Benslow Nursing Home

Benslow Rise, Hitchin SG4 9QY
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9.8 24 Reviews
  • Benslow Nursing Home, Hitchin
This Nursing home first opened its doors over 25 years ago and has been offering nursing care to the elderly residents of Hitchin ever since. The home manager has a wealth of experience and has celebrated her 37th year with Benslow in 2024. The care staff are part of a skilled team made up of the Registered Manager, two clinical leads, registered nurses and health care assistants, supported by housekeepers, general assistants, cook, administrator and activity coordinator. This home also specialises in dementia care.

Both the CQC inspection (February 2022) and Hertfordshire provider inspection show a 'GOOD' rating for this home.

The house itself dates back to the Victorian era when it housed Cambridge University's Girton college. The ground floor rooms are suitably grand in scale with large windows in the drawing room and day room overlooking the peaceful gardens. The first floor provides accommodation offering wonderful views across the town and onto the countryside beyond. The lower ground floor offers further lounges and bedrooms, some with direct access to the garden. This location is also conveniently situated just 9 miles from Welwyn.

All meals are cooked on the premises daily, with a variety of options available at each meal time. Menus are changed regularly taking into account seasonality and residents preferences. The food is locally sourced.

The well-being and engagement co-ordinator works tirelessly to ensure a varied programme of activities are on offer to residents. Special events and trips are organised throughout the year, such as Around the World food day, charity cake sales and the very popular postcard appeal. They encourage families and friends to input into life history books for the residents to help keep their memories alive.

Family and friends are welcome at any time and local community groups regularly visit to either entertain or spend time at this friendly, comfortable home.

Care Provided by Benslow Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Eating Disorders
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 35 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Anorexia/Bulimia/Self Harming
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Drug Dependence (past or present)
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Profound & Multiple Learning Disabilities
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • 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
  • Sandra Tyers (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Pre-assessment prior to admission
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (29)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Benslow Nursing 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 £1,100 – £1,500
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,500
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,595 – £1,895
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,595 – £1,895
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,100 – £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,595 – £1,895
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,595 – £1,895
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Benslow Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Visitors are encouraged to visit friends and loved ones and join in with the activities and events of the home. Please do discuss with the home if you wish to visit later in the evening and at night.


  • Parking
  • A large private car park is available for staff and visitors.


Total of 24, showing 1-20
9.8

Benslow Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.784) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Benslow Nursing Home has 24 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 18
  • 6
  • 0
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Date Published

24
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Nan had a 4 week stay in hospital and on the day of her discharge we were informed by her previous care home that they could no longer meet her needs - two weeks before Christmas!!!
My mum and I went to see Benslow Nursing Home as we liked what we saw online and from the second we arrived we were
welcomed with literal open arms, warm & compassionate introductions to every member of staff we passed, and the most wonderful homely, family feeling we could have ever imagined. The staff were so dedicated to their jobs and meeting their residents needs.
It was everything we could have wanted for my Nan, and sadly after just 10 days my grandmother passed away but in the most peaceful warm environment - we are so glad she spent her last days here.
We cannot express our gratitude to the manager and all her staff at Benslow for everything they did for Nan and us as a family in such a short space of time.
Thank you will never be enough.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for this beautiful review, it was an honour and a privilege to be part of your nanna's life journey alongside you and your family.All the bestSandra


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I just want to say a huge thank you to all at Benslow Nursing Home when my nan became poorly and lost her independence you welcomed her with open arms and it was so lovely, my nan was so very happy here and even in her last days, you were a comfort to her and to us as a family!
Thank you again.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

It was a privilege to be invited to share your Nan's final journey with you all, She was a fabulous lady and you are all a credit to her. If we can do anything for you please just shout.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother, who has difficulty to care for dementia, has been carefully and caringly cared for despite being bed-bound. Staff have clearly been giving her excellent attention and are thoughtful and gentle when I have observed them looking after her.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review, we are big on reflection here so please do not hesitate to let us know of ways we can improve the experience for Mum and all the family. My door is always open.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is a good and kind culture throughout the home, which is indicative of a first-class care establishment. It is well-managed and well-run and a shining example of how nursing care should be administered.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review, we welcome any feedback on ways we can improve the service or any part of it, my door is always open.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum lived in Benslow for approximately three years. There has never been a time I, or the rest of the family, have doubted the home and all the staff. They all worked hard to keep Mum safe, well, happy and comfortable at all times. They were all just lovely people and dedicated. I can't thank them
all enough for their hard work. I will miss visiting them as they made the family and I very welcome too.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you; it was a pleasure to walk alongside you both for Mum's journey with us. We will miss you guys. Please feel free to come and have a cuppa with us anytime.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Benslow give a comprehensive and efficient service. My father's needs have been very well attended to; his medical needs, including seeing a doctor have been well organised. The staff patiently give him his medication, are attentive and responsive to his changing condition, alerting me to any concerns,
and explaining how they are working to adapt their care. My father likes company but is bedbound, staff pop in to see him, in addition to doing his personal care. Staff have taken an interest in his life getting to know him, and enhancing his life however they can. They talk to him about his tv preferences, tuning in tv and radio to his interests. Benslow staff have gone to a lot of trouble to provide food he likes. Staff all across-the-board are attentive, kind and caring. I cannot speak highly enough of their support for both my father and myself.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you very much for such a lovely review, and we will strive to continue to improve.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been here for three years, and I am very happy with the care he receives, especially when I compare it with friends who have relatives in other facilities. The staff are very thoughtful, and my dad seems to be as content as he will ever be.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review us. I will pass on your lovely comments to all the staff.
Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is a positive family atmosphere at Benslow. Everyone is genuinely kind and caring, the staff seem very well supported and nothing is too much trouble. Communication is excellent; I have always been well-informed about my aunt's care. I am very grateful that she is being so well looked after.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review us. I will pass on your lovely comments to all the staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A caring, considerate and well-informed team who understand the needs of their residents and of their relatives.
Have seen my dad settle and relax for the first time in years as a result of their all-round care.
Definitely recommend.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for such a lovely review, Andy, I will ensure all staff know how highly you think of us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Benslow Nursing Home is a family home everyone supports everyone and nothing is too much trouble for any staff member. Residents are the centre of everything and the staff all enjoy making it that way.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are a great team here at Benslow and I am glad it shows.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful home, caring and friendly staff, clean and tidy. But above all, a genuine, caring home. Nothing is too much trouble. My father's care was first class. Totally recommend. He was treated with care and consideration. I could not have asked for more.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for your wonderful words; it was our pleasure to walk alongside you all during this part of dad's journey. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to all of the staff.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can assist you in any way in the future.
Kind Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot thank the Benslow staff team enough for all they have done for nan and our whole family for the last year. We have had regular video calls, updates, emails and have been kept informed every step of the way through this pandemic. My nan has remained well looked after, enjoyed partaking in activities
and tells me Benslow is even cleaner than before, which was already very clean. The manager has remained a phone call away and cannot do enough to ensure we are involved and informed in everything. The visiting has just restarted and is very well organised and it’s wonderful to see nan without a screen.
Thank you isn’t enough for how grateful we are to Benslow Nursing Home cannot recommend enough.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you very much for such a lovely review; the pandemic has been so very hard for all our residents, staff and families.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with it here.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

