The 9 Best Care Homes In Watford

If you’re searching for a care home in Watford, look no further. Below, you’ll find nine of the best care homes in Watford, including those providing high-quality residential, nursing and dementia care on a 24/7 basis.

We’ve picked these homes for their impressive Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings - with all rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ - their range of state-of-the-art facilities, the nutritious and delicious food served, and the enjoyable activities organised for residents to participate in.

---

Explore the best care homes in Watford:

1. Prince Michael of Kent Court
2. Elton House
3. Courtland Lodge
4. Oakmoor Lodge
5. Carpenders Park
6. Clarendon Lodge
7. Pinewood Lodge
8. Erskine Hall
9. Riverside Lodge

---

Prince Michael of Kent Court

The first entry on our list of the best care homes in Watford is Prince Michael of Kent Court Care Home. This home has an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Approximately 4% of homes in England receive this rating, so you can be confident of an excellent service here.

This overall rating comprises five sub-categories, and Prince Michael of Kent Court is also rated ‘Outstanding’ in three of them. These include how effective the overall standard of care is and how quickly the care team responds to evolving circumstances and care needs.

The primary type of care available is residential care, including if your loved one is living with dementia. You or your loved one may require residential care if they still have some independence but need regular, dignified support with tasks like getting dressed, taking certain medications, and using the bathroom.

Prince Michael of Kent Court is situated in the heart of Watford, just a short walk from Watford Junction Train Station and close to popular residential neighbourhoods such as North Watford and Garston. You’ll also be near idyllic green spaces, including Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Woods, that are perfect for older adults to explore.

We love the inviting and modern facilities inside this home. Our favourites include the peaceful gardens and comfortable communal spaces, ideal for relaxation and socialising.

CQC rating:

• Overall - Outstanding
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Outstanding
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Outstanding
• Well-led - Outstanding

CQC Publication Date: 14/12/2018

---

Elton House

Another of the best care homes in Watford is Elton House Care Home, rated ‘Good’ overall by the CQC. Elton House is east of the town centre, surrounded by lovely Hertfordshire greenery.

Numerous types of care are available at Elton House, and exactly what care you or your loved one receive will be determined by a care needs assessment before entering the home. Residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care are all offered, with nursing care given by a team of registered nurses available 24/7 to look after people living with specific medical conditions or who need intensive rehabilitation.

Within Elton House, you’ll find 95 private, luxurious apartments. These range from smaller studios to one and two-bedroom deluxe suites. Whatever you choose, every apartment has a wet room, a private phone line, and a kitchenette.

The home is packed with state-of-the-art communal facilities as well. The most popular among residents include a cinema room where movie lovers can relax and watch timeless classics, a cosy café, a hair salon, and even a spa. Residents can choose between the laid-back bistro and the fine-dining restaurant at mealtimes.

CQC rating:

• Overall - Good
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Good
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Good
• Well-led - Outstanding

CQC Publication Date: 08/11/2019

---

Courtland Lodge

Courtland Lodge Care Home is nestled in a quiet residential area in the north of Watford, providing the perfect setting for older adults to receive care in later life. Courtland Lodge has been purpose-built for older adults, with the highest standards of residential and dementia care available on a permanent or short-term respite basis.

If your loved one requires a form of specialist support, they can also receive compassionate palliative care (which focuses on alleviating symptoms and creating a comfortable setting) or temporary convalescent care (which is for people who need looking after while they recover from an accident, injury or illness.

There’s always something for residents to do at Courtland Lodge, thanks in part to the dedicated activity coordinators who are constantly innovating and creating new activities for residents to participate in. Popular options include pampering sessions, arts and crafts, and enjoying a hot drink and tasty homemade cake in the on-site café.

The best facilities are the luxurious hairdressing salon, idyllic landscaped gardens, a handful of comfortable communal lounges, and the 60 beautifully decorated bedrooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms.

CQC rating:

• Overall - Good
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Good
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Good
• Well-led - Good

CQC Publication Date: 25/02/2022

---

Oakmoor Lodge

Having only opened in 2023, Oakmoor Lodge Care Home is packed with state-of-the-art facilities that residents adore. Along with 72 en-suite bedrooms (each finished with high-spec furnishings), you’ll find an Arthouse Cinema room offering an immersive cinematic experience, a hair and beauty salon, a selection of elegant dining rooms and lounges, and The Gallery Café, which is a wonderful place for residents to spend time with each other, family and friends.

The main types of care available at Oakmoor Lodge are residential and dementia care. These can be given permanently or for a few weeks through a respite stay. Respite care is often used by family members who care for their loved ones and need a brief break from these duties. Convalescent care is also available for those needing to regain independence.

Oakmoor Lodge is situated in the heart of Watford, near the peaceful town of Bushey and Watford High Street Rail Station. The home is also right next to Attenborough Fields, where older adults enjoy relaxing strolls on gentle footpaths.

The dedicated team ensures there’s never a dull moment at Oakmoor Lodge. Activities are often designed according to residents' hobbies and interests (using their care plans as guides), with coffee mornings, movie afternoons, painting, and baking all popular.

