Business Details
35 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Senior Living Solutions in Brentwood
St Michaels Homes is a family-run care provider established in 1991 by Sheila Watson, a registered nurse with extensive experience in gerontology. Our two adjacent care homes, Howard Lodge and Dudbrook House, offer compassionate support for elderly residents in Kelvedon Common, Essex. With Sheila's 25-year midwifery background and five years as a health advisor to the elderly, our care philosophy prioritises dignity, individuality, and companionship. Our facilities feature modern amenities, beautifully maintained gardens, and a strong focus on reducing loneliness through community-building activities. We provide tailored day care, respite care, and long-term residential services for individuals with varying needs, including dementia care.Our dedicated team ensures 24/7 support through nurse call systems and regular medical check-ups by local GPs. The Seniors Lunch Club fosters social interaction for community members, while our catering services deliver nutritionally balanced meals. We maintain strong family communication channels and offer flexible visiting arrangements. Our commitment to person-centred care has earned consistent praise from residents' families, who highlight our staff's exceptional patience and dedication. With over three decades of experience, we continue to uphold our founding principle: treating every resident as part of our extended family.
Services
Day Care Services
Medical Care Services
Respite Care
Catering Services
Hotel Services
Seniors Lunch Club
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Family-run operation with 30+ years' experience in elderly care
- Personalised care plans developed by healthcare professionals
- 24/7 nurse call system with emergency response capability
- Award-winning catering meeting strict food safety standards
- Consistently praised for exceptional staff dedication in reviews
Associations and certifications
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
What people say
Loved by all staff
Spotless facilities
Excellent care
Family atmosphere
Proactive staff
Services
Day Care Services
Our day care programs provide stimulating activities and companionship for older adults in a safe environment. Services include personalised care plans, arts and crafts, group games, and local outings. We cater for dementia patients and offer respite for family carers, with fresh meals and refreshments provided daily. Activities are designed to promote independence and reduce loneliness through social engagement.
Medical Care Services
Comprehensive medical support includes regular GP visits, continence advice, and community nursing care. We create individualised care plans reviewed with families, offering 24/7 nurse call systems and medical equipment access. Our staff work closely with local healthcare providers to ensure residents receive coordinated treatment while maintaining dignity and personal choice in a comfortable setting.
Respite / Short Term Care
Flexible respite options provide relief for primary carers through day placements or short stays. We support individuals with old age, dementia, physical disabilities and sensory impairments in a welcoming environment. Our service offers peace of mind with professional care during recovery periods or planned surgeries, maintaining the same standards as our permanent residential provision.
Seniors Lunch Club
Our subsidised lunch club combats social isolation through communal dining and entertainment. For 5 daily, participants enjoy two-course meals, refreshments, and activities in our Miss Phoebes Tea Room. Transport is available at 50p per mile, with both residents and community members welcome to join for companionship and structured social engagement opportunities.
Hotel Services
We provide fully maintained accommodation with nurse call systems, medical equipment access, and personalisation options. Our housekeeping team ensures high cleanliness standards, with laundry services and transport assistance available. Rooms feature safety monitoring systems while maintaining homely comforts, creating a secure yet welcoming environment that residents can personalise with their belongings.
People
Sheila Watson
Director
Registered nurse with 25 years' midwifery experience and five years as elderly health advisor. Holds gerontology diploma. Founded St Michaels Homes in 1991 to implement top-down compassionate care philosophy.
Claire Watson
General Manager
Advanced care management professional with NVQ level 4 qualification. Registered Managers Award holder. Experienced in implementing person-centred care approaches and maintaining ACAS compliance standards.
Sean Watson
Facilities Manager
Construction professional with HNC qualification. Oversees maintenance of both care home sites, ensuring high-standard facilities that combine safety with homely environments for residents.
Questions
What types of care do you provide?
We offer residential, dementia, and respite care alongside day care services and our Seniors Lunch Club. Our facilities cater for old age, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments.
Are meals included in your services?
Yes, our catering service provides nutritionally balanced meals with BRCGS-accredited safety standards. We accommodate special diets, allergies, and cultural preferences across both homes.
Can families visit residents anytime?
We offer 24/7 access for family visits. Care plans are regularly reviewed with families, and we maintain open communication channels about residents' changing needs.
How do you support residents' social needs?
Our Seniors Lunch Club, entertainment programmes, and group activities promote social interaction. Residents participate in local outings while our community atmosphere fosters friendships between residents and staff.
What safety features do you have?
We operate 24/7 nurse call systems with wireless devices and pressure mats. Both homes maintain strict safety protocols while providing freedom of movement within secure environments.
How do you handle medical emergencies?
Our 24/7 care team coordinates with local GPs and community nurses. Emergency response procedures ensure rapid assistance while maintaining regular health monitoring to prevent crises.
