Honey Lane Care Home

Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey EN9 3BA
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9.4 77 Reviews
  • Honey Lane Care Home, Waltham Abbey
Honey Lane Care Home provides award-winning, specialist residential dementia care with warmth, love and compassion.

The skilled and experienced care team ensures that residents live well with dementia by receiving person-centred care, stimulation, and social interaction designed to make a real difference to their quality of life.

The fun and vibrant atmosphere at Honey Lane is truly unlike any other care home, and residents are encouraged to spend their days engaged in activities that are purposeful and meaningful to them. These include music and movement classes, reminiscence activities, animal therapy, as well as weekly outings to local places of interest in the minibus.

And, with soothing lighting, relaxing aromatherapy scents, tailored hand massages and sound therapy, the home’s Abbey lounge and bedrooms are transformed every day into an oasis of calm where the trained team brings comfort and pleasure to residents throughout their multi-sensory Namaste Care sessions.

Underpinned by strong community links and innovative partnerships, Honey Lane hosts a dementia support group, make a wish initiative and runs its own intergenerational project ‘Little Honey Bees’ whilst welcoming visits from local schools and charities. In 2023, their innovative approach was recognised by the Essex Care Sector, with Honey Lane winning the Making a Difference award.

Honey Lane is laid out on one floor, enabling residents to move easily and safely around the home with direct access to the beautiful central garden that offers a peaceful and tranquil space, and a kitchen garden where residents are able to get involved in a variety of gardening activities. Dottie, the loving therapy cat, also calls Honey Lane her home.

As part of Honey Lane’s commitment to high-quality dementia care, the team receives extensive on-going training and professional development to support all residents to live well.

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Care Provided by Honey Lane Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Angela Sacks (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Honey Lane Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Large car park


Honey Lane Care Home Reviews (77)

Total of 77, showing 21-40
9.4

Honey Lane Care Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.380) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Honey Lane Care Home has 77 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 61
  • 11
  • 1
  • 0
  • 4

Date Published

77
4
10
29
48

Review from I H (Son of Resident) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Visiting recently, I can say that much has improved since my previous review.
The staff, although still overworked, work tirelessly to ensure the residents are cared for and all their needs catered for.

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Review from H S (Niece of Resident) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

When my Aunt moved to Honey Lane we made it clear that she was prone to UTI's.
On most visits, there was either a jug of fluid and no glass or just an empty glass.
After raising the issue many times they agreed to monitor her fluid intake daily - should be standard care anyway you would think.
In
my Aunt's final months, there were often no fluids at all.
In July her next of kin (who is based overseas) visited the care home for an annual care review. He raised our concerns regarding the lack of fluids.
The response was that my Aunt would be unable to lift a jug on her own and they had no issues with the amount of fluids she was drinking. This was also put in writing in their report to him.
When my Aunt was admitted to hospital and subsequently died, the Doctor confirmed that she was severely dehydrated. She said my Aunt should have been getting sips of fluid every 5 mins in the days leading up to her hospital admission.
Overall we are disgusted with the level of care my Aunt had received.

Reply from Angela Sacks, Home Manager at Honey Lane Care Home

Firstly, please accept our heartfelt condolences at the loss of your Aunt, and be assured she was very much loved and is missed by all of our team here. The wellbeing and happiness of all of our residents is always at the forefront of everything we do and we are so saddened to read your comments as we really don’t feel they’re a fair reflection of your Aunt’s time with us. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to speak to us directly about your concerns.


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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Honey Lane are Exceptionally professional and caring.
The catering team provide an excellent variety of nutritious home-cooked meals.
The management team are fantastic and adopts a very hands-on approach. They are also extremely knowledgeable with regard to their residents.

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Review from Jeff F (Son of Resident) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had a lovely time with my dad on his birthday, the care home staff made a fuss of Dad buying him a gift, a birthday balloon and a card. The cook baked him a chocolate cake which was shared among the residents. What with all the other regular day trips and other fantastic activities the staff arrange
for the residents, I think this is a fantastic care home and would recommend it to anyone who needs a love one cared for.

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Review from Lily B (Sister of Resident) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

As my sister's primary caregiver, it was up to me to look out for her. I raised the same concerns repeatedly. Each time I was assured they'd be rectified but it didn't happen. After 18 months I realised verbal feedback was making no difference, especially as the manager/deputy manager was rarely available
to speak with directly. So I put my concerns in an email. The manager apologised again and promised to put a plan in place to rectify. Two weeks later, same issues. I sent a follow-up, this time including photos. At this point, the manager spoke to the next of kin (who lives overseas and rarely visits) and agreed that he was now to be the only person who could communicate with the home! Two weeks before my sister died I discovered that I'd been removed from the emergency contact list. Thankfully I became aware of this 'error' just in time to get her next of kin to rectify it. If I hadn't done so I'd have been unaware that my sister had been taken into hospital and she'd have been alone when she needed me most.

