Tara's Retreat Care Home

High Street, Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ
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9.0 34 Reviews
  • Tara's Retreat Care Home, St Albans
Tara's Retreat is situated in the High Street of the beautiful rural Hertfordshire village of Sandridge, on the outskirts of the historic City of St Albans. This purpose built home opened in 2006 and is set in landscaped groups which enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Tara's Retreat is dedicated to providing residential care for older people and for those with dementia related needs. It has been designed and equipped to the highest standard to ensure that residents enjoy a superior quality of life.

All 46 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to a high specification, all of which may be personalised.

Tara's Retreat offers a choice of lounges and dining areas, a fully equipped activities room and accessible patio areas. The private gardens at Tara's Retreat offer a safe environment, with easy access pathways for outdoor activities.

Tara's Retreat 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.

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Care Provided by Tara's Retreat Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 69 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
  • Karen Langley (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (69)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (69)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Tara's Retreat 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 £1,400
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,550
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Tara's Retreat 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
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Tara's Retreat Care Home Reviews (34)

Total of 34, showing 1-20
9.0

Tara's Retreat Care Home has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.021) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Tara's Retreat Care Home has 34 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Pauline H (Friend of Resident) published on 24 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My friend was discharged from hospital for 'End of Life Care' in the evening. The following morning I went to visit at 10 am. I was let in, didn't see anyone, went to her room, she was lying there half-covered with a coloured type of sheet. There was a duvet on the armchair and dirty bedding on the
floor. I sat with her for 10 mins, then left, still didn't see anyone. A relative was going in at 12 which the Home knew about, so I knew she would be clean and comfortable for them. I went to visit again late afternoon and she passed away whilst I was there, Thank God I knew she didn't die alone. Also, how can a Care Home not have any clean laundry to use on Christmas morning?

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

I am sorry to read your negative experience. I will share your review and its contents with the team and ensure this experience is not repeated in the future. This is not something we have ever experienced before and our end of life care is usually very highly commented on by relatives. I am happy to discuss in person if you wish to do so.


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Review from D B (Husband of Resident) published on 16 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home is well-run. Staff and management polite and helpful. Any problems or queries are resolved promptly. Any issues regarding the resident are taken seriously.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We always appreciate any feedback and are happy you have had a positive experience here at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Hilary B (Regular Volunteer) published on 28 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a PAT (Pets as Therapy) volunteer, my review is based on experience and observations on fortnightly visits with my dog when we visit residents both in the lounges and individual rooms, accompanied by one of the staff members responsible for activities. Tara's is a bright, clean and welcoming place
and there is a feeling of community and things going on, whether it's visits to the hairdresser, watching a film in the cinema room or knitting at the 'Knitter Natter' session. For those who spend more time in their rooms, rooms are spacious and pleasant and personal belongings are accommodated. In my experience, the staff are friendly, dedicated and caring and they go the extra mile to engage with residents, as well as attending to their practical needs. Based on my experience, residents appear to be treated as individuals, with care and respect.

Reply from Karen Langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We love having you both here for our residents. Your positive comments will be shared with the team here at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from A W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found the staff at Tara’s Retreat very kind and helpful to my mother in law who is very confused every day. She is safe and comfortable in her own room with her own facilities. She chooses not to partake in the activities but a variety of events are available.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat Care Home.


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Review from Cassy H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I chose Tara's Retreat out of all the care homes in the area for a variety of reasons. The staff are amazing. Positivity and kindness go so far. They always have great activities on and they allow pets to visit which makes such a difference. Shout out to the loveliest receptionist and understanding
manager. The nurse comes weekly. Can’t fault anyone and really trust Tara's.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Good morning. Thank you so much for your lovely review. I will share your positive feedback with the staff.


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Review from C G (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Tara's Retreat has provided my mother with safety, security and friendship. Knowing she is receiving a high level of care and support has alleviated some of the stresses experienced by having a vulnerable elderly parent. From the very experienced Home Manager and her team to the carers, all staff are
welcoming, friendly and supportive, taking the time to discuss any issues or needs.


With plenty of activities to get involved with, the residents at Tara's Retreat have access to a cinema room where they are able to watch a good selection of movies past and present. My mother particularly enjoys a game of pool in one of the smaller, more intimate lounges. Activities for the summer also included a great game of crazy golf and the activities coordinators always encourage friends and family to join in the events. The home is tastefully decorated and the ensuite bedrooms are very comfortable.


Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. My team work very hard to keep our residents safe and happy. I will share your review with the team at Tara's.


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Review from S W (Niece of Resident) published on 28 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My aunt has certainly rallied since she has been a resident at Tara's Retreat. Every time I visit her she sings the praises of the staff. I feel comforted that she is being well cared for and is safe and happy.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for your review.
We are delighted that your aunt is happy here at Tara's Retreat. The staff work so hard to achieve this and are grateful for your positive review.
Many thanks.


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Review from Nichola P (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a long stay in hospital we needed to find a Care Home for Dad. We were struck by the welcoming atmosphere and how clean and tidy Tara's Retreat Care Home was on our first visit. The manager has been very helpful in finding a lovely room for Dad and assisting with all the paperwork involved as
this can be quite daunting. All the staff have been kind, caring and respectful to Dad and helping him to adjust to his new situation. He has actually gained a little weight since his arrival thanks to the lovely food he is enjoying. He has had a couple of medical issues since his arrival but these have been dealt with swiftly and we have been kept informed at all times which helps us to adjust to the situation and stops us worrying about him so much as we know his welfare is a priority to the whole team here.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Nichola, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Julia C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Tara's Retreat Care Home is a comfortable home where my father (who has advanced dementia) is kept clean and comfortable and well fed. It is well managed with enquiries and requests dealt with promptly and cheerfully. The staff take an interest in the residents’ likes and dislikes and makes an effort
to get them venturing out into the communal areas and involved in the life of the home. It is early days but so far we are very happy with the level of care provided.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Julia, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Robin C (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother is treated with great kindness and dignity by the staff. It is very clear that the staff and the management work very hard to look after the residents. Although my mother suffers significantly from Alzheimer's, she is always able to tell me that she is looked after very well. Great credit
to the manager and her team.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Robin, thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to review us. We are very pleased your mother tells you she is looked after very well.
Thank you.


