St Matthews Care Home

Chequer Lane, Redbourn, St Albans AL3 7QG
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9.8 79 Reviews
  • St Matthews Care Home, St Albans
St Matthews is situated close to the common in the small rural village of Redbourn in Hertfordshire. Formerly part of the site where the Brook Bond tea factory was situated, St Matthews is a purpose built care home that has been tastefully furnished and equipped as one of B&M Care's superior homes.

Accommodation is provided in single en suite rooms, the majority of which also have shower facilities. All rooms may be personalised.

St Matthews offers a choice of lounges and dining areas well planned over two floors. The extensive sunny gardens and courtyards at St Matthews offer a safe environment, with easy access pathways a log cabin and greenhouse for outdoor activities.

St Matthews 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.

Care Provided by St Matthews Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 79 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
  • Jessica Callum (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (79)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (79)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2012

Funding & Fees Guide for St Matthews 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 £1,450
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,550
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,750
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact St Matthews Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • 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
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
Total of 79, showing 1-20
9.8

St Matthews Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.810) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Matthews Care Home has 79 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father moved to St Matthew's Care Home in Redbourn in January 2024. He had Alzheimer's and had tried to look after himself at home but was not coping very well. It was a big decision for us all and we had a good look around all the care homes in the area. St Matthew's was by far the best. During
his year living there, his health improved - both physical and mental. He had the choice of being in company in the communal areas or when he wanted peace and quiet, he could sit in his lovely bedroom.
The carers, headed by one member of staff in particular, were all so kind and patient. They were also incredibly supportive to us all which meant a lot.
The residents had a super entertainment team who took them out on trips, had musical afternoons and family events in the grounds.
Sadly, my dad passed away after Christmas at the age of 95. But I know he had a fantastic year at St Matthew's.
Thank you to everyone. You helped us all.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for a lovely review. From all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The resident who was a close friend had been at St Matthews Care Home for about 2 and half years. During that time she had been happy and as comfortable as she could be. She has vascular dementia and fairly severe mobility problems. However, her health declined not unexpectedly and during her last few
weeks, she was able to remain at the home. The care she was offered was excellent and she remained peaceful and comfortable until about four days before she died. I was able to visit as often as I liked and felt supported and cared for in turn. Community nurses were also involved in her care as well as a nurse from a local hospice. Many thanks to the care home for helping to make her last few weeks and years as positive and gentle as possible.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for your kind review from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in the care of St Matthew's for the past four and a half years.
His care has been exemplary, from the friendly greeting from the reception staff to the caring staff in Willows.
Dad was very happy in the home and always greeted us with a smile. He was well cared for and was always
clean and well groomed as was his bedroom and his spotless bathroom.
A very big thank you to the whole team that looked after our father. I know he enjoyed his stay.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

It was a pleasure to be able to care for your Dad, from all at St Matthew's.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mr Brother-in-law was a resident and was cared for in the Willows Unit because he had dementia and other associated health issues. The level of care was exemplary and I was confident that his needs were met by a wonderful team who got to know and love him. He felt safe and secure in his well-appointed
room and although he chose not to use all of them, the activities and facilities were excellent, with a weekly programme of events (communicated to me by email), the residents kitchen where I regularly made us refreshments when I visited, and the beautiful gardens. My brother-in-law's room had direct access to a lovely patio. The staff, including those on reception, took time to get to know me as well share my brother-in-law's news and their concerns. I felt very much part of the picture.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind review


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Nana has been at St Matthews for some time now, following a couple of initial visits for respite care. I will never forget the member of staff saying to her on her first arrival 'Welcome home Mrs---'. From that point, I knew this was a nice place! The home itself is well-kept, clean, and improvements
are being made all the time. The staff though are what makes it for me. The team working on reception are so welcoming and takes an interest in me and my family - my children love to spend time with them! The key workers for the residents really do care - even if it's a bit of tough love! They're not just doing a job, they go further. The activities team go above and beyond in my opinion to give the residents a wide range of in-house and external activities and experiences to enhance their lives. I hope that when my time comes for care, I find somewhere as lovely and welcoming as St Matthews.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank You so much for your lovely review, from all at St Matthews


