Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Residential Care Home in York
At Ivy Lodge Retirement Home, we are dedicated to creating a warm, homely environment where residents feel genuinely cared for. Our family-run business prioritises maintaining the highest standards of care, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and happy living space for all. With a team of experienced, permanent staff, we focus on delivering personalised physical and emotional support to residents aged 60 and above. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which recognises both our facilities and the compassionate care we provide. We believe in fostering independence while building meaningful relationships among residents, and our approach is rooted in the values we would expect for our own loved ones.Located in a beautifully converted Edwardian home in York, we combine a relaxed atmosphere with structured activities to enrich daily life. Our management team brings decades of combined experience in social care, ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement. Transparency, ethical practices, and resident well-being guide every decision we make. We welcome families to visit, ask questions, and experience firsthand how we create a true 'home from home' environment.
Services
Residential Care
Personal Care
Dementia Care
Respite Care
End-of-Life Care
Social Activities
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run business with over 25 years of combined experience in social care.
- Our care is rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- All staff are permanent, with extensive experience in elderly care.
- We create a homely environment that prioritises residents' independence and happiness.
- We offer tailored care plans and daily activities to enrich residents' lives.
Associations and certifications
- Care Quality Commission (CQC)
What people say
Outstanding care
Happy and caring home
Passionate team
Excellent CQC rating
Residents feel at home
Services
Residential Care
Our residential care service provides 24/7 support for older adults needing assistance with daily living. Trained staff deliver personal care, medication management, and emotional support in a homely environment. Residents benefit from tailored care plans, social activities, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. This service ensures dignity, independence, and comfort for individuals aged 60 and above.
Dementia Care
Specialised dementia care combines clinical expertise with compassionate support in a secure setting. Our staff receive ongoing training to address cognitive decline challenges, using person-centred approaches to maintain residents' dignity. Daily routines incorporate therapeutic activities and sensory stimulation to enhance quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and related conditions.
Respite Care
Respite care offers temporary support for families needing relief from caregiving responsibilities. Our flexible stays include full residential facilities and tailored care plans, allowing carers to rest while residents experience our homely environment. This service maintains continuity of care during transitions or family holidays.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support during life's final stages. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates with healthcare professionals to manage symptoms and provide spiritual care. Families receive guidance throughout the process, with bereavement support available post-residency.
Social Activities
Daily social activities promote mental stimulation and community connection. Our calendar includes themed events, arts and crafts, music therapy, and local outings. Activities are designed to accommodate varying abilities, encouraging participation while respecting residents' preferences for quiet time or solitude.
People
Lisa Walbridge
Registered Manager
Lisa has managed care homes in York since 2006, transitioning from social care after volunteering with older adults. She prioritises exceptional care standards and resident well-being, balancing work with family life and outdoor activities in the Lake District.
Helen Drake
Deputy Manager
Helen began her care career at 14 and has worked across residential and dementia care settings. She brings 25 years of experience from her time as a farmer's wife in North Yorkshire, focusing on enriching residents' lives through compassionate support and family involvement.
Charlie Helfferich
Owner
Charlie co-owns Ivy Lodge with Ruth after selling their financial services business. He oversees operations and decision-making, drawing on personal experience as his father resided here before requiring specialist nursing care. He works full-time at the home.
Ruth Helfferich
Owner
Ruth transitioned from teaching to co-owning Ivy Lodge, inspired by caring for her mother with Alzheimer's. She manages activities and outings, balancing business responsibilities with gardening and family time. She works full-time alongside Charlie.
Questions
What makes Ivy Lodge different from other care homes?
We combine family oversight with professional care, maintaining a homely atmosphere rated 'Outstanding' by CQC. Our permanent staff know residents personally, and we prioritise individual independence.
How does Ivy Lodge support residents' independence?
We create tailored care plans that balance assistance with autonomy, offering choices in daily routines and activities while ensuring safety through experienced staff supervision.
What happens during a care home inspection?
The Care Quality Commission assesses our standards through resident interviews, record reviews, and facility checks. Our 'Outstanding' rating reflects consistent excellence in care quality and safety.
How can families stay involved in residents' care?
We encourage regular communication through scheduled meetings, care plan reviews, and informal updates. Families can contact managers directly and participate in our social events.
What happens if a resident's care needs change?
Our team regularly reviews care plans and adjusts support levels as needed. We consult with healthcare professionals to ensure residents receive appropriate care within our facility.
Reviews (6)
Gill Cann
Jan 06, 2021
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My mother has been a resident at Ivy Lodge for about a year, and describes it as the best there is. From the very start she was made to feel welcomed, and nothing was too much trouble. Her own en suite bedroom is bright, well decorated and she is able to make it her own by hanging familiar photographs to remind her of the family.
Downstairs the seating areas are comfortable and stylish, and once again beautifully decorated. The home has a clean bright atmosphere.
Ivy Lodge has an in house chef and the food is described by my mother as varied and tasty. All the staff are well trained
Downstairs the seating areas are comfortable and stylish, and once again beautifully decorated. The home has a clean bright atmosphere.
Ivy Lodge has an in house chef and the food is described by my mother as varied and tasty. All the staff are well trained
Pam Edwards
Jan 01, 2021
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Ivy Lodge is an incredible place and since my Mum became a resident in October it has totally changed my perspective on Retirement/Care Homes!! Its a happy place, it really is and its a lovely place to visit as well as reside. Its immaculate and clean and very tastefully furnished both in the communal areas and the rooms. Most of all its the whole Team that makes it such a great place, they all go that extra mile and nothing is too much trouble either with any help I need or taking great care of my Mum.
Lockdown has been a hard time all round and when it started I worried so much
Lockdown has been a hard time all round and when it started I worried so much
Eldon Jackson
Dec 03, 2020
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My mum decided she need to go into a home about 6 years ago and we visited several. Ivy Lodge seemed clean and well run so we made the choice and we have never regretted it. Mum's condition has deteriorated over time and the staff have been superb in looking after her, they are always cheerful and kind. Since the new challenge of Coronavirus arrived the home has been run with the safety of residents as the foremost consideration, the rules are strictly applied but only because that's the right thing to do.
Helen Parker
Oct 29, 2020
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I have worked at Ivy lodge for nearly 10 years and have loved every minute of being part of such a lovely team. We all aim to give the highest standards of care and our residents and their families are our priority. Ivy lodge is a home from home where we have many activities including baking, flower arranging, arts and crafts, cards and board games, regular entertainment and regular trips to local attractions plus much more.
Mark Mennell
Aug 13, 2020
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My mother in law has been in Ivy Lodge for 10 months now and they have been amazing with her particularly during lockdown. She has enjoyed a wide variety of activities organised in house and has been able to continue having her hair done every week by the staff. She is desperate to be able to hug her family and play with her granddaughter but until it is safe this is not allowed, this is the reason all staff and residents have been free from the virus. They have however, erected a gazebo in the garden with flowers around it and with a separation screen for visits where you can speak freely and
Angela Ashby
Jul 04, 2020
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I am a carer at Ivy lodge, I must say what a happy and enjoyable place to work. As well as it being a family run home its a family environment for both staff and residents. I look forward to going to work.
