Elmside

Elmside Walk, Hitchin SG5 1HB
Submit a Review
9.7 72 Reviews
  • Elmside, Hitchin
Located in the picturesque town of Hitchin near Stevenage and just a short stroll from the town’s lively centre, MHA Elmside provides residential and dementia care for 69 residents. The home is conveniently located with easy access to local cafés, shops, pubs and the bustling market. With excellent transport links, including nearby train stations and the A1 and M1 motorways, visiting families will find it convenient.

The meticulously maintained gardens offer a tranquil haven for residents to enjoy nature year-round. Accessible and secure, the gardens provide spaces for quiet reflection, socialising, or participating in the gardening club to grow flowers and vegetables. Residents delight in the local wildlife, including squirrels, pheasants, ducks, and robins. Regular outings include visits to nearby Bancroft Park, with its wheelchair-friendly pathways, and trips to the Lavender Fields in Hitchin, where residents can enjoy vibrant blooms and tea in the tearoom.

The home specialises in dementia care, offering a safe and supportive environment where residents feel valued and secure. The compassionate team provides person-centred care, with activities designed to engage and stimulate, including music therapy, interactive ‘magic tables,’ reflexology, singalongs, and arts and crafts.

Its easy to understand why mealtimes are so important at Elmside. Like everything here the residents are at the heart of everything, and they play an active role in shaping the menus, ensuring meals reflect their tastes, preferences, and traditions.

Elmside provides a reassuringly familiar and homely setting where residents feel connected, comfortable, and cared for every day. Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, for short stays or residential, or residential dementia care, the team at Elmside are here to help.

Show Elmside on the Map

Care Provided by Elmside

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Substance Misuse
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 69 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (69)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2005

Funding & Fees Guide for Elmside

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,282 – £1,413
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,525 – £2,509
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Elmside to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Elmside Reviews (72)

Total of 72, showing 1-20
9.7

Elmside has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.732) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Elmside has 72 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 62
  • 10
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

72
11
16
28
44

Review from G D (Brother of Resident) published on 3 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother was admitted to Elmside Residential Home from hospital in Hamstead London. He fell in his bedroom and was taken to hospital where he died, having broken his leg, together with other complications. Sadly he only had a very short time at Elmside from admission to death but the family could
clearly see Elmside was excellent.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Stuart R (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I viewed six homes in the area for a wonderful lady with dementia who was my neighbour. The two ladies are truly exceptional managers, complemented by the office and grounds staff. The homes I saw with the exception of Elmside struggled to achieve a welcoming, kind atmosphere. They had less light, their
gardens were not beautiful, they didn't always smell fresh and the staff felt as if they were struggling, dispirited or were watching the clock for the end of shift. Staff at Elmside are mostly young, clearly carefully chosen, caring. I would wish for Elmside's care if things change.