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Review from Kim D (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Right from the initial assessment at Mum's home where I also lived, the assessor completely ‘got’ mum, who has severe dementia - reassuring from the outset. On Mum's arrival, members of staff all came to introduce themselves to Mum, my sister and one of Mum's other carers. They all had a good knowledge
of Mum's needs and were all very kind and welcoming. We are now in February and Mum has really settled - Tara's Retreat Care Home has now accomplished the care Mum really needed, which we were finding impossible at her own home with lots of wonderful carers in place. Mum seems happy and the staff and receptionist are always fully able to give me any latest updates on Mum - staff change over information is always clearly relayed. Without exception - I have been thoroughly impressed by the extremely honest, genuine care at all times.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Kim, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Matthew P (Son of Resident) published on 28 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We looked at a few local care homes - Tara's Retreat had a lovely 'feel' about it from the minute we walked in. Their greatest asset is their staff. My mother cannot fault them - she thinks they are all extremely kind, compassionate and welcoming, we agree. They work hard to provide extra experiences,
such as summer parties and events. The setting is also perfect - backing onto open fields and the forest. Our mother is fortunate enough to have a room with far-reaching views across fields and paddocks, which she loves. It has been the perfect choice for us.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Matthew, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Gill R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As the daughter of a resident at Tara’s, I am incredibly grateful to the staff who take care of Mum. Always helpful, always smiling and always willing to listen. I have always been advised that nothing is perfect when caring for patients with dementia, but Tara’s are with me every step of the way. Often
under difficult circumstances, they are so supportive. Thank you to all the staff who look after Mum.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Gill, thank you so much for your lovely review and taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.


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Review from Jennifer D (Wife of Resident) published on 29 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The management and staff at Tara's Retreat have gone above and beyond expectations. They not only care for their residents but their relatives too. It is a happy place where there is a good relationship among all the staff.

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Review from Martin H (Son of Resident) published on 31 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following all the Covid related delays we finally managed to move my mum from the North West down to the South East and Tara's Retreat was the perfect care home destination. It was such a shock that my mum's stay was so short but I must say a big thank you to all of the staff. The care and empathy you
showed were simply amazing and as a family, we are very grateful.

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Review from Tracy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A big thank you to all the wonderful staff at Taras who care for our Dad. It’s been especially hard during lockdown for us and them, but the whole team have worked so hard to keep us updated and in touch. Any worries or concerns are dealt with immediately; they all show such care and compassion.
Your
work is much appreciated by us all.

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Review from Neil W (Son of Resident) published on 20 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It's very difficult to finally admit a loved one into an OAP home but my mother was made to feel very welcome and was put at ease in a very relaxed, easy manner.
We decorated her lovely room with her own possessions and furniture and it's been kept impeccably clean.
The staff are very professional
and extremely friendly and any concerns are quickly reported, recorded and dealt with.
My mother has been involved in many activities, from day trips and social interactions and her old humour and wit have returned.
I would highly recommend staying at Tara's Retreat. It's a safe, almost family-run atmosphere OAP home.

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Review from Maurice J (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 13 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father-in-law is extremely well looked after at Tara's. The staff are all great and know him very well. I couldn't praise Tara's more. Thanks.

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Review from Susie J (Private Carer of Resident) published on 6 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Warm and welcoming care home. All the staff are very friendly, caring and show respect to residents. Residents are listened to regarding meetings and changes are made to keep everyone happy. Fantastic activities (varied and fun) especially the singer. Rooms could be larger but nice to have ensuite.
Can't find any faults and always recommend Tara's to all who ask.

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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arrival for my visit today I was greeted by the manager and reception staff. Both were very keen to bring me up to date with the improvements to the building works. Having then arrived on mum's unit greeted by the staff were bright and cheerful and happy to tell me how mum was getting along. Very
thrilled with B & M Tara's Retreat. Mum loves it and is thriving with her dementia.

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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.021)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.021) out of 10 for Tara's Retreat Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 9 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 4.469 for Tara's Retreat Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (71 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 113 Ratings = 4.469

  • 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 4.552 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Tara's Retreat Care Home is based on 9 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 = 3.9

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 69 registered maximum number of service users is 13.8. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 13.8 = 0.652

  • 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: 16 Jun 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

4 Bed Vacancies

posted 14 Mar 2025

Private Residential and Dementia Care


Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (1)

Karen

Karen Langley

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2017

I was appointed as Home Manager at Tara’s Retreat in 2017 after working in the same position at B&M Care’s sister home in St Albans, Clare Lodge. Like many other B&M Care Home Managers, I started my career as a Care Assistant and progressed ‘through the ranks’ to Deputy Manager. In addition to my experience, I have completed a number of qualifications, including several NVQs in Health & Social Care, as well as the ‘Champion of Dementia Care’ programme run in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Society.


Frequently Asked Questions about Tara's Retreat Care Home

What types of Care is Tara's Retreat 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 Tara's Retreat 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 Tara's Retreat Care Home have?

There are 69 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Tara's Retreat Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, 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 Tara's Retreat Care Home to the centre of St Albans?

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