Home Close

Cow Lane, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5HB
Submit a Review
9.6 109 Reviews
  • Home Close, Cambridge
Home Close, located on the edge of Cambridge, provides a warm and peaceful setting for residents needing nursing or residential care. Surrounded by spacious gardens with mature trees and seasonal flowers, it’s a tranquil retreat where residents can relax, enjoy the fresh air, or share a cup of tea in the sunshine.

At Home Close, the focus is on personalised, compassionate care. The dedicated team is chosen not only for their expertise but for their kindness and understanding. They are available around the clock, ensuring each resident’s dignity and needs are respected. Regular assessments help tailor support, and visiting services, including opticians, dentists, and chiropodists, ensure residents’ health and well-being are prioritised.

Residents are encouraged to make their rooms feel like home by bringing personal belongings and furniture, creating a familiar and comforting space. Communal lounges and dining areas provide a sense of community, while the in-house hairdressing salon offers grooming services like manicures and hand massages, adding a touch of pampering.

The catering team prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily, accommodating all dietary needs. At Home Close, every effort is made to create a supportive environment where residents can enjoy life, surrounded by care and kindness.

Show Home Close on the Map

Care Provided by Home Close

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 72 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ioana Pop (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (72)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2011

Funding & Fees Guide for Home Close

  • 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 £1,390
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,390
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,630
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,630
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,390
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,390
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,630
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,630
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Home Close 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Home Close Reviews (109)

Total of 109, showing 41-60
9.6

Home Close has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Home Close has 109 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 58
  • 45
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0

Date Published

109
14
19
23
86

Review from S T (Resident) published on 24 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff and management are so friendly and helpful at all times. Nothing too small or too big to handle. Care is the manager's name.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from T H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I have not been inside Home Close for the last two years because of Covid rules.
My Mum was a resident at Home Close for almost 3 years. Mum had dementia and she seemed well cared for at the time. Mum died 18th November 2021 before I got in to see her.
When we cleared her room, we found her CD player,
TV remote and most of her clothes were missing. We had nothing left to give to the funeral director to dress her. The funeral director said usually when they collect someone from a care home, they find the body is dressed and a flower placed upon them. This was not the case. My Mum was apparently wearing a T Shirt and her underwear. I found this very upsetting and it has made me question the care she received in the two years I have not been able to visit inside. Her body was picked up 90 minutes after her death. I have not received any communication since the phone call telling me she had passed. No message of condolence. It feels like no one there really cared about her at all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Clifford M (Husband of Resident) published on 26 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since the lockdown came on 18 March the manager and staff of Home Close have worked very hard to make it possible for me to visit my wife. It was easier in the summer when we could meet in the garden where there were various places to go. Then in the winter, they had a garden hub installed and we used
to meet inside the hub, out in the garden.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, we hope to see you soon.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Russell H (Son of Resident) published on 10 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum moved to Home Close in October; she spent two weeks isolating before joining the rest of the residents there. Video calls are an option of keeping in touch, and the brand new pod in the gardens is really nice and makes having a comfortable private visit with your family member possible. Both
the manager and all the staff have done everything they can to settle mum into Home Close, her room, and really couldn’t have done more to make her feel welcome within. Emails are responding to in a timely fashion, and I have been kept up to date on how Mum is settling in. Mum is not the easiest person to feed, but again, everything is being done to help with this.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, I hope we can all continue to work together.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Frederick G (Son of Resident) published on 4 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent the last 18 months of her life at Home Close. During that time, she was loved and cared for by the team. They were meticulous in terms of contacting us if she fell ill and also, where required, took the necessary action to ensure she received the correct level of medical support. My
thanks go to all at Home Close but particularly the team and nurses who looked after my mother.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Many thanks for your kind review from all of the team at Home Close.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Shirley W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father was a resident at Home Close for over 18 months. He had been managing to live on his own up until then at the age of 97 without any outside assistance. He was persuaded to give up his home after a spell in hospital as he now needed 24/7 assistance. My concern was that he wouldn't settle into
his new life. The staff and the other residents made him so welcome, and he became part of the family. He was well cared for and enjoyed the company, the meals and never complained to me about anything. Before covid, the home offered a wide range of activities of which he could choose to join in if he wished. Unfortunately, with lockdown, I didn't get to see him until June when outside garden visits started, but we did have Skype sessions instead. My father passed away peacefully in his room about 2 weeks ago (not covid-19 related). The staff couldn't have been kinder. I was allowed inside towards the end and I can't praise everyone enough for his end of life care. Thank you so much.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review. Your feedback is very important to the team. The whole staff team at Home Close wish you well.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Louise T (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has only recently moved to the home after a long stay in the hospital. It all happened very quickly and all the staff at the home were very supportive in helping me understand the process and allowing us daily phone calls whilst my mum was in her initial isolation and helped support this communication
as she is very poorly. The manager and her staff are friendly, caring and have been very accommodating; they make you feel like you matter as well as their residents. Whilst this is a challenging time, I know my mum is in good hands. Home Close has a homely feel and has lovely grounds.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words, from all of the team at Home Close.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sally H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Home Close following a major stroke for 7-years.
The staff care for her well and are very patient in often difficult circumstances. Many know her well and are able therefore to anticipate her needs and have built up a good relationship with her.
Since the home had
to go into lockdown they have worked hard to keep residents and families in contact. Outside visits started earlier in the summer and now a garden Pod has been installed for visits.
There have been some changes in management which can be unsettling but the new manager responds quickly to issues so I wish her well and hope she is a more permanent fixture!