Reply from Grainne Wokes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your kind review and positive reflection on our service. I am very pleased that you are happy with your experience of Elmside. If there is anything that you would like to discuss or feel you can feedback to us then please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of my team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Phillipa W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Elmside at the beginning of September 2024. Right from the start we were made to feel incredibly welcome and the transition could not have been smoother. I visited a handful of other homes before deciding on Elmside and none of them had the same homely and settled feel about them. Mum
has needed a fair amount of care since moving in, including visits to hospital, but no matter what she needs, nothing is too much trouble for the staff. They are always, without fail, very attentive, caring and super helpful. Every time I visit, the home has a family atmosphere about it and it is clear that all the residents are treated as though they are one big family. I love the fact that there are activities to be involved in every week day, morning and afternoon, plus church on Sunday and the fact that everyone is brought together for meal times three times a day. I couldn't be happier with our choice and I know mum will continue to be very happy there.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to leave a such a lovely review about our care home, we are pleased that your Mum is settled and engaged in the activities in and out of the home. We are so grateful for your support and regular visits from you and your Mum's furry friend, which helped her settled and once again thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I shall pass your lovely comments to the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Susan H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relative has been very well looked after since becoming a resident in 2023 the staff are always welcoming to me and members of my family. The facilities are good and cleanliness excellent and my relative is treated with kindness and excellent care on a daily basis. I would be happy to recommend Elmside
Care Home.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with such a lovely review and confirming you are happy to recommend us. Your kind words mean so much for our staff team, I shall pass your comments to the team. Thank you once again for your wonderful review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Steve K (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident for 4 years and I am pleased to say that she is very happy here and has made many friends over this period of time, not just other with other residents but with the staff as well. From my point of view I am delighted that she has referred to Elmside as 'home' since shortly having
moved there. The whole atmosphere is pleasant and there is almost always something going on to keep the residents entertained. While I always keep in contact with mum the staff also keep me informed of any issues whether it be directly related to mum or indirectly such as with the recent refurbishment taking place. There is a very strong work ethic at the home and I do not think I could have picked a better place.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review. We are so pleased that your mother feels this way. We are so very fond of her, she is so kind and caring and looks out for others and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity especially at Christmas. Our staff team loved the goodies. Once again thank you for taking the time and leaving us a lovely review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sue D (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can only praise and thank the staff at Elmside for their care and patience in looking after Mum. Even on her dark days she is treated with care and respect by all including the cleaning staff. I'm always greeted with happy smiling faces. Mum is a "loner" but is always encouraged to join in whatever
activity is taking place.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your kind words about our care home, I know this means so much for the staff team and we appreciate your continuing support and taking Mum out, which I know she loves. Once again thank you for your review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P C (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum initially came to Elmside for respite care but she has since become a permanent resident. She has settled in really well and we can't fault the help and support she gets. The family are very satisfied with every aspect of her care.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking the time and provide us with a wonderful review, as I know this will mean so much to the staff team. We are very pleased that your mum has settled in well in her new home and it's so lovely to see the way she interacts with other residents. Thank you once again, for your wonderful review and for choosing our care home for your mum.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L S (Wife of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband had a severe chest infection and an ambulance was called for him. After spending 24 hours in A & E the staff at Elmside cared for him in isolation in his room as he had RSV. Excellent care and kindness.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for our care home. We love seeing you come to visit your husband and spend quality time with him. We hope that you and the family enjoyed the Christmas production too. Once again thank you so very much for your kind words about our staff team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C L (Son of Resident) published on 1 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum moved here 9 months ago, and has settled in well. I find the carers to be very kind, caring and compassionate. The staff are responsive to concerns. Activities are imaginative and engaging, and meals seem good. At 96, mum is even making new friends amongst the residents. There is a strong ethos
which seems to motivate the staff and inform their attitude. I really feel mum is in such good hands. Thank you.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for those kind and complimentary comments about our services at Elmside. I will certainly share your kind words with the team as I know that they will mean so much to them. We really do love having your mother stay with us. I am glad that we have been able to support your mother and her transition and settling in at her new home. Thank you once again for your wonderful review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carol M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I do not live in Hitchin so when I visit family I pop in to see my mum. I am so happy that she was moved and is now more settled in her room and also seems to be a little calmer and feeling a bit more at home at Elmside. My sister has now a bit more time as she was and still is her primary care giver.
Thank you for giving her some time and space.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lucy W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I want to thank the manager and all her staff for getting my mother settled. I have had a difficult few years with Mum, and the team have really helped settle Mum in. I wasn't able to attend the recent BBQ, but was absolutely bowled over to see that the team had got my mu to join in to. I am eternally
grateful.
