ABOUT BALGOWAN HOUSE
Located close to the picturesque Saltwood Village Green, Balgowan was originally built over 100 years ago as an impressive family house. With the addition of later extensions, the building now provides a warm and friendly environment in which to reside and enjoys a comfortable and distinctly family feel.
Manager - Clare Baker RGN RMA
Clare qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1986, gaining both clinical and management experience within the NHS and Social Services before taking the position of Manager at Balgowan in 2012. Clare has since gained the prestigious Registered Managers Award and works tirelessly at providing the highest standards of care for the residents of Balgowan.
Here's what we know about this Care Home from the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
General Information
Total number of beds
40
Last inspection date
2nd May 2017
Registered manager
Mrs Clare Baker
Local authority
Kent
Regulated activities
- Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care
- Treatment of disease, disorder or injury
Inspection Ratings
Safe
Good
Well-led
Good
Caring
Good
Responsive
Good
Effective
Good
40
beds in this Care Home
A good home to have found, very grateful
On balance the care is excellent.
Mrs R Mortimer
21st September 2017
21st September 2017
Balgowan House
My mother has been at Balgowan House for a year now and when we were choosing a home for her Balgowan was our first and only choice. Her greeting on arrival was wonderful and the level of care and attention has not diminished. The improvement in Mum was swift and a joy to see. A caring staff that are always interacting with the residents whatever their job role. A well run happy home.
Simon C
31st August 2017
31st August 2017
A first class nursing home
All of the staff are hard working and very caring. They go out of their way to provide a happy and friendly environment for all the residents.
When I have to take my wife to clinic appointments they always provide a carer to go with us to help me which is very helpful.
Michael G
18th August 2017
18th August 2017
Our dear friend is comfortable
Our dear friend is comfortable and has nothing but praise for the staff other than to say they are having to work hard to satisfy all the needs of everybody and are sometimes stretched. We are pleased to see her so settled and happy.
Pauline
28th July 2017
28th July 2017
Very caring, professional nursing home
My sister is a resident at Balgowan Nursing Home and she is extremely well cared for both medically and personally. She is very happy and contented with the staff providing creative and leisure for the residents. I have never heard anybody make any negative comments with care or anything else. The management are very efficient and run an exceptionally good environment for both residents and staff.
Janet W
28th July 2017
28th July 2017
Balgowan House
The atmosphere of the home is one of friendship and goodwill, at all levels, qualities so needed by patients in their recovery. I shall always be grateful for the four weeks I spent there.
Marguerite W
12th June 2017
12th June 2017
Care, sympathy and support
My husband has been resident at Balgowan House for almost 3 months. He is extremely frail, now bed bound, and in the time he has been there I cannot fault the loving nursing care and attention he has received and also every attention which has been given to me on my daily visits to him. The manager is an excellent example to her team, she is always supportive to my husband and to me at all times. She has been at my side comforting and advising me on the occasions my husband has been extremely poorly. Without her help, sympathy and support to me and the tender loving care of all the staff to my husband I consider that I would have found the greatest difficulty in coping each day, and I am so very grateful to them all.
Margaret M
12th April 2017
12th April 2017
Staff that care
My Mother recently spent 4 weeks at Balgowan recuperating from a serious chest infection. My overriding impression is that all the staff care, which is a very good thing when running a care home. Balgowan dispelled all my preconceptions about care homes, it is efficient, clean, welcoming, well equipped with an excellent manager and excellent staff.
Barry W
10th March 2017
10th March 2017
A very caring provider
The care provided was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. The staff were caring and ready with help at any time.
B Wight
10th March 2017
10th March 2017
A true home full of care
Our mum spent her last five months in Balgowan and our whole family are so pleased we chose this nursing home. The care she has been shown is truly amazing. Nothing has been too much trouble.
Sadly, she was practically paralysed so her needs were very high, but at all times she has been treated with dignity, care and love.
We visited several homes before Balgowan; as soon as we walked in we knew this was the best: the warmth, openness and smiles of the staff have it standing far above the others we viewed.
The ethos of Balgowan is care, and this starts with the astonishing manager Clare. She has never been too busy for a chat, has ceaselessly supported us throughout our mum's stay, with advice, kindness and discretion. And I have to say this has been the case with all of her wonderful team; they became like family to us on our many visits and they all helped make a very difficult situation not only bearable but pleasant.
We will miss them all, as well as missing our mum.
Thank you.
June T
14th February 2017
14th February 2017
A wonderful care home, a real home full of care.
Our mum spent her last five months in Balgowan and our whole family are so pleased we chose this nursing home. The care she has been shown is truly amazing. Nothing has been too much trouble. Sadly, she was practically paralysed so her needs were very high, but at all times she has been treated with dignity, care and love. We visited several homes before Balgowan; as soon as we walked in we knew this was the best: the warmth, openness and smiles of the staff have it standing far above the others we viewed. The ethos of Balgowan is care, and this starts with Clare, the astonishing manager. She has never been too busy for a chat, has ceaselessly supported us throughout our mum's stay, with advice, kindness and discretion. And I have to say this has been the case with all of her wonderful team; they became like family to us on our many visits and they all helped make a very difficult situation not only bearable but pleasant. We will miss them all, as well as missing our mum. Thank you.
