The 10 Best Care Homes In St Albans
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There are several care homes in St Albans rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These provide the highest levels of person-centred care and boast luxurious facilities, including spacious, fully-furnished en-suite bedrooms.
Knowing which option is best for you or your loved one isn’t easy, so we’ve rounded up the best care homes in St Albans below. For each, we’ve explained what types of care are available, facilities and activities on offer, CQC ratings and any additional information you might need.
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Explore the best care homes in St Albans:
- Fonthill House
- Vesta Lodge
- Fosse House
- The Orchard
- Tenterden House
- Willow Court
- Acacia Mews
- Mountbatten Lodge
- Greenacres
- St Pauls
Fonthill House
The first option on our list of the best care homes in St Albans is Fonthill House Care Home. This home boasts an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), England’s health and social care regulator. Only 4% of care homes have this rating, so you can be sure your loved one will receive care of the highest standard.
Fonthill House is also rated ‘Outstanding’ in four of the five main categories, including how responsive the care team are to changing care needs, and how effective the care given is.
We love Fonthill House's location. It’s near the centre of St Albans and surrounded by Hertfordshire greenery, including the lovely Gorhambury Park and Gardens, which is just a short walk away.
Several types of care are available at Fonthill House, all given by the hardworking, compassionate team. Residential care is aimed at people who need regular support to remain independent with tasks such as washing and getting dressed. Meanwhile, your loved one may require nursing care if they need 24/7 medical support from registered nurses.
Residents with greater care needs benefit from high-grade pressure-relieving mattresses, while those with lesser care needs have comfortable divan beds. Every bedroom is en-suite, and communal facilities include a bustling coffee shop, a beauty salon and a music lounge where residents enjoy playing the piano.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Outstanding
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Outstanding
- Caring - Outstanding
- Responsive - Outstanding
- Well-led - Outstanding
CQC Publication Date: 18/03/2021
| Learn more about Fonthill House: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, nursing, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Outstanding |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | Yes |
| Facilities | A bar, a cinema room, gardens, a library, a communal dining area, outdoor terracing, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 64 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Fonthill Care |
Are you interested in viewing Fonthill House?
For availability and pricing, call 03330 419889.
Vesta Lodge
Next up is Vesta Lodge Care Home, which is just a short walk from the centre of St Albans. It’s near countless amenities for older adults, such as quaint cafés, classic pubs, and convenient shops. This home is also close to the eye-catching St Albans Abbey and Verulamium Park.
The team at Vesta Lodge specialise in residential care. This is aimed at those who need support with tasks relating to their personal hygiene and is available to people living with a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. Several additional elderly care options are also available, including temporary convalescent care if you’re recovering after an illness, accident or operation, adult day care services if you need looking after during the day but not full-time, and more.
Residents love Vesta Lodge's range of facilities. In addition to stylish and spacious en-suite bedrooms, you’ll find cosy communal lounges, an inviting café, a luxurious hair and beauty salon, and manicured gardens, which residents love to relax in during the summer months.
What’s more, the dedicated activity coordinator ensures there’s always something for residents to do, with gardening and day trips to points of interest in St Albans and beyond particularly popular.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Good
CQC Publication Date: 15/04/2021
| Learn more about Vesta Lodge: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, communal and private dining areas, a room for spending time with family, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 61 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Quantum Care |
Are you interested in viewing Vesta Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01727 738514.
Fosse House
Another of the best care homes in St Albans, Fosse House Care Home is situated in the St Stephens neighbourhood, right next to Prae Wood. Impressively, Fosse House has a ‘Good’ overall CQC rating, and even an ‘Outstanding’ rating for how quickly the care team respond to changing care needs and updates your loved one’s care plan as a result.
24/7 residential and dementia care are available at Fosse House on a permanent or short-term respite basis. When slots are available, respite care is often given for a few weeks at a time, ideal if you’re a carer for a family member and need to take a brief break from these duties.
There’s always something to do at Fosse House, with St Albans Abbey and the city centre just a short walk away. Within the home, residents can spend their days in one of the comfortable communal lounges, the modern hairdressing salon, or the on-site café, which is a popular spot for relaxation and socialisation.
Private, local authority and NHS funding are all accepted here. In St Albans, you’ll pay for your own care if your savings, income and assets are worth £23,250 or more. Your local authority will pay for some or all of your care if they’re worth less than that. Meanwhile, you could qualify for NHS funding if you have complex medical needs.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Outstanding
CQC Publication Date: 22/02/2022
| Learn more about Fosse House: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, communal and private dining areas, a room for spending time with family, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 81 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Quantum Care |
Are you interested in viewing Fosse House?