We have worked hand in hand for a long time and in partnership, we succeed
Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandad is very well looked after and happy at Benslow. The whole workforce makes a great atmosphere and can't do enough for everyone.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for sending in this review, I am so glad you feel your loved one is looked after


Kind regards


Sandra


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very happy here and I have no wants or needs.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and I am gad your happy in Benslow Nurisng Home


Sandra


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The whole home, care staff, etc can only be described as excellent; couldn't be faulted. Lovely, kind people and were my wife's family for the time she was here. My family and I will be eternally grateful for all the effort and compassion the staff showed. Thank you.

Reply from Teresa Shaw, Managing Director at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, I know that the manager and her team will be blushing at the compliments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was in the nursing home for a relatively short time (four months) but during that time he was very well looked after. He was kept clean and well-fed. The staff, from the management down, all treated him with great respect. Nothing was too much bother. He was happy there, which gave me peace
of mind, so thank you.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Home Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

It was a pleasure and a privilege to walk the journey with you and your family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend was placed in the home as considered end of life in December 2019. My experience of the home was always exceptional in every area from the nursing, caring, managers always totally focussed on the resident. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and nothing was too much trouble for anyone. The
accommodation was clean and comfortable. The mattress was changed as preferred. Always the highest standard of hygiene. Food and drink was excellent, tried to find suitable food for client. Manager so outstanding and helpful. Couldn't fault Benslow.

Reply from Sandra Tyers, Registered Manager at Benslow Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, from all the team at Benslow


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been living at Benslow for a few years now and I do not have a bad thing to say about it. My room is a great size and is always clean. I spend most days in one of the lounges which always has something going on or something to do. all the staff are great and happy to help me or even check I am
ok and are always about to help me if I need it. The manager minds me well and comes to see me every day to say hello. the cook makes me anything I ask for and often does me something different. Activities are done all the time here and she is always smiling.
I would recommend Benslow to anyone I am happy and well looked after here.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no idea on where to start with this little diamond of a care home, my sister and I found it through Google and how grateful I am we did. The care my mum received was outstanding and the staff couldn't have done any more for my mum, the care team are so attentive. The activities team created an
activities rota that was everything my mum loved about her life and she engaged with them so well it was beautiful to witness.
The manager is very hands-on and helped us every step of the way even coming in late evening to see me just to check all was ok. The whole staff team work wonderfully together and are very much a team. The newly decorated lounge is absolutely stunning and the garden has just had an overhaul and looks wonderful. Mum's room was also newly decorated and very spacious and the manager said we can do absolutely anything we wanted to it so long as they could get the needed equipment in.
I cannot recommend this home or staff team enough as they simply are amazing.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.784)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.784) out of 10 for Benslow Nursing 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.784 for Benslow Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (94 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 116 Ratings = 4.784

  • 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 Benslow Nursing Home is based on 10 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 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 10 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: 4 Jun 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

3 Bed Vacancies

posted 05 Mar 2025

Nursing General and Nursing Dementia


Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Sandra

Sandra Tyers

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 1989

Sandra has been working for Benslow Care Homes for 30 years. In that time, she has moved from care assistant, to senior carer, deputy manager and registered manager and ultimately Operations Manager across all the homes. In 2001, Sandra completed her Bachelors's degree in dementia care for the elderly, giving her a unique insight into the complex nature of the human psyche. In 2015, Sandra moved back to the role she loves, as registered manager of Benslow Nursing home.
Sandra has built a dedicated and passionate team, who between them have been the recipients of many awards and accolades over the years including finalist for Registered Manager with the HCPA.
Sandra works hard to maintain a happy calm environment, caring for her staff and residents with dignity and respect. She operates an ‘open door’ policy and welcomes families, representatives and friends to come in and see her at any time. If you would like to arrange a visit outside of office hours, please get in touch and a time can be arranged.


Frequently Asked Questions about Benslow Nursing Home

What types of Care is Benslow Nursing Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Benslow Nursing 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 Benslow Nursing Home have?

There are 29 Single Rooms and 3 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Benslow Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, 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 Benslow Nursing Home to the centre of Hitchin?

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