June Thomas
10th February 2017
10th February 2017
Keeps the resident central to all it does
Balgowan is run by Clare Baker who in all my dealing with her consistently shows an excellent standard of leadership in the home. She takes a great deal of pride in her extended family and will always put the needs of the resident first. The home has a very low level of staff turnover which reflects on how well led and how happy the environment is. I am happy to trust the welfare of my precious Mother to this team.
Anonymous
20th December 2016
20th December 2016
Stimulating environment
Met today for NHS continuous care assessment, Mum involved too, not done 'on remote', all very supportive and pleasant. Mum and I expressed really positive statement of all aspects. I do like that it is busy, active, lots going on at Balgowan to keep Mum interested and get her involved which, given her condition, would not happen otherwise and contributes greatly to her recovery.
Nigel O
20th December 2016
20th December 2016
A lovely place to stay
The staff all work very hard to make it a lovely place to stay. My friend spent her last six and a half years at Balgowan House. In spite of suffering with Dementia and being in bed for the whole of her stay she was always treated with respect and love. Her room was always spotless and warm. She was always clean and the bed linen changed regularly. The staff were always kind and caring and always made me welcome and involved me in her care. The last two weeks of her life were very sad but all the staff were very kind and all worked as a team in her care.
Jackie H
9th December 2016
9th December 2016
Lovely friendly atmosphere
I went to Balgowan Nursing Home because I am a private carer for a gentleman who now needs a nursing home as family live abroad. When I went in to see Claire, the manager, the staff were very polite and friendly, offered me a cup of tea, very lovely and friendly atmosphere. Claire was very helpful and respectful.
I was only there half an hour but what I saw was a very clean, lovely smelling home, tidy and fresh.
Gill D
23rd November 2016
23rd November 2016
Excellent Care and understanding
My husband is in late stage Alzheimers, he has been at Balgowan since early this year, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Claire the manager is brilliant, and because of this the staff are brilliant too.
The care they show to my husband is amazing even if it takes over half an hour to feed him, they always have the time, patience for him.
They also always have the time and patience for a chat, a cup of coffee and a cuddle when it all becomes too much to bare for myself and our daughters. I cannot thank them enough.
Anonymous
20th November 2016
20th November 2016
What a lovely home to be in
My mother in law has been at Balgowan just over a year and loves it. She is happy, confident, enjoys the activities, always something going on. We could not have found a better place for her. Thank you all for the love, care and support you have shown to her.
Mary E
27th October 2016
27th October 2016
An exceptional care provider
Hythe Care Homes all have an exceptional local reputation, good, very high standards. I am so very happy that my stepdad has been made to feel so very happy in this new home and I know that he will be very well cared for in every single way. Thank you all so very much.
karen T
27th October 2016
27th October 2016
An outstanding care provider
Balgowan was a godsend for our family after trying three other care providers in the area. The manager is friendly, approachable and always makes time for family members' questions. The open door policy means relatives can visit at anytime. The staff are warm and friendly. Residents are treated with respect and affection. The food is very good and the home is always fresh and clean. Families feel safe with their relatives needs being met so well. Would not hesitate to recommend Balgowan.
Petra B
20th October 2016
20th October 2016
A very caring provider
My 2 brothers and I are extremely happy with the care provided for our Mother. She is at the end of life care stage and this home totally understands the needs and emotions this brings. Claire the manager is empathetic, realistic, caring and creates confidence which is important given the press coverage care providers sometimes receive.
John H
20th October 2016
20th October 2016
Patient of 6 months
Staff pleasant enough but not listening to what is being asked of them.
Sheila H
13th October 2016
13th October 2016
Balgowan House replied on 14th October 2016:
On behalf of Balgowan House, I can only express my sincere apologies to the author of this review. We strive to meet the needs of every resident here and pride ourselves upon developing meaningful and open relationships with both residents and their representatives. If it is felt that we have failed a resident or their family, we would strongly urge them talk to us so that we can promptly rectify the matter. Clare Baker, Manager
On behalf of Balgowan House, I can only express my sincere apologies to the author of this review. We strive to meet the needs of every resident here and pride ourselves upon developing meaningful and open relationships with both residents and their representatives. If it is felt that we have failed a resident or their family, we would strongly urge them talk to us so that we can promptly rectify the matter. Clare Baker, Manager
A care home with a difference
I would regard this care home as a 'home'. The staff are genuinely caring and enthusiastic about their job. I received a warm welcome from the manager, Clare Baker, and every staff member she introduced me to. Both the resident and the family had very positive feedback. The room was very spacious and immaculately clean and very well decorated. To me, ten stars.
