Willowthorpe Care Home

High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware SG12 8AS
Submit a Review
8.4 27 Reviews
  • Willowthorpe Care Home, Ware
Purpose built to cater for residents' specific needs, Willowthorpe opened in April 2005. The home is situated in the charming Hertfordshire town of Stanstead Abbotts. With picturesque riverside views, Willowthorpe attracts an array of wildlife as well as narrowboats mooring at the home.

Willowthorpe pride themselves on providing the very latest facilities and the highest standards in person centred care.

All rooms at Willowthorpe are single en-suite with shower facilities, and are decorated to a very high specification and may be personalised.

Willowthorpe offers two levels of care within different areas of the home. A 32-bed residential care environment caters for the more physically active resident, offering easy access to spacious grounds. The dementia care courtyard environment is designed to meet the specific needs of older people who have dementia related needs. This area provides a safe and secure space, offering residents freedom to move around its walk ways.

Willowthorpe offers residents a choice of period style lounges and dining areas, together with a sunny, riverside garden terrace and courtyard. The beautifully kept grounds at Willowthorpe offer views along the river, with easy access pathways for outdoor activities.

Willowthorpe offers long term residential care and short stay respite breaks for older people. The home specialises in the care of older people with dementia related needs and benefits from a safe and secure dementia environment.

The home's Activities Organiser arranges a varied social calendar of meaningful, appropriate activities and entertainment, including trips to places of interest.

Show Willowthorpe Care Home on the Map

Care Provided by Willowthorpe Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 56 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lisa Edwards (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Comprehensive Pre Admission Assessment/Life Histories
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (53)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Willowthorpe Care Home

  • 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 from £1,350
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Willowthorpe Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • 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
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Willowthorpe Care Home Reviews (27)

Total of 27, showing 1-20
8.4

Willowthorpe Care Home has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.392) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willowthorpe Care Home has 27 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 22
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

27
1
3
4
23

Review from Maureen T (Wife of Resident) published on 17 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been in Willowthrope Care Home for ten months. The staff are really kind and caring. They always have time to chat to me when I'm visiting and are always talking to both of us. They took him fishing on the river bank in the summer which he really enjoyed. The home is such a bright and
welcoming place, I don't think our family could have chosen any better care home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is a pleasure to care for your husband.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M O (Grandson of Resident) published on 14 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nan moved to Willowthorpe as her care home closed down. Coming to Willowthorpe was the best thing we have done, always lots going on for families and residents, great atmosphere and always made to feel welcome and when I bring my children, they don’t want to leave, that makes it easier to visit. The
entertainment and games that are played are fantastic, Nan seems very happy here.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your review. I will pass this on to the team. It is a pleasure to care for your Nan and to see the children when they visit.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kathleen G (Resident) published on 4 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Excellent care from the staff. A friendly atmosphere. Lovely surroundings. The food is good but the chips need to be crisp. My room is lovely but not warm enough for me. The bathroom is cold, toilet flush is difficult. Sometimes find tights are late back from the laundry. The activities are disappointing,
limited choice of music. I suggest group scrabble with wallboard (seen in another care home) drawing, more exercises and singing.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your comments, recognising the wonderful care here at Willowthorpe. Your suggestions are much appreciated and I will endeavour to work with you to make the changes suggested. My door is always open and I am happy to discuss any changes that are required to ensure you are comfortable in your home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Karen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has lived at Willwthorpe Care Home for two years. In this time, both myself and Mum have been treated with respect and have been listened to. The staff are caring, respectful and engaging with Mum. They have always given her the time she needs to process questions or discussions and listen intently,
even if Mum has repeated herself. The staff have built a great relationship with us both - which is important. The food is lovely and the environment is fresh, clean and promotes memory for the service users. I am very happy with the care, consideration and friendship given to Mum and more importantly, she is happy too!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Mum moved into Willowthorpe 16 months ago, she has received the best possible care and kindness from every member of staff no matter their role within the home.
They liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure that Mum remains, as far as possible, in good health.
Not only do the staff and
management team care for Mum but they also provide support and reassurance for her family. Thank you.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. I will share this with my team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jan F (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been part of the Willowthorpe family for over four years now.
During this time mums needs have changed and support and care has been outstanding in every respect. The management and carers are a wonderful team who go out of their way to make all residents feel respected and cared for in every
aspect of their daily lives. Throughout the pandemic, we were kept well informed by both emails and in-house Facebook postings giving us a constant update on well-planned daily activities and the residents well being.
The home itself has been updated and improved with some considerable well-thought-out refurbishment during the past 2 years - making it a warm comfortable and very pleasant environment for all.
As a family, I just know that we could never have found a better home for mum - something I shall be forever grateful for. Thank you.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review. I will pass it on to the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lawrence M (Son of Resident) published on 3 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we were very grateful to the manager and her team for helping our mother with respite care with ease. This has since become a permanent residency as we know Mum is very happy at Willowthorpe. Her needs are being met, and she is a lot healthier and happier now she is being looked after whilst
she can still be as independent as she chooses.
We are also most appreciative of the senior team leader, who Mum trusts completely and who we could not do without, especially when it came to Mum agreeing to Willowthorpe becoming her permanent home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the kind review. I will pass this on to the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Peter F (Husband of Resident) published on 2 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arriving for respite care my wife was greeted by a few members of staff who greeted her by Christening name. The staff were most friendly, making myself and my wife so welcome. Compared to our care homes back home this is a 5-star hotel.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We hope to see you again soon.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lucinda W (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowthorpe is an amazing care home. The staff are so compassionate, caring and loving to my mum. They care greatly for her. They keep me informed at all times and rectify any issues or worries I might have promptly. The activities are always fun-filled, my mum loves music and the entertainers. I think
of the management and all the staff as part of my family, they are fabulous.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your positive feedback. I will share this with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Anne V (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowthorpe is providing excellent care for my dad who has Alzheimer’s and they also support me. The care staff are second to none with their friendly manner.
The management team work well together to lead their ship.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you, I will share this feedback with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father entered Willowthorpe for respite but, eventually, this became permanent as he settled in quickly and enjoyed the company of others making friends easily with both staff and residents. He loved the singalongs and listening to the other residents' life stories.
The staff gave exceptional care
for my father especially whilst he underwent chemotherapy allowing me to visit on a regular basis during this difficult time. The Team Leader was so helpful with her advice and would take time out of her busy day to listen to us. This took the stress away from the family having to do anything other than enjoy our visiting time with Dad. During his final days, we cannot thank the management enough for allowing us the extended time we could spend with Dad. We will be forever grateful knowing that he was well cared for, safe and happy.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. Dad was a character and missed by us all.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Helen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being met with the shock of a mum needing to move into care is never easy. Having viewed other homes I was in pieces with guilt and anxiety.
The minute we arrived at Willowthorpe and met the staff all our fears evaporated.
My Mum is happy, enjoys the food, has a lovely dual aspect room, looking over
the river. Delightful surroundings and excellent care. The shining factor here though is the staff. Being met with a smile, despite restrictions, knowing you can ring and ask questions, regular updates by email, a private Facebook group so you can see regular updates, all outstanding. The Engagement Lead is outstanding, all staff show enthusiasm, care and bring joy. If I had to spend my final days somewhere I would choose Willowthorpe for myself and I think that says everything. A proper home from home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review. It is a pleasure caring for your mum.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John W (Son of Resident) published on 5 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We wanted to say "thank you" to all staff for their continued excellent care of our mothers. The home is a safe environment with forward-thinking and planning at every stage and usually in advance of government guidelines. Entertainment and needs are met by caring and loving staff and we feel very lucky
to be part of the" Willowthorpe family". The home and grounds are beautifully maintained and cleaned making it a home from home for everyone. Communication is top-notch, nothing is too much trouble and even head offices updates are gratefully received in these difficult times. So thank you all, we appreciate you all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tony C (Son of Resident) published on 5 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My 94-year-old mother will have been a resident at Willowthorpe for 2 years in March 2021. January 2021 has been a particularly difficult month for my Mum, but, with all the care, help and support from the members of staff at Willowthorpe, from management down to the cleaning staff, her pain and discomfort
has been made more bearable and with changes to her daily care, my Mum's needs are being fully met. My Mum has more obstacles to negotiate going forward and I know that I can rely on the Willowthorpe staff to be there for her every step of the way. I don’t know what I would do without your continued support and communication/website etc in these unprecedented times we find ourselves in. Thank you again one and all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Liz W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been lovely to see Mum settle in this caring home. She keeps bright, enjoying the sunny rooms and the activities with the other residents. The staff have been supportive, and every precaution is taken to ensure residents are kept safe from Covid-19. I am extremely grateful to know that Mum is
being looked after so well.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J G (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have only experienced friendly and caring work being carried out by all staff. I certainly would recommend Willowthorpe to anyone looking for a home. Everyone in the home does their very best for the welfare of all residents. I cannot stress enough how glad I am to have found Willowthorpe for a care
home for my mother. I know she is looked after and happy, so a big thank you to everyone.

