St Matthews Care Home

Chequer Lane, Redbourn, St Albans AL3 7QG
Submit a Review
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 21-40
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

  • 60
  • 17
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

79
4
12
38
41
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has been at St Matthews for just over one year. It has provided us with total peace of mind and provided him with fantastic welfare support. He has gained weight since he has been there, and although he chooses not to participate in many of the activities, there is a vast array of choices to suit
all residents, from the children's play session to arts and crafts, trips to the canal, films and classical concerts in the cinema. He gets visits from the local library service, which suits him well. The staff know him and his foibles! They are constantly reviewing his needs and recently took him off a drug that we believe he was given but does not need. Since then, his mobility has improved (no need for the walking stick!). I can see Dad being with us for some time yet. Had he stayed in his own home, I think we'd have said goodbye long before now.
And finally - the staff always have time for me - the anxious relative wants to know he's well.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely home where my mother has been since October 2020. Would highly recommend! Very caring, and the engagement team are amazing and organises lots of fun activities both inside and outside the home (canal boat trips, trips to Dunstable Downs etc).

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

Thank you for your kind review! Pleasure to care for Mum at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at St Matthew’s since December 2022, and we have previously given a very positive review. We continue to be really happy with the way in which she is cared for and the encouragement she receives to remain active. She especially enjoyed the recent ‘cheese and wine’ party and is really
looking forward to the next ‘fish and chips’ supper. As her family, we are especially grateful for the care we receive from all the staff. They seem especially skilled in dealing with (sometimes) ‘fractious’ relatives, giving us reassurance and putting our minds at rest. I recently said to my husband, “start saving - I want to come here when the time comes!”.

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

Thank you so much for your kind review! From all at St Mathews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is in St Matthews and is being looked after very well and made to feel welcome. She is always clean and well-presented, as she always was, and her room and ensuite are kept neat and tidy. Whenever Mum goes out to her appointments or to socialise, she always returns to the home quite happily.
She speaks highly of the staff and tells me that they are very friendly.
It has been a challenging few months, but the staff have dealt with the situation supportively and professionally.
The activities at the home are plentiful, and there always seems to be something going on, led by an enthusiastic activities leader.
The home was highly recommended to us, and it has lived up to its reputation.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident of St Matthews for the past 18 months, and during that time, she has been so well cared for by all members of staff. This morning I went along with Mum, another resident and the lady who had organised a visit to a local golf club where Mum had been a member for over 40
years. The visit was a great success and triggered many happy memories for her, with several lady members remembering her and coming to say “hello”. I’m very grateful to the lady for arranging the visit, and I think it only goes to show how much effort is put into meeting the needs of individual residents.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident at St Matthews for five years before she sadly passed away recently. She initially was not keen on entering residential care but settled quickly and said that she wished that she had gone to St Matthews sooner.
It has a family home feel, and we were welcomed as if we were family
when we visited. The staff work so hard to provide a stimulating environment with many activities available. They have a personal choice approach and very much respect resident choice. We have had the most caring and kind support since Mum passed away, and we can't thank St Matthews staff enough.

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

Thank you for your kind words; it was a pleasure to have Mum at the home. From all at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank all the staff at St Matthews Care Home who looks after my mother and all the other residents. It has a lovely atmosphere with kind and dedicated staff, who are friendly and welcoming.
The home is spacious, with all the facilities you could wish for and run an extensive programme
of activities. Staff go out of their way to help residents transition from home to residential care.
I have no hesitation in recommending it to prospective residents and their families.

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

Thank you so much for your kind review! From all at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is in St Matthews, and she happily calls it her "new home". She is very happy there and has made a group of new friends. Her room is spacious, and she (and I) are very happy with all the staff and their attitude to residents and families.
Personally, I think this is an excellent, well-managed
and run home. It always has a happy "bustle" about it. I am kept informed of activities and have established a good relationship with staff.
It is such a relief knowing your loved ones are so well looked after.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has been at St Matthews for over six years. My sister and I have been very happy with all the kindness, care and support given by the staff. We were very grateful to have been contacted by a staff member and were able to be with Dad when he passed away.

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

Thank you for your kind words. From us all at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been a resident for a year. He settled in well and was made welcome from day one. Whenever I visit, at whatever time of day, Dad is clean, looks well and is happy. He often says he is happy here. The staff are friendly and competent.
It is a lovely, clean, purpose-built building with
areas for meeting and sitting. The outside is well-kept, and there are chairs and tables.
It is a comfort to know Dad is safe, well cared for and, above all, happy. Visitors are made very welcome and encouraged.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having been here for a year and a half, I now am, at last, feeling that I am making good progress. I have a very good relationship with the staff, I try to start the day with an early morning cuppa tea and a smile, and hopefully, this sets me up for the day. All members of staff are excellent and do
their very best to make it "homely". Activities groups provide an all-round program to accommodate all residents irrespective of ability, which in some cases is a difficult task, but all done with a smile. One of the highlights is making a regular trips to a supermarket, which gives me contact with the community. An introduction a few months ago to the coffee morning group will hopefully improve my social life. Regular visits to my son-in-law are an important part of my life. Even if I am feeling low, I can approach my keyworker for support.