P.Yeni
15th September 2016
15th September 2016
A first class, caring provider
I have visited my 94 year old friend in Balgowan every week for the last months and each time found her happy and contented. The staff, from the manageress down, are always cheerful and approachable, also there is usually a member around should a resident need attention. The impression one gets at Balgowan is one of friendly, caring, efficiency.
D Smith
11th August 2016
11th August 2016
I cannot fault the home
I cannot fault the home in any way, both Margaret and staff are warm and caring, always welcoming. Residents are treated with dignity and understanding. The home is always clean, good quality food and plentiful. My husband is bed ridden and needs nursing care, he is always clean, tidy and clean shaven whenever I visit. I would have no hesitation in recommending this home.
J Richards
29th July 2016
29th July 2016
Friendly and welcoming
Felt happy leaving my mum in this home as all the staff were very friendly. The whole atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming, the food very good which encouraged my mum to eat, when at home she has no interest in food. She managed to gain weight whilst staying in the home. Also it was good to see her having her hair done and she seemed very happy to be there. So hope to be able to use the home again as it means being able to go away and not worry about what is going on at home.
S South
14th June 2016
14th June 2016
Care and compassion
I have never been spoken to in a condescending manner, but have been treated with care and compassion.
B Burbers
29th May 2016
29th May 2016
The best in the area
A happy, friendly home, both staff and residents and the fact that the residents are happy speaks volumes. A lovely welcoming atmosphere. We are so glad our relative is with you.
K Mortimer
29th May 2016
29th May 2016
A wonderful place
We visited Balgowan Nursing Home over a period of 6 months and in this time they cared for my friend's Aunt brilliantly. She was able to keep her dignity throughout her time there and the level of care she received was second to none. The staff, cleanliness, food and general upkeep is fantastic and I would recommend them to anyone. Keep up the fantastic work.
D Friend
28th May 2016
28th May 2016
Happy to have found such a perfect home
The staff are unfailingly friendly, cheerful and caring. The building is light, clean and bright and gives off a homely atmosphere. The food is excellent. It is too soon to give an in depth appraisal as my relative has only been there a week but so far I can only say that if you have to be in a nursing home then there can be no better place to be than Balgowan.
R Mortimer
28th May 2016
28th May 2016
Care and kindness
To all the staff at Balgowan, thank you for all the care and kindness you have given to our relative over the last 3 years.
Anonymous
28th May 2016
28th May 2016
The care is excellent
In the six months I have lived here I have been very happy. The care I receive is excellent. The general atmosphere here is friendly and the staff are most helpful in every way.
J Smith
4th May 2016
4th May 2016
Very efficient and well run
Staff are friendly and efficient.
M Luck
29th April 2016
29th April 2016
Rehab from hospital
It would be unfair to point out the standard of supreme to excellent for individuals. Both exist in the home. I am deeply grateful to all the staff for the care I received. I would come back to Balgowan, I loved every minute.
C Burgess
19th April 2016
19th April 2016
Thank you all
Although I may know many words, none of them seem enough to thank all oft he staff for the care given to my husband. If I ever get so ill that I cannot manage, my hope would be to be cared for at Balgowan.
N Hall
16th April 2016
16th April 2016
Thank you
Thank you for caring for our Dad so well in his last few months.
A Ford
15th April 2016
15th April 2016
A huge thank you
A huge thank you to all at Balgowan for making the last 18 months of Dad's life a happy one, Balgowan also became his home and the staff became his family. The love shown to him was genuine and true and there are no words that can thank them all enough.
C Jennings
15th April 2016
15th April 2016
Caring and attentive
Thank you to the staff at Balgowan for all the care and attention given to Mum, for the wonderful support given to the family and of course for all that tea and cake.
T Naylor
15th April 2016
15th April 2016
My brother is smiling
Thank you to all of the staff at Balgowan for all they are doing for my brother. He has a great sense of humour and since being at Balgowan he is smiling, and eating, again. They are a great team.
P Ayling
15th April 2016
15th April 2016
Wonderful care
My thanks to all at Balgowan for the wonderful care given to our dear Dad. They made his time with them very special, he enjoyed the banter and he loved them all. It has been very reassuring to us all as a family to know that he was in such good hands. He is now free from pain and at peace.
R Wanstall
14th April 2016
14th April 2016
Kind and supportive
I would like to say thank you so very very much for everything, all of the kindness and support, from the staff. Balgowan is such a lovely, amazing place which enabled my relative to be so happy and settled in his new home alongside all the other lovely residents.
K Tomlinson
14th April 2016
14th April 2016
Untitled review
No words can express my gratitude, appreciation and respect for the work they do at Balgowan. Clearly it is more than a job, their care and personal investment made me able to leave Mum in their care. I am proud and pleased about Mum's final days too, I am grateful to them for putting up with my endless questions and showing patience, their empathy was clear. Keep up the amazing work as it does make a difference.