Reply from Nicola Mead, Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your very positive review and kind words.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S W (Friend of Resident) published on 30 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visit a friend every 3-4 weeks for the past two and a half years. The staff always make us very welcome.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care my mother is receiving at Willowshorpe and that her needs are being met. All the staff are wonderful. They are caring, kind and patient, nothing is too much trouble. We are also pleased with their relationship with us, always making us feel so welcome and keeping us informed.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Willowthorpe.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Margaret W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The greatest asset this care home has (aside from a beautiful riverside setting) is its staff. I can truly say these lovely people really "care", they look after the residents with real heart and as individuals - taking time to interact despite being so very busy. I would recommend Willowthorpe without
hesitation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S W (Son of Resident) published on 6 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent standard of care throughout mum's stay.
I live some distance from Willowthorpe but I was always kept well informed on mum's health and general wellbeing.
Thank you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.392)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.392) out of 10 for Willowthorpe Care Home 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 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 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 4.660 for Willowthorpe Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (33 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 47 Ratings = 4.66

  • 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 3.732 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willowthorpe Care Home is based on 4 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 = 3.375

    • 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 56 registered maximum number of service users is 11.2. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.2 = 0.357

  • 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: 9 Jan 2019

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

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 14 Mar 2025

Private Residential and Dementia Care


Awards / Recognitions (3)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Lisa

Lisa Edwards

Job Title: Home Manager

I have worked in the care environment for over 25 years and can think of no better environment to be in. Over this time, I have strived to improve and hone my skills and qualifications. B&M Care not only want the best for their residents but also want this for their staff which is what attracted me to work with them and joined The Chadwick.


Working alongside a great team, we endeavour to promote and encourage independence and confidence whilst ensuring a social environment and engaging activities to develop a community within the home.


Frequently Asked Questions about Willowthorpe Care Home

What types of Care is Willowthorpe Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Willowthorpe Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Willowthorpe Care Home have?

There are 56 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Willowthorpe Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Willowthorpe Care Home to the centre of Ware?

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