For availability and pricing, call 01727 224608.
The Orchard
It’s difficult not to be impressed by The Orchards Care Home. Each of the 63 bedrooms is spacious and has an en-suite bathroom. The home itself is surrounded by lush greenery, tucked away in a quiet residential area of St Albans, and within walking distance of the city centre.
Recently refurbished, every aspect of The Orchard has been designed with older adults in mind. The home is full of bright and airy communal spaces, including comfortable lounges, a hair salon, a privately-accessed terrace, and a café-style bistro where homemade cakes and freshly brewed hot drinks are served.
There’s also an activity room, where fun activities are organised on a regular basis. These are often based on residents' individual interests and hobbies, such as painting, gardening, gentle exercise, dance classes, and more.
Residential, nursing, dementia and respite care are all available at The Orchard. Convalescent care, physical disability support and dignified palliative care are also offered. Palliative care is aimed at people who have been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic condition. The focus is on making your loved one as comfortable and fulfilled as possible.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Good
CQC Publication Date: 18/03/2021
| Learn more about The Orchard: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, nursing, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, a communal dining area, outdoor terracing, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 63 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Caring Homes |
Are you interested in viewing The Orchard?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 302241.
Tenterden House
Tenterden House Care Home also has an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC, making it one of the best homes in the area. It’s rated ‘Outstanding’ for the fantastic standard of care provided and how well-led the care team are by management.
Residential and nursing care are both offered at Tenterden House on a permanent or short-term basis. Their nursing care is available around the clock. Your loved one may require this care if they need intensive rehabilitation following a stroke, or if they have a specific condition such as Parkinson’s.
Tenterden House is just south of St Albans, set across 13 acres of beautiful gardens. Managed by Bupa Care Homes, one of the country’s most well-respected operators, Tenterden House boasts a variety of modern facilities, including beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, stylish communal lounges, a group dining room, a dedicated activities room, and an area dedicated to peace and quiet.
Residents are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms by bringing treasured possessions and furniture, helping create a home-from-home atmosphere. Activities vary from day to day, but popular options include gentle armchair exercises, performances from visiting entertainers, quizzes, and an art club.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Outstanding
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Outstanding
- Caring - Outstanding
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Good
CQC Publication Date: 09/09/2020
| Learn more about Tenterden House: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, nursing and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Outstanding |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | A dedicated quiet space, a communal dining area, an activity room, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | 25% of bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 40 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | No |
| Care Home Operator | Bupa |
Are you interested in viewing Tenterden House?
For availability and pricing, call 01923 603645.
Willow Court
Willow Court Care Home is nestled in the peaceful town of Harpenden on the outskirts of St Albans. Each bedroom in this home is en-suite and fully furnished. Additionally, it benefits from internet connectivity, a telephone point, and a nurse call system.
We love the facilities at Willow Court. Our favourite is the Best Friends Café, where your loved one can enjoy a homemade cake and hot drink with fellow residents, family and friends. The café’s French doors open onto one of the home’s patios, where parties and barbecues often occur.
Residential and dementia care are both available at Willow Court on a permanent or short-term basis. For residents with greater care needs, support is given around the clock, and additional services such as laundry are included. Specialist support for people living with a mental health condition or physical disability is also offered.
The dedicated activity care worker at Willow Court ensures each day is different. Residents are often taken on day trips to neighbouring Hertfordshire cities and towns such as St Albans, and other activities include gardening, pampering sessions, light exercise, and arts and crafts.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Outstanding
CQC Publication Date: 18/04/2019
| Learn more about Willow Court: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, communal and private dining areas, a room for spending time with family, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 81 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Quantum Care |
Are you interested in viewing Willow Court?
For availability and pricing, call 01582 377562.
Acacia Mews
East of St Albans, Acacia Mews Care Home is situated in the idyllic town of Hatfield. Within the home, you’ll find a range of modern facilities to help residents feel right at home, including communal dining areas and comfortable lounges, a hairdressing salon, a café, and expansive, manicured gardens.
Meanwhile, every bedroom is large and equipped with an en-suite walk-in shower room and a flat-screen TV. These bedrooms are set across three floors, with bedrooms on the top floor having kitchenettes, making them suitable for couples who crave a little more independence.
The care team at Acacia Mews specialise in residential and dementia care. If your loved one is living with dementia and can no longer safely live by themselves, this support may be suitable for them.