K Jackson
14th April 2016
14th April 2016
Gifted, wonderful staff
To all of the gifted, wonderful staff at Balgowan, we were blessed to have you take care of our Mum. They made Mum happy.
P Kingston
14th April 2016
14th April 2016
A lovely happy birthday
I would like to thank the staff at Balgowan for a lovely, happy day on my relative's birthday. The food was wonderful and we all enjoyed it. Our relative even managed to eat half his main course and nearly all of his pudding.
K White
13th April 2016
13th April 2016
An exemplary nursing home
Balgowan is an exemplary nursing home providing high grade care in all areas. The manager and her staff are very supportive and respectful. Medical care is excellent. The food is of a very high standard and the menus are variable. Facilities are excellent. A very friendly place to live.
P Biscombe
13th April 2016
13th April 2016
A heartfelt thank you
A heartfelt thank you to Balgowan for looking after our beloved Mum and Nan. As a family we are so grateful for the excellent care and genuine affection shown to her. Thanks to them all she was able to live out the remainder of her days in warmth and comfort and with dignity.
Christine
13th April 2016
13th April 2016
Keep up the good work
My Mother in law has been in Balgowan for the last 6 months and she is like a changed person. She feels that the great staff are her extended family. She has made friends and is so happy, I cannot wish for more. Keep up the good work.
M Evans
8th March 2016
8th March 2016
A very good care home
When my wife first went into Balgowan Nursing Home she was very frightened and apprehensive but after her 2 weeks of respite care she had settled in very well and had shown marked improvement in her condition relating to panic attacks and anxiety. I am trying to arrange regular respite stays to benefit both my wife and myself. Overall a very good home.
M Grundy
8th March 2016
8th March 2016
Warm, friendly atmosphere
I love the warm, friendly atmosphere at Balgowan. So impressed with the standard of care and attention to personal needs. Could not be happier for my relative.
L Gibson
2nd March 2016
2nd March 2016
Wonderful care
We would like to thank you for the wonderful care you gave our mother in her last weeks of her long life.
The staff were friendly, caring and informative at all times.
Peter & Lily
25th February 2016
25th February 2016
Quality care provides quality time with Mum
Mum lived with us for eight and a half years and had always dreaded the thought of going into a home. She was heartbroken when, after a second fall, she was no longer able to care for herself and it was suggested she go into care. She has only been at Balgowan for a week and a a half but the change in her is remarkable. She has made new friends and is very happy. All the staff are genuinely caring and loving creating a lovely warm family atmosphere. As we no longer have to take care of Mum the time we spend with her is quality time. Sincere thanks to Balgowan.
J Allsop
11th February 2016
11th February 2016
The level of care is exemplary
We really cannot begin to thank everyone at Balgowan enough for everything that they do. The level of care that they provide to all is exemplary. The team are so friendly with the residents and family members alike and they are also very supportive, it really is like a homely family home. We would not hesitate to suggest Balgowan to anyone that may need it.
L Smith
20th January 2016
20th January 2016
An incredibly caring, happy home
I am absolutely blown away by Balgowan and the amazing service they provide to my Dad and my family. I am a student nurse and a health care assistant so I have experienced many good and bad care establishments but this is by far the best. They cannot do enough for my Dad, he really loves living here and is always raving to me about the food and the people. My Dad is only 58 and has many long term complex conditions so we were worried about finding a suitable home. Balgowan have done everything in their power to make Dad's transition from independent living to nursing care a an easy one. He recently had a stay in hospital, Balgowan rang the ward daily to ask how he was.
J Ayling
10th December 2015
10th December 2015
Caring and attentive
I have only been visiting Balgowan a short time so my judgement is fairly new but so far I have been impressed with the care and attention received by my friend. The staff are also very sympathetic and welcoming towards visitors.
G Hollins
27th November 2015
27th November 2015
A nursing home you can trust with care of the most vulnerable.
My father moved into Balgowan when the family and carers visiting him at home could no longer provide him with an acceptable standard of care. The manager and staff at Balgowan provided Dad with a very high standard of care, beyond our expectations. He told us he was really happy there ' I like them and they like me' he said. The staff were always professional, friendly and caring at all times and visiting relatives were also well looked after. Dad finally passed away on the 6th October, but the family know he had the best possible care in the final weeks of his life.
Thank you so much Clare and Balgowan staff, we'll be forever grateful.
Terry O.
Terry O'Regan
5th November 2015
5th November 2015
Amazing care and love
I cannot thank the staff at Balgowan enough for the amazing care and love they gave to my beloved Grandma, also for bringing her back to who she was allowing me nearly a year of precious time and memories with her. I am forever grateful and thankful for the precious and special time they enabled me to have with Grandma on Sunday to say goodbye in my own way. Every member of staff has always been so beautiful and loving and I thank them for the support and open honesty, this is something I have always liked and appreciated at Balgowan.
