Halcyon Days

The Old Rectory, Church Lane, Graveley, Hitchin SG4 7LU
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9.7 64 Reviews
  • Halcyon Days, Hitchin
Halcyon Days offers first class care for residents in picturesque village surroundings. Each one of their residents enjoys unique, personalised care, built around them and designed to make their stay with as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. The care expertise on offer can extend to higher-needs care and provision for people with a form of dementia, with a highly-qualified team having shown an impressive record of delivering a satisfying service. It continues to deliver great care as its recent inspection it scored Overall Good in delivering safe care practices in a safe environment, effective, caring and responsive, which is continues to maintain and deliver to all residents.

'It’s what’s inside that counts' - Gold Care Homes' new slogan represents what people truly find important about care homes, and what they love about Halcyon Days, the staff. Care workers are the heart of the business. Halcyon Days has long standing staff who are devoted to caring and creating a friendly, fun, home-like atmosphere for their residents. Gold Care Homes invest in their hardworking staff, empowering them to advance in their career and their ideas are heard in order to improve their working environment/their residents home.

There is a vast selection of staff who are able to speak many different languages. This is available for residents who cannot speak English and this is especially beneficial for those living with dementia. Please contact to find out what languages they have to offer.

Residents will also benefit from:

- Hairdressing/Beauty Facilities
- Regular Activities
- Modern Bedroom Furniture
- Single or double sized rooms
- TV and Telephone points
- En- Suite Facilities

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Care Provided by Halcyon Days

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 57 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicola Hughes (Acting Care Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (51)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (51)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No

Funding & Fees Guide for Halcyon Days

  • 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 £1,400 – £1,400
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,400 – £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,400 – £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,400 – £1,400

  • Respite Care Fees are subject to an assessment of individual needs.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Halcyon Days to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Anytime,


  • Parking

  • 10 free parking space available


Halcyon Days Reviews (64)

Total of 64, showing 41-60
9.7

Halcyon Days has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.653) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Halcyon Days has 64 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 32
  • 30
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

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Review from Amy M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It's great, love seeing my nan and she looks very happy.

Reply from Sym Jaj, Senior Marketing Executive at Halcyon Days

Thank you for leaving us a review, we sincerely appreciate it. Stay safe.


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Review from D H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience has always been enjoyable, it has a friendly and caring atmosphere and we have always been made to feel welcome. My nan is very happy here and we are confident that her needs are taken care of and she is treated with compassion and dignity.

Reply from Alison Foreman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Halcyon Days

Thank you for your review and kind comments. So glad to hear that your nan is happy and well looked after. The team try really hard to ensure that residents have the very best of care, while always ensuring that friends and family are known and cared for also. Kind regards


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Review from L F (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing, compassionate, understanding and listen to both family and clients. The property is well presented and very appealing, it gives a sense of warmth in its presentation.

Reply from Alison Foreman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Halcyon Days

Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to review our home. Your 5* feedback is very much appreciated by all. Kind regards


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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All the staff are friendly and helpful. Everywhere is tidy and since some decorating has been done, the building is brighter and more homely.
I like the idea of the screen showing the activities that have been arranged, including outings out! The chefs produce excellent meals and look so appetizing.
Whenever I have been to the bedroom, it is always tidy and bed neatly made.
Well done to everyone!

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordinator at Halcyon Days

Thank you for your warm comment mentioning our staff, chef and new improvements around the home!


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Review from G S (Friend of Resident) published on 5 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very caring and do their best for all the residents. There is a friendly, loving family feeling here. It is also very evident that the staff are hard-pressed. However, I take my hat off to them all for all their dedication and achievements. Thank you.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Thank you for leaving a lovely comment about our dedicated staff - we all appreciate your feedback.


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Review from E P (Wife of Resident) published on 29 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

No matter what time of day I visited my husband I have always felt welcome, staff kind and friendly no complaints.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Wonderful to hear, thank you for your kind feedback - many thanks!


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Review from J V (Wife of Resident) published on 9 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is well looked after both health and everyday care. The staff are good and show a surprising amount of patience.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Thank you for your review, we're pleased with your response to our care, please keep in contact with any improvements to our service - Many thanks.


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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since we have connections with Halcyon Days (September 2015) we have seen changes, at the moment the changes are all for the better, great improvement with the food and carers.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Fabulous, many thanks for your feedback. If you have any suggestions you may like to raise, we welcome them.


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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff caring for my mother are compassionate, kind and extremely patient. In the four weeks my mother has been at Halcyon Days they have all taken the trouble to really get to know her. It is clean, warm and the food is excellent. My mother is going out next week on a day trip which she is really
looking forward to. I hope there will be more trips as activities on a day to day basis can be a little limited in the dementia unit although I appreciate that my mother is more capable than some of the other residents.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Hello & Thank you for a lovely review. We're very pleased to hear that mum is enjoying herself, getting the attention and care she needs. - Best regards.


