Alderwood Care Home

39 Essex Hall Road, Colchester CO1 1ZP
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10 95 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

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

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Nikki Leaney (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (65)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • Residents' visitors are always welcome, with no restrictions as to times/days.

Parking

  • Free on-site parking is available.

Alderwood Care Home Reviews (95)

10

Alderwood Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.956) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Alderwood Care Home has 95 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Alderwood Care Home
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Review from Claudine C (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Alderwood Care Home should be made the benchmark which all other care homes can aspire to. Their commitment to providing excellent care and an excellent relationship with the residents wider family makes them a league above. The activity programme, trips out and entertainment are inclusive and very
well-led.
I am indebted to all the staff and carers for looking after my mum so well.
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Review from Martin C (Son of Resident) published on 29 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just to say that my mothers care at Alderwoods has been truly exceptional. There is a nothing too much trouble attitude about the place, with a sense of fun. Both management and staff.
Mum started with daycare once a week, then twice. Making friends with both staff and residents. When it was obvious
she could no longer cope at home. Mum moved into her new home Alderwood. Mum was encouraged to go out on day trips and enjoyed the activities organised every day.
I feel we have been very fortunate to have found this wonderfully caring place who look after both residents and their family and friends.
Notable is the regular functions. Summer Fete, Fireworks, Parties etc. that four generations of our family thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you all at Alderwoods.
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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Alderwood looked after my late mother very well indeed and were very caring. I sensed a real affection between Mum and her carers. Alderwood is both things that relatives really need - professional and kind.
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Review from G T (Husband of Resident) published on 26 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has had two days respite care here for one year, soon to be three days care. Excellent is the best choice of word as seen below. If you need higher praise than that, then all such words are applicable. I leave my wife on these days and I completely unwind, knowing she is in the best care. Honesty
pays and I am being honest.
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Review from K D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment we arrived at Alderwood Care Home we were treated with immense warmth and kindness. Everyone without exception were kind and keen to do their very best for my father in law and for us as a family.
He died very peacefully, surrounded by love and warmth which made the sadness easier
to bear.
The whole atmosphere and way all the residents were treated seemed genuinely kind and loving and there was a real sense of freedom with confidence about safety too.
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Review from Janet D (Wife of Resident) published on 9 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were desperate for immediate respite care for my husband who was suffering from Alzheimer's. From the moment they said they could take time, they were helpful, kind and very caring.
The home is very clean, very safe and very welcoming. The furnishing is modern, bright and well cared for, giving
it a homely welcoming appearance it was so quiet there. No bells ringing, no shouting, just peace. Staff were all so caring to everyone and meals were good. Thank God we found it.
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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father came to Alderwood Care Home after a false start in another home where the care he received was not good. Sadly his dementia was in an advanced stage by that time but the manager and her excellent team did all they could to give him the best care possible in his last few months. He was treated
as was I with the greatest of dignity. The staff were so supportive in his final hours. They also hosted his wake and this was as outstanding as the loving care he had received whilst alive with you all at Alderwood. Thank you I only wish that he had been able to be cared for by you all from the start.
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Review from Bob B (Son of Resident) published on 1 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother receives very good care.
She likes the staff and they are very polite and helpful.
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Review from Bruce W (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident at Alderwood Care Home since May 2014. Consistently the staff group have excelled in the care provided to mum. She is happy and settled. Enjoys her food, loves having her hair done. The manager and her team lead by example. Open and straight forward. Great environment, great
activities. Can't think of a better place for mum at this stage of her life.
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Review from Stewart B (Husband of Resident) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Alderwood is a wonderful care home and is managed to the highest level.
The care that is provided is second to none.
The facilities on offer at Alderwood are excellent as is the housekeeping and the catering services.
The management are always on hand to speak with, and the care staff provide fantastic
care with privacy and dignity.
The overall appearance of Alderwood is excellent.
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Review from John H (Son of Resident) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In our family experience over the last 6 years, we have found Alderwood Care Home to be one of the most outstanding in the area.
From the manager to the cleaning staff, all of them have been outstanding, dedicated to their jobs and committed to providing exceptional care for my relative.
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Review from Chris M (Husband of Resident) published on 4 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Taking advantage of a daycare option for my wife at Alderwood I soon became apparent why this facility has been classified as "outstanding". The care, love and compassion shown to my wife have been exemplary and I have great peace of mind knowing this. It is very clear that all members of staff, whatever
their role strive to provide the highest standard of service, which is a testimony to the hands-on approach of the Manager. The net result of the team effort at Alderwood is a warm, friendly home from home environment and in a word it is Exceptional.
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Review from Sue G (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family have all been impressed with the exceptional level of care and kindness shown by all the staff. They treat her with respect and dignity, but also show affection. They have become an extended family which is more than we could ever imagine. We feel my mother is safe, well cared for medically.
Interested in the activities available and has a good quality of life. Alderwood Care Home is a very special place.
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Review from Shelagh T (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our parents lived in Alderwood Care Home for more than five years. My mother making seven years. We, my sister and brother and I can't praise the staff highly enough. Alderwood has done a fantastic job for them both. They were loved and cared for as the individuals they both were. It made all
the difference in the world knowing our parents were so well looked after.
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Review from Sue M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father and my aunt were both cared for at Alderwood and they both received a service second to none.
I never had a moments worry during their time at the home.
The staff treated the ladies and gents in their care with kindness, compassion and love.
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Review from R M (Niece of Resident) published on 31 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good home which puts service users above anything else. Staff are very friendly and very good attention to detail.
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Review from Jenni W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What an amazing place. The dedication, compassion and level of care is outstanding.
During a difficult few months, seeing my father passing and my mother moving into Alderwood, the care for my mother and support for the family has been fantastic.
A really 'homely' feel and great activities for families
to get involved with as well.
Very highly recommended.
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Review from Michelle H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not have found a better place for Mum to reside.
The care is awesome, always activities taking place and the support is incredible.
Hats off to Alderwood!
Incredible place.
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Review from Vivian L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum was very poorly on admission in April 2016, she has been given the quality of life where she had none before. She has been exposed to loving care that I would not have thought possible, and her family have been treated with enormous kindness too.
Her carers have become her (and our) friends
to whom we are eternally grateful.
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Review from Jacalyn D (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been living here since the beginning of the year. She loves it and is so much happier. The team at Alderwood are so committed and caring. Nothing is too much trouble. So many activities and family participation. Very happy and would recommend.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.956)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.956) 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 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.956 for Alderwood Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (260 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 272 Ratings = 4.956
  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 Alderwood Care Home is based on 23 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 65 registered maximum number of service users is 13, which has been reached with 23 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 (22)

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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