L Truss
22nd October 2015
22nd October 2015
Patience and empathy
No words can express my gratitude, appreciation and respect for the work they do at Balgowan Nursing Home. Clearly it is more than a job, their care and personal investment that I saw whilst Mum was with them made me able to leave her in their care. They show patience and empathy, their amazing work does make a difference.
K Jackson
22nd October 2015
22nd October 2015
Wonderful care
Our wonderful Aunt has only been at Balgowan Nursing Home for 2 weeks. When she was in hospital we saw the rapid deterioration in her, she was then moved to this lovely home, which was something we had said would never happen, but because she was so ill it was the only option. She has had the most wonderful care and attention and is now very calm and peaceful, she is so content, it makes us happy. Her room is always so clean and tidy, she speaks so highly of all of the staff who are always popping in to make sure all is well. She had 2 very nasty sores on her arms, they have now gone and her skin is lovely and soft, being creamed every day. I know this as I attend every day. Well done to them all and thank you for the care attention.
C Esposito
22nd October 2015
22nd October 2015
Happy and well cared for
As a health professional I visited a patient at Balgowan Nursing Home. I was greeted at the door, showed around, lovely surroundings which were kept immaculately clean, smelled lovely, looked homely. The residents seem happy and well cared for and would recommend this environment. Nurses available to aid with my visit, chaperoned patient.
HEN Nurse
7th October 2015
7th October 2015
Caring
Balgowan Nursing Home is a very caring, human and efficient care provider.
Anonymous
1st October 2015
1st October 2015
So very grateful to Balgowan
I cannot begin to thank the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home for everything they did for my relative during his short stay. their care and compassion were exemplary and I know that he enjoyed the company of all who came into contact with him. He had previously had a very lonely and sad life, living on his own and not being able to get out and about and I thank each and every one who attended my brother including those unseen folk in the background. I am so very grateful for the kindness shown to him and also to me, welcoming me and being there for me. I will never forget the attention shown to us both.
M Jordan
7th September 2015
7th September 2015
Good communications
I am impressed with staff communication to us, Sherway Community Mental Health Team, regarding their residents. The staff communicate well with our management plans and update us regularly.
Anonymous
4th September 2015
4th September 2015
An outstanding nursing home
My Mother was admitted to Balgowan Nursing Home in June. We are very impressed with the efficient running of the home and the kindness of all staff. They are unfailingly welcome whenever we visit. They make every effort to make our Mother comfortable and were very sensitive to our concerns. They are good humoured and patient and we have every confidence in them.
D Guest
19th August 2015
19th August 2015
Caring, welcoming and helpful
Mother was sent to Balgowan Nursing Home from hospital for one month to see if she could manage at home. She decided that she would like to stay there and is now a permanent resident. Staff at the home have got to grips with her various health problems and have proved very caring. Food is excellent and staff really try to be welcoming and helpful to family members when they visit. Even baking a cake and giving her a birthday party which she thoroughly enjoyed. All seems set to continue and family feel happy that Mum is being looked after and is safer than she would be in her own home.
D Smith
11th August 2015
11th August 2015
Happy and jolly atmosphere
The first thing I noticed on entering Balgowan Nursing Home was the atmosphere, it all seemed so happy and jolly. The staff have been excellent in their care of my husband, he is always treated with dignity and respect. A special mention needs to be made about the manager, Claire, she is very understanding and extremely helpful.
G O'Regan
5th August 2015
5th August 2015
Grandad was treated with respect and compassion
Thank you so much to all at Balgowan Nursing home for the kindness shown to my wonderful Grandad. They have all treated him with respect and compassion and always made me feel welcome when I visited.
K Chapman
9th July 2015
9th July 2015
We cannot praise them enough
I cannot say how thrilled we have been to see our relative so very well cared for at Balgowan Nursing Home. The staff make us so welcome on our visits. We cannot praise or thank everyone enough for all the loving care she receives. It is difficult living so far away but we know that she is in good hands and is so well looked after. A massive thank you to all at Balgowan.
R Jones
9th July 2015
9th July 2015
Level of care is exceptional
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of the team at Balgowan Nursing Home for looking after my mum. The level of care she received was nothing short of exceptional. She could not have been cared for any better and for that we are truly grateful. The professionalism and kindness of everyone at Balgowan made this extremely difficult time a whole lot easier to cope with. Mum was settled and saw Balgowan as her home, the staff were always welcoming and reassuring.
John A
3rd July 2015
3rd July 2015
The best possible care
I would like to say thanks you so very much to the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home for caring for my Mum in her last weeks. Sadly she was a resident there for only a short time but I had the great comfort in knowing Mum was receiving the best care possible. During a very difficult time, their compassion and support was such a great help, I could not have asked for Mum to have received better care. They are a truly fantastic team and I feel privileged to have met them.
Sue M
1st July 2015
1st July 2015
A wonderful place
My father spent the last 3 months of his life at Balgowan Nursing Home. What a wonderful place, the staff were so caring and understanding of his needs. Also as a family we were given support at a very difficult time.