A full wellbeing and activities programme ensures there’s always something for residents to do. Gardening, pampering sessions, game evenings and trips out in the home’s minibus are all popular choices among residents.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Good
CQC Publication Date: 04/02/2020
| Learn more about Acacia Mews: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, a communal dining area, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 68 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Avery Healthcare |
Are you interested in viewing Acacia Mews?
For availability and pricing, call 01707 927868.
Mountbatten Lodge
Mountbatten Lodge Care Home is within walking distance of numerous convenient amenities, including handy shops and delicious restaurants. The home is in the heart of Hemel Hempstead which is west of St Albans.
At Mountbatten Lodge, the highest standard of person-centred care is given. The primary care types are residential and dementia care on a permanent or short-term respite basis, while convalescent, mental health, palliative and physical disability care are also offered.
We love the communal facilities at Mountbatten Lodge, especially Peg’s Café, a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a hot drink and homemade cake. Residents often go here when family and friends visit. Meanwhile, every bedroom is furnished with comfortable furniture and has a nurse call system in case of emergencies.
The beautifully landscaped gardens provide the perfect setting to unwind during the spring and summer months. Residents enjoy wandering through these grounds using the flat pathways.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Outstanding
CQC Publication Date: 14/06/2019
| Learn more about Mountbatten Lodge: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, communal and private dining areas, a room for spending time with family, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 60 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Quantum Care |
Are you interested in viewing Mountbatten Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01442 504631.
Greenacres
Greenacres Care Home is conveniently close to public transportation and the A1(M), making it easy for friends and family to visit.
This is a wonderful place to be looked after in later life. Hardworking and friendly carers provide residential, dementia, and respite care. Temporary convalescent care, mental health support, compassionate palliative care, and physical disability care are also available if needed.
Several state-of-the-art communal areas are located within Greenacres, including welcoming lounges, bright and airy dining rooms, and a large enclosed garden with seating areas. Residents love the parties and barbecues that take place here throughout the summer months.
Greenacres also has a designated activity care worker who plans numerous activities for residents to enjoy. From arts and crafts and gentle exercise to visiting entertainers and trips out of the home, there’s never a shortage of things to do and participate in.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Good
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Good
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Good
CQC Publication Date: 09/02/2018
| Learn more about Greenacres: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Good |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | No |
| Facilities | Gardens, a dedicated quiet space, communal and private dining areas, a room for spending time with family, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 60 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Quantum Care |
Are you interested in viewing Greenacres?
For availability and pricing, call 01707 241062.
St Pauls
The final entry on our list of the best care homes in St Albans is St Pauls Care Home. This is another home with an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating, indicating the fantastic level of dignified care and support offered here. This care is tailored to the individual needs of each resident, in accordance with the findings from their care needs assessment and care plan.
In particular, St Pauls has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for how the team responds to the changing needs of residents, and how well-led they are by management, with ‘Good’ ratings for the other three main CQC categories. Residential, dementia, nursing and respite care are all offered here.
If your loved one is living with dementia, they’ll particularly benefit, as this home has been designed with best practices for dementia care in mind, helping to create a calming setting. The charming gardens with spacious relaxation areas and a friendly resident rabbit are beloved by residents, while communal dining areas provide the perfect location for residents to build meaningful friendships with each other.
St Pauls is just a short drive from the city of St Albans. Nearby, you’ll find quaint green spaces that are perfect for older adults to explore, including Howe Grove Wood and Millhill Gorse.
CQC rating:
- Overall - Outstanding
- Safe - Good
- Effective - Outstanding
- Caring - Good
- Responsive - Good
- Well-led - Outstanding
CQC Publication Date: 08/05/2020
| Learn more about St Pauls: | |
|---|---|
| Type(s) of Care Offered | The main types offered are residential, nursing, dementia and respite care |
| Care Quality Commission Rating | Outstanding |
| Are Bills Included in the Price? | Yes |
| Facilities | A bar, a cinema room, gardens, a dedicated quiet space, a communal dining area, outdoor terracing, an activity room, a café/restaurant, and a hair and beauty salon |
| Are There En Suite Facilities? | All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms |
| Number of Beds | 88 |
| Is the Home Purpose-Built? | Yes |
| Care Home Operator | Westgate Healthcare |
Are you interested in viewing St Pauls?
For availability and pricing, call 01442 979357.
Lottie matches care seekers with the best care homes in St Albans for their needs. You can also request a free list of care homes from our care experts, who will share homes matching your budget, location and type of care needed.