---

Carpenders Park

Next up is Carpenders Park Care Home, which is brand-new and close to Watford. This home can house up to 76 residents in a warm and welcoming setting. The care given here is person-centred, focusing on treating every resident with the respect and individuality they deserve.

Residential, short-term respite, and specialist dementia care are provided across three floors. The care team is kind and experienced. They’ve also been trained to care for dementia residents using specific dementia care methods, including techniques to manage challenging behaviour.

Operated by Country Court, Carpenders Park boasts several luxurious amenities. These include a hair and beauty salon, a cosy bistro-style café, comfortable lounges, a cinema room, and additional spaces dedicated to activities.

Mealtimes are an important aspect of daily life at Carpenders Park. The chefs work closely with the care team to understand every resident’s preferences and dietary requirements. Residents are often involved in developing the weekly menus, and vegetables and herbs grown in the home’s garden are used to create fresh, delicious meals.

---

Clarendon Lodge

Residents at Clarendon Lodge Care Home benefit from stunning Hertfordshire countryside and easy access to nature. There are numerous idyllic walks perfect for older adults nearby, while those with reduced mobility can also relax in the picturesque courtyard garden.

Care at Clarendon Lodge can be funded by yourself, your local authority, or the NHS. In Watford and nearby, you’ll pay for care if your savings and assets (such as any properties you own) are worth £23,250 or more. Your local authority will pay some or all of these fees if this figure is worth less than £23,250. Clarendon Lodge’s Home Life commitment means residents can rest easy knowing they won’t be asked to leave if funds run out.

The types of care available at Clarendon Lodge include residential, dementia, respite, convalescent, palliative and specialist physical disability care (which focuses on making daily life as easy to navigate as possible).

Clarendon Lodge is undoubtedly a luxurious setting for residents to be looked after, thanks to stylish lounges, elegant dining areas, a hairdressing salon for receiving well-earned pampering sessions, communal and private dining spaces, and even a bar area!

CQC rating:

• Overall - Good
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Good
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Good
• Well-led - Good

CQC Publication Date: 26/02/2022

---

Pinewood Lodge

We love the setting of Pinewood Lodge Care Home, with woodlands and open fields nearby. This home is just south of Watford’s town centre and is close to green spaces such as the Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve, Harrow Weald Common, and Croxley Common Moor.

When moving to Pinewood Lodge, you or your loved one will quickly feel happy and at home. The friendly care team - rated ‘Good’ by the CQC - has created a warm and welcoming setting. Residents can kick back and relax in the bright and airy communal lounges, the inviting dining rooms, the hairdressing salon, and the perfectly manicured gardens.

A full range of services are offered to meet the needs of each resident. Pinewood Lodge specialises in 24-hour residential care if your loved one needs support with tasks relating to their personal hygiene, including if they’re living with dementia. Adult day care services are also available if your loved one would benefit from being looked after during the day but doesn’t require permanent support.

Day care services are provided through the home’s Q-Club, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This service is beneficial if you’re currently caring for a loved one but need to take some time off while feeling assured they’re being fully cared for by expert carers.

CQC rating:

• Overall - Good
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Good
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Good
• Well-led - Good

CQC Publication Date: 11/06/2019

---

Erskine Hall

Erskine Hall Care Home is situated on the southern outskirts of Watford. This peaceful setting is a wonderful location for care in later life, with residential, dementia, nursing, and respite care all available, along with a range of additional specialist care options.

GP visits, optician assistance, advice from a nutritionist, dental appointments, and religious services are also included at no extra cost.

Erskine Hall has a ‘Good’ overall CQC rating and ‘Good’ rating in each of the five main categories, including for the safe setting the team have created and for the overall quality of care provided.

We love the range of daily activities residents have to choose from. The dedicated activity team aims to make each day unique by organising activities and events such as tea dances, interactive community quizzes, and day trips to local areas and into London.

Meanwhile, facilities include a large dining space, a hair and beauty salon, and a manicured garden. Residents can relax on comfortable furniture in the garden terrace or get their hands dirty while getting stuck into some gardening.

CQC rating:

• Overall - Good
• Safe - Good
• Effective - Good
• Caring - Good
• Responsive - Good
• Well-led - Good

CQC Publication Date: 24/03/2023

---

Riverside Lodge

The final home on our list is Riverside Lodge Care Home. This home is situated in the bustling yet peaceful town of Rickmansworth, which is just a short drive from Watford. This home is next to a handful of beautiful nature reserves, including the Stocker’s Lake Local Nature Reserve and Rickmansworth Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve.

Riverside Lodge has 75 thoughtfully decorated en-suite bedrooms boasting a range of additional amenities to make daily life as comfortable as possible. To help residents feel at home, bedrooms can be decorated with furniture, decorations and other treasured belongings.

Communal facilities include cosy lounges for socialising and relaxation, a luxurious hairdressing and beauty salon, an inviting café space, and well-maintained, wheelchair-friendly gardens. These gardens feature patio areas, raised planters, and even an area for summer BBQs.

Residents are often taken on trips out of the home, including to picture-postcard neighbouring villages and larger towns such as Watford.

Riverside Lodge is renowned for providing an exceptionally high standard of care to its residents, including residential, dementia, respite, convalescent, and physical disability care.

---

Lottie matches care seekers with the best care homes in Watford 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.