J Wood
29th June 2015
29th June 2015
Very happy
We are very happy with the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home.
D Duncan
22nd June 2015
22nd June 2015
Making the move to a care home
We tried to keep Mum at home by increasing her home care but have now had to seek nursing care. The manager at Balgowan Nursing Home was welcoming, helpful and above all reassuring. Mum settled immediately and looked better almost instantly. All of the staff have been kind and patient with us as a family too which has made the move much easier.
J Allcock
15th June 2015
15th June 2015
Friendly, caring and approachable
I would not hesitate to place someone I care about in Balgowan Nursing Home. The staff are extremely friendly, caring and approachable.
F Lancaster
11th June 2015
11th June 2015
Well run home
The staff at Balgowan Nursing Home are very happy and approachable, it is a well run home. Excellent lady in charge, very helpful, friendly and compassionate. Mother had 5 months here in 2013 and my step mother is now a resident.
R Chandler
11th June 2015
11th June 2015
Kind, efficient, caring
Having had no experience of nursing homes I was very pleasantly surprised at the kindness and efficiency of the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home. It is quite amazing how the day to day running of the home goes quietly on without the residents ever being aware of staff problems or any other hazards of running an institution of this kind. The hygiene here is excellent, rooms cleaned every day, and residents personal needs attended to with tact and kindness. What I think is very important, the staff are always ready to listen to any problems, personal or otherwise, we may have. Our visitors are made very welcome and they are also invited to air their views which are carefully listened to.
L Colyer
20th May 2015
20th May 2015
Empathic , enthusiastic and caring team
We moved our Mum to Balgowan a few weeks ago from a different home. My mum is reliant on others for everything. I felt Clare and her team had real empathy for the situation. They were conscious of the emotional aspect of things and dealt with that as well as the practical aspect. Mum was already looking and responding better than she has done in a long time after a day ! All the team seem genuinely interested in making Mum as comfortable and as happy as possible. I appreciate the down to earth and homely feel of the place, we stay for hours so we really see the home and its way of working. We are always offered a cup of tea and biscuit which we appreciate. Nothing is of too much trouble and all the team are happy and dedicated which is great to see. I live abroad and left with a peace of mind that Mum is well looked after whilst I am not there.
Karen
19th May 2015
19th May 2015
My new home
I am very happy here at Balgowan Nursing Home, all the staff are wonderful, so kind and thoughtful to all residents. I have made some good friends here and the food is very good. When my family visit they are made very welcome.
G.B.
15th May 2015
15th May 2015
Very caring
From the moment we first visited Balgowan we had a good feel about the home and were very impressed with the staff who showed us around. All of our questions were thoroughly answered and we were also given a brochure which was useful. I gave this to my mum who would not join us at the time. Before Mum moved in her room was decorated and nothing seemed too much bother in making sure Mums room was prepared for her arrival. Since Mum has moved we have been very impressed with the care she has received. The staff are so caring and friendly, the food is homemade and looks delicious and the surroundings are homely. It gives me peace of mind to know that Mum is being so well looked after.
Sue
15th May 2015
15th May 2015
Happy with staff and care
My friend has been a resident of Balgowan Nursing Home for over 4 years, she has severe dementia but is always spoken to kindly and treated with great respect. Her room is always clean and tidy, my fiend is always clean and the linen on her bed very white and ironed. The nursing staff know her very well and make sure she is calm and comfortable. She seems very happy.
Anon
14th May 2015
14th May 2015
Excellent in every respect
This is my first experience of a nursing home such as Balgowan, I am only here for 2 weeks after leaving hospital. I cannot praise the care and friendliness enough. It has been excellent in every respect and the chef deserves a load of stars too. I can and will thoroughly recommend Balgowan to anyone who needs similar care and mentioned to a friend only yesterday that I although I hope not to need a nursing home permanently, if I do I have found the right one.
Vera L
14th May 2015
14th May 2015
An amazing team
Every member of staff at Balgowan Nursing Home is caring and nothing is too much trouble. The manager heads up an amazing team, there is a lovely family atmosphere and all visitors are made to feel at home. Where needed management discretion has been incredibly efficient and supportive.
Carolyn H
6th March 2015
6th March 2015
Very happy, helpful and caring staff
Since my husband has been at Balgowan he has gained back some weight, the food is excellent, and he is much improved and aware. We are hopeful that walking is the next improvement. Keep up the good work, Balgowan!
Mrs F
6th March 2015
6th March 2015
Excellent nursing care, high standards
On arrival at Balgowan Mum needed full nursing care and was socially reclusive. Due to the excellent nursing care she has been given, Mum now integrates with other residents. The staff are very caring, polite and respectful. The nursing structure is such that there is always a senior trained member of staff to lead and deal with any nursing issues promptly. I have visited daily so have a good view of the overall running, I am a retired health professional. The standard of nursing is high and cleanliness is exceptional. Food is nutritious and freshly cooked daily.