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

It is a pleasure to care for you. From us all at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandfather stayed at St Matthews as a respite resident after his knee surgery. The care and support he received at St Matthews were more than he could have received at home. The staff are supportive, attentive and friendly, and when his respite finished, he came back home in good spirits, and he
let us know that without his stay in the care home, he would not have returned to the same healthy state.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent three weeks in St Matthews for a spell of respite care following an operation. The care she was given was wonderful, and all the staff, without exception, were friendly, welcoming and caring, both to Mum and to me. Mum really improved with the care and encouragement she was given and
felt ready to return home at the end of her stay. The home is light, airy and clean and has a calm, friendly and comfortable feel to it. Mum enjoyed the food and the company of the staff and other residents and would be happy to stay again should the need arise.

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

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


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was admitted in November 2022 following a sudden balance problem which caused me to fall at home. Apart from the first day, when I had to be raised on a hoist, I have never fallen since, and all erstwhile friends say how much fitter I look, having been here now for several months. The staff seem very
well trained and full of care. The organisation, in spite of national staff problems, is excellent. I enjoy social activities and excursions out. I have my own TV and laptop and followed a course on Zoom for several months. Obviously, I had some trepidation about entering a home at first, but I have no doubts that this is now the best place for me. I was regretful of having to leave friends where I lived, but the other inmates are so friendly - I have made many new friends. My daughter lives in Redbourn, and she has several friends here and had no doubts about recommending me. She and my grandson visit me several times a week.

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

Denis - thank you for your kind review. It is a pleasure having you here at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the most amazing care home that totally and utterly lives up to the ethos of care.
The reception team and management answer all my questions by phone, email or face-to-face. The layout of the home is great, and the gardens are lovely and totally accessible for all that want to use them. Everything
is maintained beautifully. The activities are well-considered for the residents. The food and refreshments are fresh and smell good. The cleaners are great, and the ladies doing the laundry have a great sense of how to improve someone’s wardrobe for more comfort.
With such a fantastic support team, it is the care staff that makes this place really special. Every single member of staff knows my dad and knows who we are when we visit. Checks up on him and asks after him and my mum when I pass them in the corridors. I have total and utter confidence that everything possible has been done to make my dad feel at home and feel comfortable, and most importantly, loved when his family can’t be with him.

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

Thank you so much Tania, it was a pleasure to look after dad. He will be missed by all. From all at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law came into the care of the lovely people at St Matthew’s in November 22 and was looked after and cared for by them until her passing in April 23. In all the time she was there, all the staff were fabulous.
The ethos of the home is that it is your home too, so generally, you can come
and go to visit your loved ones when it suits you. Even Tilly the dog loved going there and felt at home; she was used to going there (and made the most of the biscuits offered).
It felt like home, and we felt part of it whenever we were there. There is a comfort in knowing someone is being well looked after when you’re not there. My mother-in-law settled in very well, and although her time was short, she liked all the staff that built a rapport with her.
I would say that if I were to be put in a home, I could only hope it would be like St Matthew’s - that says it all for me. Thank you to everyone there (there are too many to mention); you made her end-of-life care the best it could be.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to care for your mother-in-law, and she will be missed. All the best from everyone at St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident at St Matthews Care Home for just over three months, and I cannot thank the staff enough for the care that she received. All of the staff members that cared for my mum were amazing, and the home has a really friendly, family feel to it. Everyone went out of their way to make
my mum feel at home from the moment she arrived, and that warmth extended to us as her family as well.
Sadly we lost my mum recently, but during the time that she needed palliative care, we really couldn't fault it. The food was of a high standard, as were all of the facilities, and it is a very peaceful place to be.
My family and I have already been back to visit those who we got to know so well, and would highly recommend St Matthews.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to care for Mum. All from St Matthews.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was in St Matthews for one week as part of my recovery from knee replacement surgery.
Without exception, the staff were all delightful, extremely helpful and good fun to be with.
The home seems well-managed, clean and comfortable, and the other residents I met seemed very pleased with their treatment.
Many
thanks, and a great help in my recuperation.

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

Thank you for the review! It was a pleasure to be able to support you during your recovery.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad came here for a two-week respite stay and was made to feel very welcome during that time. It was only a temporary stay, but every effort was made to make him feel at home, and he was looked after to a very high standard. I can't praise the staff highly enough for their professional standards and
caring attitude.
St Matthews has a lovely atmosphere; the building is purpose-built, light and airy, with tastefully decorated and furnished. Staff are on hand to greet visitors and always had the time to give advice and chat about Dad's progress.

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

Thank you; it was a pleasure to be able to care for Dad.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother came here for two weeks to convalesce after being ill with pneumonia and a hospital stay. Most of the staff were excellent, being both caring and responsive. The layout is excellent, with plenty of space to take short walks for exercise. However, the mattress wasn't great quality/comfortable,
meaning my mother didn't get the good sleep she really needed, which was a shame.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

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.