Reply from Angela Sacks, Home Manager at Honey Lane Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review – although we are so saddened to read your comments. Please be assured we will always immediately address any concerns about our residents’ health and wellbeing, irrespective of whether these are raised in person or via email. Sadly sometimes, due to a variety of reasons and in spite of us working closely with external health professionals such as district nurses, a resident’s condition might not improve.
When a resident has someone with power of attorney and is their next of kin, that person has to be our main point of contact, unless they let us know they’re happy for us to speak to a different family member or friend. We understand, at times, this can be difficult for other family members but it’s important that we follow this approach. We are of course happy to chat to you in more detail about your comments – both myself and my deputy will always make ourselves available if we can and are happy to contact you if you’d prefer.


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Review from M G (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has only been at Honey Lane for two months, but already I can see how kind and caring the staff are. And that is the most important thing in any care home. There are lots of activities, including two summer parties in the two months. My husband hasn’t once asked to come home.

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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 15 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was placed in Honey Lane Care Home after a difficult few months in hospital, including a failed discharge back to her flat, and she's now staying there indefinitely. I immediately saw a positive change in her from the day she arrived at Honey Lane. Whenever I visit, she's clean and well-dressed,
and she eats generous portions of good food and enjoys the supply of snacks.
My mother can be resistant to coming out of her room and socialising, but the team there know that time in the common area is good for her stimulation and well-being, and they strike a sensible balance between encouraging her out and letting her stay on her own. She sometimes takes part in organised activities, and I was amazed to see pictures of her recently enjoying fish and chips and ice cream at Southend - could never have sorted that when she was at home.
The staff are energetic, positive and caring; I see their experience and skill - really grateful for everything they're doing for my mother.

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Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot thank everyone at Honey Lane Care Home enough for all they do for my dad. When we first took Dad there he was very withdrawn and depressed, he wasn't the Dad we all knew. He has only been with Honey Lane a short while and he has come back to life, he is my dad again. He even remembers short-term
memories before he couldn't recall anything recent, and if shown a picture of things/places he went or did he wouldn't remember, but recently he has been recalling places he has been with the team at Honey Lane which has absolutely blown my mind and my partners. The activities and places they go to weekly are so great! They really keep the mind busy and the faces smiling!
Every single person at Honey Lane has always been so lovely towards myself, friends and family when visiting, very welcoming and gives you a sense of being at home when you're going to visit your loved one. They have a real sense of 'family' and you can see how much they care and love every single resident.

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Review from Gill T (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was in Honey Lane Care Home when Mum had a fall at home and she decided to join Dad in the home. Which was a really big thing for her. She is a double amputee since the age of 7 so it’s always been hard for her but since going into Honey Lane she is a different person. Always laughing with us
and it’s always lovely to visit her. Also, the staff are always on hand for anything we need to be sorted. Mum is a different person now and the staff are encouraging her to join in more, which is happening at Mum's pace. The carers sat with Mum while she watched the link to Dad’s funeral which helped us as a family. They were all there for her, we could not thank the staff enough. When we visit (which is daily) Mum couldn’t praise the staff enough as one leaves the room she always says oh she/he is lovely. Well, they are all lovely here. The cook couldn’t be more helpful as Mum's very fussy with her food but nothing is too much trouble, we can’t thank all the staff for making Mum's stay pleasant.

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Review from Debra P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We went to pick up my father-in-law to take him out for lunch and he had just had a fall in his bathroom and the staff had called an ambulance to check him over. The staff were amazing with him and had found him really quickly and were keeping him warm and talking to him and making him laugh whilst
checking out his injuries. They were caring and compassionate not only with my father-in-law but with us too! He still wanted his fish and chips so we went and got those for him and by the time we got back they had him sitting up in his chair and he was comfortable. We cannot thank the staff enough as they were amazing.
Every time I go to the home it feels welcoming, comfortable and clean, they hold family events and encourage the family to attend so that they are part of the resident's lives. The staff all know my father-in-law and have a joke with him and a chat as they pass his room. His key worker is a diamond and is brilliant with him.
Would recommend this home for someone you love.

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Review from Tracy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad recently came to Honey Lane Care Home, I was very unsure about him going into a care home. However, the care he has received so far is reassuring and the staff are kind and compassionate, not only to my dad but have been to myself too. Always willing to answer any questions I may have about my
dad.

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Review from J G (Regular Volunteer) published on 18 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been coming to Honey Lane as a volunteer coming up to a year, I have found on my visits that the staff show dedication, commitment and empathy towards resident who appear very happy, content and engaged. The home appears clean and welcoming.
The Christmas decorations this year were very festive
and amazingly done. There were lots of Christmas festivities for residents to enjoy over the Christmas period from blow up pubs to pantomime, light switch on the list is endless.
The manager has always been welcoming and helpful and likes to engage with residents during a social events or an activity. The food was exceptionally good over the Christmas period. The Staff should be proud of their achievements making Honey Lane a happy, friendly environment.

