choices were excellent all home cooked by the resident chef. There is also a private family dining room for celebrations. More importantly, the care and respect they show their residents and their families is outstanding. Mum passed away in her room with no drama and all the dignity she deserved With special thanks to the Manager and her team.
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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Alderwood Care Home have been very kind and accommodating to my father, which has continued beyond his initial arrival.
Cannot fault the comfort and warmth of his new home and the opportunities he has had are beyond what I could offer myself.
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Review from M H (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff at the home are always responsive to the individual needs of residents and their families. Mum's care is constantly reviewed and adjusted as her condition progresses. The atmosphere is always friendly and calm. The activities are varied and frequent. I have peace of mind knowing that Mum could
not be better looked after.
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Review from Janet W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved to Alderwood shortly after the death of her husband when she was 99. She has dementia and unfortunately can be aggressive and challenging. But the team at Alderwood have worked wonders. My mum is now calm, smiling and sociable, and she really enjoys all the activities. I find the staff
so kind and thoughtful and am relieved to have found a home where she is safe and so well looked after.
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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A really amazing, special place. We are very lucky to have found Alderwood to look after our Mum. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who are some of the happiest, kindest people I have ever met. Lots of fun days out, lots of entertainment and activities throughout the day - mum is totally stimulated,
never bored and looked after fantastically well. Thank you, Alderwood!
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Review from John W (Son of Resident) published on 24 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother came to Alderwood in March 2021 and she was severely depressed and giving up on life. The Home Manager and Nursing team have been truly wonderful in giving mum her life back, which is the best life she has had in years. Mum does so many fun activities, going out on outings all of which she
loves, and is now interacting well with everyone, smiling and laughing which we haven't seen her do for a long time before she came to Alderwood. We now get to enjoy our happy mum when we come to visit and really can't thank Alderwood enough for this.
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Review from Mark C (Son of Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The culture of care is excellent - the staff are very well trained, empathic and importantly staff levels are appropriate. The facilities and range of activities are broad and my mum thoroughly enjoys all the activities on offer leading a busy and stimulating life. Mum has made many friends amongst
both residents and staff and it is clear that Alderwood Care Home is very much her home. Catering makes me jealous. We entrust mum to the care of Alderwood Care Home and do so knowing that she is very well cared for.
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Review from Nicky W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mom has received at Alderwood for three years has been excellent. She has dementia and other health problems. All the staff are friendly kind and understanding of us as a family, as we all live quite a distance away. Most importantly the staff treat my mom with loving kindness which has
brought the best out in her. Couldn’t ask for more and I do have quite a bit of experience of care homes. There was a jubilee party at the weekend at Alderwood and the atmosphere was lovely, with whole families visiting which included lots of children and even dogs. Thank you, Alderwood and all the staff who truly go above and beyond.
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Review from Jonathan H (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and her team are excellent - they go above and beyond. I am very grateful for the care and support they provide my mother. It is a relief for us to know that she is safe and well looked after.
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Review from M F (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is excellent from the manager down to all support staff. Every member of staff has been lovely caring and helpful, the activities offered are varied and enjoyable. I cannot thank the staff enough. Alderwood is a wonderful place.
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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is so happy here and we really don't have to worry about her anymore. The staff are so caring and supportive of her needs whilst giving her the dignity she needs. This place is really exceptional and whilst it is not cheap I am reassured that Mum is being well cared for and that is priceless.
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Review from Jodie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We feel Mum is living her best life with dementia at Alderwood Care Home. She is safe, extremely well cared for, occupied and most importantly, loved. Alderwood Care Home is welcoming to all, light and clean with a good flow of energy and humour.
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Review from Joanne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so grateful for the care that Mum is receiving in Alderwood Care Home. I love the amount of effort that is put into bringing joy to the residents, with all the activities and entertainment, great food, lovely garden and indoor spaces, and warmth and affection of staff. I spend a bit of time in
Alderwood Care Home every week, I can pop in any time, there are a few family members who are often there. I find it a pleasant place to be, a peaceful, kind community, made possible by the excellent staff. I am particularly glad to have chosen Alderwood Care Home because they always see Mum as a person. There was a period when the Alzheimers' made Mum agitated and her behaviour challenging. The manager and staff worked really hard to help her through that, (with the mental health team). She needed a lot of support for a few weeks, but they were so patient and persistent, they didn't give up on her. Now Mum is content again, and the sociable side of her personality is back. An excellent care home!
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Review from B P (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been cared for at Alderwood Care Home for the past 5 years. They keep her safe and well which is most important, as due to her advanced dementia she has no ability to care for herself independently now. All the staff seem kind and caring and keep me up to date with mum's condition. My only
reason for scoring 'value for money' as 4 stars is that mum is no longer able to enjoy as many of the activities as she did when she was more able. Otherwise, I am really pleased that we chose Alderwood as her home.
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Review from L E (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Today, I write with the experience of my Mother being a resident for 10 years at Alderwood Care Home, that the constant loving care she receives is as fresh today as it was on her first day. Alderwood Care Home and all the care staff have given her these 10 extra years and she’s still going strong,
our family are grateful that she has met her 4 great grandchildren and seen them grow and progress, this definitely wouldn't have happened without Alderwood Care Home. Thank you everyone
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Review from Steve W (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Consistently excellent, Alderwood Care Home provides first class care for my elderly and disabled Mother. My family and I know she is receiving the best care in a home led by a remarkable manager who always goes the extra mile. Thank you.
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Review from Alexander S (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the staff at Alderwood Care Home welcoming and helpful whenever I visit. The care Alderwood provides for its residents is first class. Activities and external visits when circumstances permit is greatly enjoyed, birthdays are never missed and made special. I am told the food is enjoyable and
varied and special and if withdrawal symptoms occur special requests e.g., a Chinese can be catered for. Having an on-site hairdresser is another distinct advantage. The cleaners are to be complimented Alderwood Care Home is always spotless which is reflected in the excellent air quality. Residential care is expensive but when compared objectively Alderwood Care Home is good value for money, in my opinion, the on-site management and staff are to be complimented on the quality of care they provide.
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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.”

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