Polly K
6th March 2015
6th March 2015
Clean and comfortable
My mother is kept very clean and comfortable at Balgowan Nursing Home. She is extremely healthy and has been in better health during her time at Balgowan than at any time previously.
Steve R
5th March 2015
5th March 2015
High standard of care
Balgowan Nursing Home is extremely well run, I feel that it is because the manager ensures that all aspects of care are carried out to the highest standard.
Mrs S.W.
5th March 2015
5th March 2015
Extremely happy with the level of care
I am extremely happy with the level of care given to my Father at Balgowan Nursing Home. All staff are very professional and take on board each individuals needs and requirements. I am happy with the activities and have no concerns whatsoever about the care, I feel totally at ease and relaxed about my Father being a resident at Balgowan.
Alan F
4th March 2015
4th March 2015
Such lovely people
My Cousin is grateful to be looked after by such lovely people at Balgowan Nursing Home. I find everyone extremely helpful, especially with the administration of outside party input which is new territory for me.
Colin H
4th March 2015
4th March 2015
I would choose Balgowan for myself
If I had to stay in a nursing home I would chose Balgowan. Having seen at first hand the care and love extended to my brother during his palliative care I could not wish for better. Management and staff are so welcoming each time I visit.
Madeleine J
4th March 2015
4th March 2015
All very caring
The staff at Balgowan Nursing Home are all very caring, I would recommend this care home to others.
Mrs Austen
3rd March 2015
3rd March 2015
A good, caring home
Balgowan Nursing Home is a good, caring home.
R.C.P.M.
3rd March 2015
3rd March 2015
Balgowan Nursing Home
Having viewed several nursing home, we felt that Balgowan would meet our mother's and our needs. We are very pleased that our mother is looked after so well and that she is very content. The manager and staff have always gone out of their way to be helpful and I feel blessed to have found a nursing home that is so caring of its residents.
Linda E
3rd March 2015
3rd March 2015
A wonderful home
Balgowan offers a wonderful home for people in need of care. The staff are very warm and kind, nothing is too much trouble. My mother has had a new lease of life since she has been there.
Mrs Philpott
2nd March 2015
2nd March 2015
Kind and caring
I am very grateful to all of the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home for taking such care of Dad during his time as a resident. They are all so kind and caring.
Theresa B
14th February 2015
14th February 2015
More fantastic than we could have ever hoped for
Our family is so grateful to all of the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home for looking after our relative in his final few weeks with us. They were all more fantastic than we could have ever hoped for. I cannot being to say how grateful we all are.
Alison H
2nd February 2015
2nd February 2015
Excellent care and kindness
Thank you to everyone at Balgowan Nursing Home for their excellent care given and kindness shown to our dear Mum during her time there. It gave us all great peace of mind that she was safe and being cared for so well and we are sure she appreciated all that was done for her.
Jean H
21st January 2015
21st January 2015
Mum received excellent care
Mum received excellent care during her time at Balgowan Nursing Home. Our family was also shown kindness and courtesy when visiting.
Jean and Sheila
21st January 2015
21st January 2015
Mum has received devoted care at Balgowan
As a family we are so thankful for the devoted care both Mum and Dad have received at Balgowan Nursing Home during Mum's time there. We are especially grateful to them for making it possible for Mum to join her family at Dad's 90th birthday, to have had a party without her was unthinkable and we appreciate everyone's help to ensure she was there.
Gill
21st January 2015
21st January 2015
Eternally grateful for the wonderful care
We are eternally grateful to the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home for the wonderful care so willingly given to our Dad. It was so comforting to see him settled and happy.
Pam W
16th January 2015
16th January 2015
Our Mum enjoyed living at Balgowan
We would like to express our thanks to the staff at Balgown Nursing Home for making our Mum's last couple of months as comfortable as possible. She enjoyed being there.
Liz W
16th January 2015
16th January 2015
Our Mum enjoyed living at Balgowan
We would like to express our thanks to the staff at Balgown Nursing Home for making our Mum's last couple of months as comfortable as possible. She enjoyed being there.
Liz W
16th January 2015
16th January 2015
Very good home with lovely staff
We are very pleased with the care given to my mother since she came to Balgowan Nursing Home. Any problems seem to be dealt with quickly and the staff are wonderful. They always call her by her name and often get more of a response than the family do! They are very patient and calm and we were touched by how they decorated her room on her 90th birthday.
Carolyn M
15th January 2015
15th January 2015
The atmosphere is always a happy one
I have been visiting my wife at Balgowan Nursing Home for over a year and throughout that time she has been well cared for in every way and seems to be content there. The atmosphere is always a happy one.
K S Cox
15th January 2015
15th January 2015
I am pleased with the way my husband is looked after
Balgowan Nursing Home is very good. I am pleased with the way my husband is looked after. If he is ill the matron will ring me, they put themselves out of their way to help their residents. The home is very clean and tidy.