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Review from Richard S (Son of Resident) published on 21 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in the care of Honey Lane for several years, the staff have always been friendly and professional and they really care about the residents in their care. Obviously, there have been a few niggles over the years, but the way they have been handled and resolved has always been more than
satisfactory. Whenever I visit the property it is always warm, clean and tidy, the residents are generally engaged in some activity with the staff and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. The team at Honey Lane has changed but it would appear to me that the company has a policy of recruitment that somehow finds the right people who genuinely care and that always shows in the way they treat their residents and guests. Overall I would say that a five-star review has been earned several times over and I am grateful for the care and compassion they show my mother. Thank you to the team at Honey Lane you really are unsung heroes.

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Review from S L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our dear mum was transferred from hospital to Honey Lane Care Home, where the carers were so kind to my mum, she went out on a few day trips and participated in the many activities they offer.
Unfortunately, mummy lost her battle with advanced Alzheimer's on the 1st of December, it was purely her choice
to stop eating and drinking and all the staff kept trying to encourage her but Mum had made her mind up and hated losing her mind and dignity in the last year but we are so grateful for Honey Lane for making her smile in the early time she was there. I would definitely recommend this place if you have a loved one with dementia as they really stimulate the residents and care for them.

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Review from Jane R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Honey Lane for nearly five years and the staff have always gone above and beyond in delivering good quality care. The home always keep me informed of any changes in my mum's wellbeing. They also have a very good activity schedule.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum seems very happy and content. She is so much more relaxed now that she has constant and consistent care. She knows she is in a warm and safe environment. Mum says everything is perfect - all my girls and boys are lovely!
I can see that she is stimulated and all her health care needs are met.
She
enjoys all the activities are trips out in the minibus and cream tea treats.

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Review from N W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In February, my wonderful Mum had a terrible accident at home resulting in the need for 24-hour care due to a deterioration in her mobility. I knew the move would be traumatic for her as she was previously so independent despite her 97 years, but Honey Lane Care Home have made this transition the very
best it can be. All the staff from the Manager to the lovely ladies in Housekeeping, are so kind and considerate and treat their residents with kindness at all times. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone, they attend to everyone's needs with a smile on their face and a cheery word too. The most important things for Mum are the constant activities from their regular outings and afternoon teas to having singers visit, they are invaluable and keep her mind stimulated, which is what she has been missing since we lost my Dad in 2020. I'm so impressed with the standard of care given by everyone and feel so lucky to have found this little gem.

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Review from Theresa M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Dad arrived at Honey Lane on the 30th May 2022 he has been so happy, he said all the carers are so kind and very helpful. Honey Lane also do lots of activities and always arrange days out every week BBQ in good weather and when it’s hot the ice cream van comes and they all get ice creams. Really
glad Dad is a resident there.

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Review from H S (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has lived at Honey lane for nearly 4 years now and she is mostly happy but I do feel she should be a bit more encouraged to come out of her room and join in some of the activities because she spends quite a lot of time in her room which I believe is not good for her and her mobility. I know she
can be stubborn but with a little help I’m sure she would enjoy everything.

Reply from Marta Leszko, Home Manager at Honey Lane Care Home

Thanks so much for your feedback. We are delighted when mum takes part in activities and trips out so, please be assured we will remain committed to giving her some encouragement when needed to ensure she is able to continue to enjoy everything we have going on here at Honey Lane.


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Review from J M (Niece of Resident) published on 29 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent communication from Care Home. Very caring staff.
Lots of activity for residents and very nice food. All birthdays are enjoyed and celebrated with lovely birthday cakes.
All residents look happy and relaxed.

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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.380)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.380) out of 10 for Honey Lane Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.380 for Honey Lane Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (255 Excellents x 5) + (34 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Poors x 2) + (33 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 342 Ratings = 4.38

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Honey Lane Care Home is based on 25 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 41 registered maximum number of service users is 8.2, which has been reached with 25 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 18 Mar 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Good

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (21)

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Meet the Team (1)

Angie

Angie Sacks

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

Our Home Manager Angie joined the Carebase family at Honey Lane in 2013. Showing a natural flair for care, she quickly progressed to the role of Senior before moving in 2015 to our sister home, 1 Sewardstone Close, which cares for adults with acquired brain injury. Over the course of the next three years, she was promoted from a Team Leader to the home’s Head of Care, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including speech and language therapists and psychologists. Angie returned to Honey Lane in February 2022 as Deputy Manager.


Angie leads by example and brings a wealth of experience supporting residents, their families and our teams. She is passionate about truly understanding the differing needs of residents to deliver personalised care that enables them to live well with dementia.


Speaking about her role at Honey Lane, Angie said: “We support residents to live a life which is meaningful to them and one where they are able to spend their time doing the things they love. It’s a privilege to get to know our residents and nothing makes me happier than seeing their content and well-looked-after.”


In her spare time, Angie enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, music, and going to the theatre.