Merlin's Barrow

Is this your care home?

Claim this profile to update details, add photos, and respond to enquiries.

Claim This Profile

About Us

Merlin's Barrow is a small residential home near Marlborough. We support adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, and we offer respite stays.

Being small is the point. This is a house rather than a unit, and it is run with the people who live in it. Meals, shopping, laundry, what goes on the walls and how the household works are all decisions people take part in, and support is built around what somebody wants from their life rather than around a timetable that suits the rota.

That might mean help with cooking and managing money, support to keep a college place or a job, assistance to travel independently, or somebody alongside on a difficult day. For autistic people we pay close attention to sensory needs and flag changes well in advance, because unexpected change is usually the hardest part of living anywhere.

Communication takes different forms here and we learn each person's, whether speech, signing, pictures, objects or the particular way somebody shows they have had enough. Our staff are trained in positive behaviour support and we keep the team consistent so that people are supported by those who know them well.

We are in the countryside, which suits some people very well and means we put real effort into transport and into keeping up with friends, groups and activities in Marlborough and beyond.

Our most recent overall rating from the Care Quality Commission is good. Please get in touch if you would like to look round.

Common questions about Merlin's Barrow

Where is Merlin's Barrow located?

Merlin's Barrow is a residential care home in Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 4BT. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.

What type of care does Merlin's Barrow provide?

Merlin's Barrow is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Learning disability and autism support, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.

What is Merlin's Barrow's CQC rating?

Merlin's Barrow is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 25 July 2018. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.

Does Merlin's Barrow offer respite or short-term care?

Yes. Merlin's Barrow offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.

Contact Merlin's Barrow

Phone the home directly, or send an enquiry and we will pass it on.

Care We Offer

  • Learning Disability / Autism: Person-centred support that helps people with a learning disability or autism live as independently as possible.
  • Respite Care: Short stays that give family carers a break, or help someone recover after illness or a hospital stay.
  • Residential Care: Help with everyday living, meals and personal care in a supportive home setting.

Questions families ask about Merlin's Barrow

Answered from the CQC register where we can. 6 of these the home has not told us yet, so ask when you call.

Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?

No. Merlin's Barrow is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later. Source: CQC register

Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?

No. Merlin's Barrow is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home. Source: CQC register

Can they try a short stay before deciding?

Yes. Merlin's Barrow offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit. Source: CQC register

Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?

Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.

Can she bring her cat or dog?

Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.

Can a couple stay together?

Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.

Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?

Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up. Use our funding calculator to check what you might pay.

Do they take younger adults as well as older people?

Ask the home. The register does not say which age groups the home supports. Ask the home.

Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?

Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.

Take these with you

Want a home that already answers yes to what matters? Search nearby with filters.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

  • Latest inspection: 25 July 2018
  • Report published: 25 July 2018

Overall: Good

  • Safe: Requires Improvement
  • Effective: Good
  • Caring: Good
  • Responsive: Good
  • Well-led: Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Ratings are as published by the CQC and may not reflect the current position of the service.

Typical weekly fees in the South West

Merlin's Barrow has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South West, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.

Indicative figures for the South West, not a quote from Merlin's Barrow. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.

Is this your care home?

Claim this profile to unlock full details, add photos, respond to enquiries, and more.

Claim This Profile

More care homes in Marlborough

Other care homes nearby, highest CQC-rated first.

Browse more care homes

All care homes in Marlborough All care homes in Wiltshire