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Review from Paul F (Son of Resident) published on 23 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to say that the personal care provided by the staff who looked after mum on a day to day and long term basis was excellent.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Dear Paul,


Thank you for your kind words.


Best wishes


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Review from Audrey S (Wife of Resident) published on 13 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was in Halcyon Days for a few weeks. The staff were so caring and looked after him so well. I thank you all very much.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Audrey,


Thank you for your kind review.


Thanks.


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Review from Alan K (Husband of Resident) published on 23 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Based on weekly and occasionally twice weekly visits.
My wife is clearly looked after with respect and affection and likes her other residents and carers. I have confidence in the care she receives.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Thank you for your honest review. We are glad you find our service 'respectful' and 'affectionate'. We are very pleased and our staff will be happy to know they are recognised- Best regards.


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Review from Margaret B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

We have noticed over the year the home which overall was good has really gone downhill. Over the past there seems to be a fundamental lack of leadership, lack of clarify among carers. No proper manager in place since March 2018. Staff using their personal mobiles while on duty. Staff going to lunch
together. This should be staggered as it leaves only one or two carers to manage all residents, whilst having to write up their notes. Food has got repetitive and boring. Carers, including cleaners, seem to go into the kitchen and prepare food. Do they all have the basic food hygiene training? Never seems to be any interaction between carers and residents part from asking what they would like to eat etc. Carers chatting amongst themselves, but not with residents, apart from the activity coordinator. Stairlift has been unusable/broken for months. Laundry hit and miss. Entrance to Nightingale gives a poor impression, no pen to complete forms, dirty stair carpet leading up to the first floor never seems to get cleaned. Overall we think there needs to be a drastic improvement all around. Feel sorry for our Mum.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Hello Margaret, I would first like to mention that we really appreciate your honest feedback. You have raised very alarming concerns and we will be looking into it with great depth. With a shift of management, things can quickly change, we have raised this issue already with our regional and quality managers, we look forward to seeing positive changes in the near future. We apologise to you and your mother for the negative experience you have encountered at Halcyon Days and, though it won’t be easily done, we hope to win back your trust in our service.


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Review from N B (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are kept informed whenever there is a problem like an illness or a fall. When I visit, staff know where she is, she does sometimes wander. But they know if she is in her room or on the move.


I have left activities blank as she no longer wants to participate in activities. When she did, however,

a few years ago; staff bought her puzzles - her favourite activity.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Thank you for your detailed honest feedback, we really appreciate your kind words- Kind regards.


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Review from Paul Y (Son of Resident) published on 1 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Over the last 3 years, Mum has had no problems. She is fairly happy living there. Mum gets to know staff and its a shame the turnaround of staff is ongoing. Over the years we have been very pleased with Halcyon Days and staff.

Reply from Melissa Lawerence, Marketing Coordintaor at Halcyon Days

Hello Paul, Thank you for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated - Many thanks.


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Review from Denise H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Halcyon Days is such a lovely home. Staff are caring, it's always warm, clean and friendly. I feel very happy that my mum is well looked after and she is safe here.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Denise,


Thank you for your review.


Happy to discuss any recommendations you may have for improvements.


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Review from Julian E (Son of Resident) published on 8 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Halcyon Has provided excellent care for my mum who can be very difficult at times.
Halcyon really does feel like a home rather than an institution. All the staff should be commended for caring for my mum with diligence, care and dignity.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Julian,


Thank you for your kind words. Laura and her team have been fantastic in transforming Halcyon Days.


Happy to discuss any improvements you can recommend.


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Review from T A (Husband of Resident) published on 8 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is nothing to say but excellent.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Tony,


Thank you for your review - the team at Halycon Days appreciates your comments.


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Review from Lynn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Halcyon Days is a lovely place. Staff are dedicated and it's clean. My mum is a resident and her care has been amazing. She is now at the end of life and the support we as a family are getting is truly amazing. If I had to recommend a care home, this one would get 10/10.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Lynn,


Thank you for your kind review. The entire GCH family is available to offer any support you may need.


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Review from Diane M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care given to my grandmother during her short stay was very good. She was encouraged to mix with others and the carers were always happy to help her.

Reply from Dalbir Jangra, Head of Marketing and Communications at Halcyon Days

Hi Diane,


Thank you for your review.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.653)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.653) out of 10 for Halcyon Days 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.653 for Halcyon Days is calculated as follows: ( (107 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 150 Ratings = 4.653

  • 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 Halcyon Days is based on 13 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 57 registered maximum number of service users is 11.4, which has been reached with 13 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: 29 Jan 2024

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

6 Bed Vacancies

posted 13 Mar 2025

We would love to show you how we can help you or a loved one, so for more information or if you would like to arrange a visit, speak to our friendly team today.


Awards / Recognitions (9)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Nicola Hughes

Job Title: Home Manager

My profile is currently under construction as I am working on putting together a comprehensive overview of my experiences and achievements. I look forward to sharing more about myself soon.