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in St Matthews for nearly three years now, her care has been excellent and she is happy in the home. The staff are great and there is plenty to occupy her during the day. I give St Matthews 10 out of 10.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for such a lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment Mum arrived at St Matthews, their palliative care was exemplary. She was treated with dignity and warmth by all those who looked after her. Nothing was too much trouble, the family were able to spend as much time with her as needed and the care for us, during a very difficult time, was
also exemplary.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for a lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was quite nervous about going into the home for two weeks of respite care while I was away. Without exception, every member of staff was very understanding of Mum's feelings and went out of their way to make her feel happy and settled. Mum enjoyed everything about her stay - the food, activities
and staff. The home is immaculately clean and well-maintained. Mum thoroughly enjoyed her stay and is looking forward to going in again next time I go on holiday.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been in St Matthews for nearly 6 months now and I can't say how grateful I am to all the staff who regularly go above and beyond to look after my mum and her challenging requests! Honestly, nothing is too much trouble for them and everyone is so lovely, caring and friendly with an unlimited
amount of patience. There are plenty of activities and outings and lots for residents to do. It is a really happy atmosphere and my mum is like a different person since she's been there and following the difficult time she had before going to St Matthews. It has given her a new lease of life. I really appreciate everything the hardworking staff do to keep my mum happy and I know she does too.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for such a lovely review, it's a pleasure to care for Mum, from all at St Matthew's.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum goes to St Matthews on a regular basis for respite care. She is always made very welcome and looks forward to each visit. All the staff are very efficient, professional, caring and kind. I know when I leave her she is in the best possible hands. The accommodation and facilities are excellent. Entertainment
also excellent. Mum is always included in outings and events, even though she is only resident for short spells. Mum celebrated her 100th birthday in November and St Matthews put on a wonderful party for her with all the residents and also provided a singer. They also made her a birthday cake. She was overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and love. I really don’t know what we would do without St Matthews as Mum requires this arrangement due to our work commitments. Thank you all so much, you are a wonderful team.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 94-year-old father was admitted to the home for two weeks of respite care following a 10-day stay in hospital, having suffered from a severe infection. The staff were all very warm and welcoming and helped to build my father's strength and mobility back up again so that he was able to return to his
own home after two weeks. He settled quickly and the whole team made him feel very welcome. I was able to take a few day's holiday as a result, which I was very grateful for. The range of Easter activities was excellent and enjoyable. Thank you for taking such good care of my father.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The care given by the staff at the Home was very good. Mum stayed at the Home for 8 weeks of respite care last summer and for two nights prior to her death last month. She told me that the care she received last summer was satisfactory (she didn’t want to be there). The consideration extended to me
and other members of family during and following her death was extremely kind. The administration, however, left much to be desired. Although her admission last month was on very short notice, she was not expected by the staff at the Home when we arrived. On both occasions, there was an issue with the invoicing after her stay. I was deeply upset by the fact that the day after Mum died at the home, I received an invoice in the post - there was no respectful delay by a couple of days, there was no covering letter offering condolences and the amount was wrong by a huge amount.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

