Bracknell's best care homes - according to reviews

Although the Care Quality Commission uses its inspections to rate care, the list of the best care and residental homes is rated by the reviews that they receive from both residents and relatives.

Different aspects that are assessed include Facilities, Care/Support, Cleanliness, treated with dignity, staff, food/drink, and management.

The top five rated across Bracknell Forest spread across the area from Ascot to Warfield.

St David’s Nursing Home – Ascot Priory, Priory Road, Ascot

Rated: 10 (55 reviews)

St David's Nursing Home focuses on a service of quality care and personal dignity, overseen by experienced care workers and set in beautiful grounds.

According to the provider, St David's boasts a high staff to resident ratio, striving for a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere that contributes to mental health.

The care home was awarded Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

One reviewer who gave the care home a top rating said: “This was my aunt's care home of choice, having had a personal connection to the Priory dating back to childhood.

“The staff are wonderful and have given her the most loving and professional care during her many periods of respite here. She came to the home most recently in July for more long-term care and all of her friends say how happy she is. I can also see that she has settled with good friendships being made and good memories.”

Pinehurst Care Centre - 38/44 Duke's Ride, Crowthorne RG45 6ND 

Rated: 9.9 (112 reviews)

Situated in the leafy village of Crowthorne, the well-maintained facility offers 24-hour care for people over the age of 65, and in particular those living with Dementia. They have a long-serving team of support staff that provide high-quality, person-centred care within a homely environment.

They offer short-term and long-term, respite and post-operative care.

A relative who left a positive review said: “Nan is very happy here at Pinehurst. The staff treat her like a Queen and look after her well. Nan is always bright and happy when I visit her.

“Pinehurst keep her occupied with a varied list of activities across the week and she always looks like she is having a great time. The staff are fantastic and very attentive, no matter how busy they are.”

St Christopher’s - Ascot Priory, Priory Road, Ascot SL5 8RS

Rated: 9.9 (32 reviews)

St Christopher's is a beautiful, family run, care home where residents' quality of life is paramount. The home is set in 40 acres of beautiful grounds and rated Outstanding by CQC (March 2022).

The son of a long-term resident with dementia said: “St Christopher's has been great for my mum, who is suffering from dementia. Her quality of life has improved tremendously alongside her mental and physical well-being.
“All aspects of her care have been of the highest quality, from the standard of accommodation and the calibre of the staff to the extensive activities to keep the residents engaged and entertained.

“The food is of restaurant quality, and each day's menu is interesting and varied. I have full access to visit Mum at any time (within reason), and I am able to take Mum out for trips at will.
“The care, tenderness, and professionalism that the staff show is very reassuring to me, and I have complete confidence that Mum is in precisely the right place.”

Bickerton House - Warfield Road, Bracknell RG12 2JA 

Rated: 9.9 (38 reviews)

Bickerton House in Bracknell, Berkshire, is a purpose-built care home with its own hair salon, coffee shop and cinema. Relaxing lounges, landscaped gardens, and bedrooms with en-suite facilities, all add to the level of luxury that residents can enjoy.

The team provides a range of care services, from residential and nursing care to specialist dementia care, on a short stay and permanent basis.

Residents have praised the care that they receive in the residential home.

One resident said: “I have been a resident at Bickerton House for two years or so. I came here for end-of-life care but two years later I'm still around and am very active around the home. I think Bickerton has been good for me as I'm no longer as ill as I was and I managed to fill my days doing lots of things around the home. 

“I love the activities and the gym sessions, I'm a resident ambassador so I spend a lot of time chatting to other residents, staff and relatives, I also go and chat to new residents and try to make them feel welcome. All in all I'd say I've gained a new lease of life which I think is testament to Bickerton's care.”

Astbury House Care Home - Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell RG12 7AU

Rated: 9.9 (52 reviews)

Astbury Manor Care Home, a popular three-story residence in Bracknell, dedicates two floors to residential care and one to dementia care. Recognised for its award-winning design, the home is known for breathing life into its spaces. 

For respite care in Berkshire, Astbury Manor offers shorter stays, providing a 'taster' of care home life. 

Reviews include one from the daughter of a resident.

She said: “Astbury Manor Care Home is five star. My mother is extremely happy at Astbury Manor. All the staff are great, the receptionist staff are amazing and so friendly.
“I would highly recommend Astbury Manor. Every time I visit my mother she tells me how happy she is that she moved there. Well done to all.”