Mrs P.K.
10th December 2014
10th December 2014
A comfortable and happy environment
Since arriving at Balgowan Nursing Home my cousin has found companionship with both staff and residents and has improved greatly in all areas. My visits have been met with friendly and staff with helpful advise regarding my cousin, also dealing with outside parties on care issues. Both my cousin and I could not wish for a better environment.
Colin H
2nd December 2014
2nd December 2014
A warm, comfortable and welcoming home
Balgowan Nursing Home is a very warm and comfortable home, very welcoming. The management and staff are excellent. All the residents seem very happy and content. It is a lovely place to spend your last years.
Patricia P
2nd December 2014
2nd December 2014
Eternally grateful to Balgowan
My thanks to all of the staff at Balgowan for the wonderful care so willingly given to my dad. It was so comforting to see him relaxed and happy.
Pam W
Pam W
9th September 2014
9th September 2014
Balgowan took good care of Mum
We are very grateful to everyone at Balgowan Nursing Home for looking after mum and taking such good care of her.
Ros
Ros and family
9th September 2014
9th September 2014
Welcoming
Balgowan Nursing Home gave a warm welcome to us and our relative is settling in.
Mrs S
Mrs Saunders
9th September 2014
9th September 2014
Caring and thoughtful
Over the last year Mum has been treated with care and thoughtfulness by the staff at Balgowan. They have been understanding to her needs and made her as comfortable as possible.
Lynne
Lynne and family
9th September 2014
9th September 2014
Care, friendship and support
Balgowan Nursing Home gave care, friendship and support to our relative. We hope she will have the same care in her new home that she received at Balgowan.
Karen
Karen and Kay
9th September 2014
9th September 2014
Thank you
Thank you Balgowan for all the effort and kindness you showed in giving 'D' a lovely birthday.
Georgina
Georgina
8th September 2014
8th September 2014
A magnificent team
From the bottom of my heart I will never be able to thank the team at Balgowan enough for the love, superb care, respect and attention given to my darling Mum. I commend them on their leadership, professionalism and humanity, the whole team work as just that, a team to the very last one of them.
Pat
Pat
8th September 2014
8th September 2014
So kind
Clare and her team at Balgowan Nursing Home looked after our Mother so kindly. Their support was greatly appreciated.
J and family
J and family
8th September 2014
8th September 2014
Thank you so much
Thank you so much to all the staff at Balgowan for all they did for my mother whilst she was there.
Sue
Sue
8th September 2014
8th September 2014
Mum still misses the food at Balgowan!
Ever since moving, Mum still still talks about and misses all her friends at Balgowan Nursing Home, especially Mario's food. Every meal she has is still compared to his dinners.
Lisa M
Lisa M
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
Grateful to Balgowan
We are grateful to Clare and her team at Balgowan Nursing Home for all they have done for our mum.
Brian
Brian
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
Our thanks for your care
To all the staff at Balgowan Nursing Home, our thanks for all your care dealing with our mother.
Derek and family
Derek and family
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
Kind, attentive, warm and affectionate
Mere words seem totally inadequate to express my enormous thanks to everyone at Balgowan for the excellent care given to my mother throughout the last seven years, for everyone's kindness and attention, always given with warmth and affection, dignity and respect.
Ingrid H
Ingrid H
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
My sister loved the care and attention
My thanks to Balgowan for all the care and love given to my sister. In a strange way I think she had the happiest time of her life there, she loved the care and attention given to her.
Iris
Iris
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
They made Dad's day one to remember
Balgowan Nursing Home made a fantastic effort to make Dad's day one to remember. We were blown away by the banners, balloons and decorations adorning his room. The staff filled his room all day with laughter, fun and joy and Dad said many times how excited he was. We cannot thank them enough for a day we will never forget.
Jan and Terry
Jan and Terry
5th September 2014
5th September 2014
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
We'll be announcing our awards for the Top 10 and Top 20 Care Homes, amongst some other great achievements, at the start of the next year.
Is this your dental practice?
If you own or run this practice, why not be in with a chance of winning our prestigous award? Simply
contact us and start collecting 5 star reviews - as well as new patients
and higher internet presence - today!
STAFF MEMBERS
You'll soon be able to see a list of staff members at this home - along with a brief description and a photo (where the home provides this information).
Is this your care home?
If you own or run this home, log in to
your dashboard or contact us to sign up to our service in order to
add this information to your public profile.
How to find Balgowan House
Please refer to the Google Map displayed below - you can zoom, pan and use Street View as required. If you would like directions to Balgowan House from your current location, simply enter your postcode in the box opposite and press return.
JOB VACANCIES
In 2017 we'll be adding Job Vacancies to the Most Recommended Care website. Visitors will be able to browse and search for jobs, whilst homes will be able to upload job availabilities in a seamless manner.
Is this your dental home?
If you own or run this home, log in to
your dashboard or contact us to sign up to our service in order to
add this information to your public profile.