We are really sorry you feel this way, we would like to ensure any lessons that need to be learnt will be from you feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My initial guilt and fear of putting my husband into a care home was very quickly squashed. After just a few days I realised the real meaning of carers!
The staff have been warm, welcoming and give me all the time I needed with my endless questions.
I also worried that my husband wouldn't settle well
but the opposite has happened. He feels at home.
I cannot thank the whole team enough for all the care he is being given.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I spent one week of respite care at St Matthews Care Home. It was most enjoyable due to the care given by the staff. They were so kind and helpful. I am a reasonably fit 93-year-old and wanted a break as apart from shopping I care for myself. Two residents fell and were unable to reach alarm cords,
would a wrist alarm help? Keeping food hot is always a problem, would a microwave in the kitchenette enable room-served males to be reheated without a carer having to return to the dining room? Even during the nights, lights were left fully on in the corridor and the room was so warm that the window needed to be kept constantly open. The range of activities were very impressive.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at St Matthews for two years now following the passing of my dad. The transition into care was a very difficult time for my mum as she had lost so much in a short space of time. I suspect though, that this is not unusual and that this is a challenging time for almost all families in one
way or another.
After visiting many care homes, I happened upon St Matthews almost by chance. From the moment that I walked through the door, I felt a warmth and empathy from the team that I did not feel elsewhere.
I knew immediately that this was where I wanted my mum to be as I feel that the happiness of a resident is more likely to be increased by interaction with the people around them than the facility itself. The caring nature of the home has a culture which permeates through all the staff and this has greatly helped Mum transition into this next phase of her life. We have not regretted the decision for a moment. The manager and her team are all absolute stars.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind review. It is a pleasure to have Mum at the home. From all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful care home. I can't express how glad I am that I chose it for my husband who has dementia. The staff are so kind, so compassionate and so caring, My husband is looked after so beautifully, with a personal touch. I trust them completely and I know that I can go out or go on holiday
knowing he is in the most capable hands. The home has a lovely atmosphere and is so pleasantly decorated and furnished, light and airy and always sweet smelling. The reception staff are always wonderfully welcoming and friendly, also extremely supportive, they understand exactly how terrible it is to see a loved one suffering from dementia and are kindness itself. My husband is always beautifully clean and well-groomed; the staff understanding how important that is. I can't rate the care home highly enough.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I dragged my friend and her Mum to the Summer Party today. We all enjoyed ourselves and commented on how attentive the staff were, even at such a busy event.
Since going to St. Matthews Mum is 100% better than she had been.
Thank you everyone.
And an extra thank you to The Nutter!

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your review, from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother moved in, in March this year. It was a tough decision for our family to make, but however much time we spent with her she needed more companionship. St Matthews has been a godsend to my mum and the family. She has made friends and has 24-hour care by staff who are amazing. St Matthews has
made such a difference to our mum, and taken the worry away from the family knowing she is safe, healthy and happy. A big thank you to all the staff.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you from all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident of St Matthews for 2 years. She settled in quickly and gets involved with and enjoys the activities, especially the trips out. The staff are friendly and welcoming when we visit and we are never made to feel in the way. Her care is regularly reviewed and adjusted as her needs
increase. The home is well-maintained and very clean. There is a choice of meals with plenty to eat and snacks available.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for such a lovely review. From all at St Matthews.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This care home is beautifully located on a hill in leafy Redbourne. My mother resides on the top floor, which has open access to a large garden area where she can walk, sit and even do some gardening.
Overall, the staff are happy and friendly. Whilst there have been many times when I arrive, and there
is no staff to be seen, within minutes, members of staff arrive and help me find my mother. There is a refreshingly informal atmosphere in the place where residents can roam freely in and out of each other's rooms.
The place is clean and tidy, Mum's room is always in good condition, and the bathroom is spotless. There are two fabulous entertainment ladies who are incredibly enthusiastic, but for 70 residents of varying capacities, 1.5 full-time equivalents are insufficient.
The reception staff are always wonderfully welcoming. I do think an assigned carer to Mum would be helpful for communications both ways.

Reply from Jessica Callum, Home Manager at St Matthews Care Home

Thank you for your kind review and feedback; we will use your feedback in the hope we can make some changes. From all at St Matthews.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.810)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.810) out of 10 for St Matthews Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 37 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 4.810 for St Matthews Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (377 Excellents x 5) + (59 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 448 Ratings = 4.81

  • 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 St Matthews Care Home is based on 37 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 79 registered maximum number of service users is 15.8, which has been reached with 37 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 Feb 2019

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

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 14 Mar 2025

Private Residential and Dementia Care


Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Jessica

Jessica Callum

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2021

Jessica started her career within the care sector as a Care Assistant within a similar care provider to B&M Care. Having developed a genuine passion for delivering highly personalised care for individuals that have more complex care needs, she moved into a position with a provider that specialised in supporting younger people living with learning disabilities. After recognising that she wanted to go back to caring for older people, her career at B&M Care began in 2016 when she has appointed the role of Assistant Manager at Clare Lodge, and then to Home Manager of Clare Lodge in 2017. In 2021 Jessica then took on the role of Home Manager at St Matthew's.


Frequently Asked Questions about St Matthews Care Home

What types of Care is St Matthews 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 St Matthews 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 St Matthews Care Home have?

There are 79 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at St Matthews Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), 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 St Matthews Care Home to the centre of St Albans?

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