Elmside is a magical place with a really lovely team.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for the kind and complimentary comments about our staff team. I will certainly share your kind words with the team as I know that they will mean so much to them. We do love having your mother stay with us and we know it's will take time for her to fully engage with us, however, at least we know what motivates her to join us. Thank you once again for your wonderful review and your generosity.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from N R (Son of Resident) published on 29 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel my mother has received excellent care. Staff are kind and thoughtful and encourage residents to get involved in a wide range of activities. Home feels very friendly.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for your lovely comments about our staff team and our care home. I will certainly share your kind words with the team as I know that they will mean so much to them. We do love having your mother stay with us, she is so kind and always so grateful when staff help her. Thank you once again for taking the time to leave us a lovely review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jeremy R (Son of Resident) published on 10 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care mum receives at Elmside is wonderful. The staff are very caring and welcoming and the Home Manager does an outstanding job motivating and leading her staff to deliver a high quality care service. Mum feels safe. She is encouraged to participate in activities and the staff take time to connect
with her one on one.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for those kind and complimentary comments about our care home. I will certainly share your kind words with the team as I know that they will mean so much to the team. I am glad that we have been able to support your mother and her transition and settling in at her new home. Once again thank you for taking the time to provide us with such a lovely review as well as offer your continued support.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Amanda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been a resident in Cedars unit, Elmside for 3 years now. As a family we are extremely happy with the level of care and support he receives from all the staff at Cedars, he is treated with both dignity and respect. This is inclusive not just of the carers but also of catering, laundry,
domestic, maintenance, chaplaincy and activities staff (esp music therapy, my father loves to sing)
Communication with me from management and senior care staff is excellent, which I am particularly grateful for. We are very pleased as a family we chose Elmside for dad, the management and all staff work extremely hard to ensure it is a home with care and respect for the residents as its core values.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so very much for taking the time to provide us with such a lovely review. It is such a privilege to be able to care for your father and to see your mother continue to visit and provide support for your father, for which we are very grateful. Once again thank you so much for such a wonderful review about our care home and the staff team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C F (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad's care at Elmside has been exceptional. He was treated, at all times, with respect and all the team seemed very committed and caring. Dad was always involved with his planning and decisions. His room was beautiful with lovely views and it seemed a happy place. The manager and her team made sure
that Dad was as independent as possible and supported him to go out independently. Communication worked well between us, Dad and the team there. Dad loved his colour-printed family newsletter. He chose not to join in the many activities there but he enjoyed reflexology. Dad died recently after a short illness and we will always be grateful to the manager and Elmside for making Dad's last year as good as it could possibly be. If you are considering care for someone in your family, you need look any further.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L P (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is always treated with respect and kindness. The home is always clean, food is always good, management are very approachable and have gone the extra mile to accommodate Mum. Thank you all. Would definitely recommend Elmside.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P F (Husband of Resident) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home manager has been excellent - the move from hospital to Elmside was seamless. My wife is settling in very well - thanks to the care of staff. Special thanks to the vicar for 'encouraging' my wife to attend religious activities.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew F (Son of Resident) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Elmside since June 2023, and I am very impressed with how she has been treated. We first visited the care home six months before she moved in, and the manager showed us around for that visit and remembered Mum when she assessed her for needs on entering the home. Mum
has stage four ovarian cancer with complications such that she was placed in the Cedars wing. Mum wanted to go in but was then reluctant to stay. We had been warned that this was not unusual and were very impressed with how the staff and the other residents went out of their way to make her feel welcome at a very difficult stage of her life. The quality of care, and the flexibility to adjust that care on a day-by-day, and at times minute-by-minute, basis to fit in with Mum's needs has been excellent. The location of the home near to the town gives it a feeling of being part of the community rather than an isolated place in the countryside.
I strongly recommend Elmside.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for your kind and complimentary comments about our staff team. I will certainly share your kind words with the team, as I know that they will mean so much to the them. We do love having your mother stay with us, and it is also lovely for the team to see your parents spending quality time together, and the staff team is exceptionally fond of them both. It’s such a privilege to be able to continue to care for your mother. Thank you once again for your wonderful review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lee-Anne J (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been at Elmside Cedars for 3 years now. The exemplary care she has received in that time has allowed my sister and I to have peace of mind knowing she is safe and well. The Cedars team keep us informed of everything, the tiniest issues included and are always quick to identify any changes
or concerns. As with all dementia sufferers she has good and bad days and I cannot thank them enough for the patience and care they always give to her and all the residents. It’s a complex and horrendous illness to navigate for families and the Cedars team just make it that bit easier to cope with. Cannot say enough good things and thoroughly recommend.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M S (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had 5 days of respite, a very good experience, enjoyed the activities and the food! The staff was very welcoming and caring.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review about our care home. We are pleased that you’ve had a good experience and enjoyed your stay with us. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you require our services in the future.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.732)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.732) out of 10 for Elmside is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.732 for Elmside is calculated as follows: ( (253 Excellents x 5) + (70 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 332 Ratings = 4.732

  • 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 Elmside is based on 28 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 69 registered maximum number of service users is 13.8, which has been reached with 28 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: 21 Jul 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • 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 (9)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (0)

There are no Team Members posted yet

Frequently Asked Questions about Elmside

What types of Care is Elmside registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Learning Disability, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment, No Medical Intervention & Substance Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Elmside provide?

Palliative Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Elmside have?

There are 69 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Elmside?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Elmside to the centre of Hitchin?

0.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.