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, and I look forward to working together with you to ensure that Mum receives the best possible care.
Kind regards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Angela B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has only recently moved to Home Close. In the short time she has been there I have found staff very helpful, informative and professional. I took some items for my mother and the manager was kind enough to let me see my her through the window whilst I was there. My mother looked very happy
and upbeat and every time I have spoken to her on the phone she has seemed happy and content. Thank you so much for the care she is receiving.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Hello
I am so pleased that you are happy with your mothers care. I will pass your comments onto the team.
Kind regards
Sam


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R C (Resident) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been here for over two years. At first, I was scared and didn't know how things worked, but the staff soon made me feel at home, and I soon got to know how things work. I settled in, but it's sad when someone leaves, and you have got used to them looking after you. I have always found the food
excellent.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review. I am pleased that you are happy at Home Close and enjoy the excellent home-cooked food.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from V C (Resident) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have been here for 2 years and have been quite happy most of the time. As always, you always get bumpy patches. My room has a really nice outlook of trees and a grassy area and flower borders. There is always something to watch, squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, sometimes muntjac,
also various birds. Sometimes the carers take us in our wheelchairs around the garden. Looking forward to the day we have visitors back instead of just 30 minutes. In our situation, you have to make the best of life and enjoy.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am pleased that you enjoy the view from your room and I am also looking forward to the day that visiting can return to how it was.
I hope that you can enjoy many visits from your family in the warm garden pod that has been provided.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Alastair E (Husband of Resident) published on 5 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Three years ago I received a number of possible care homes for my wife. Home Close stood out and because of its management, its staff, its homely unpretentious atmosphere, the apparent contentment of the residents, and the quality of the nurses and workers. Over the last two and a half years, even though
the management has changed twice, my view has not changed. It is in a very pleasant and quiet location.

Reply from Patricia Burton, National Operations Manager at Home Close

Thank you very much for your positive review. This is appreciated by all of the team at Home Close.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Francis B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been impressed by the quality of care and dedication of the staff at Home Close, and this has become even more apparent during this coronavirus pandemic.
Working as they do under difficult and demanding circumstances, all the staff deserve the highest praise and our grateful thanks.

Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for kind words of support for the team. I will ensure all the team receive your grateful thanks.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from N O (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff have been amazing. Mum was diagnosed with Covid-19, asymptomatic, we were informed of every stage and procedure. Mum had her favourite carers throughout her two weeks of isolation, came back to her room and back with her friends!
Through this pandemic, the manager and all the team have been
amazing. Not being able to look after Mum at home, was a huge decision to make, but one we have not regretted, as there is so much love and support at the home.

Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your words of kindness and support. It really is a team effort at Home Close and we are all really happy to see your mum with her friends, enjoying their time together once more.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J N (Sister of Resident) published on 18 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When having to place my sister into care, I was unsure of amenities available and at what cost, as my sister had limited funds to afford care home costs. I live close to Home Close care home, so it's convenient for me and family members to easily visit. My first visit for a look around was conducted
very well, and since my sister has been in the home 22.01.2020, I and my family have experienced the most excellent of care for my sister and also of me and my family, especially in the current situation.
Best wishes and love to all the staff and manager.

Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for sending us such a lovely review. I am so happy that your sister and all the family are so pleased with the excellent care provided by the team here at Home Close.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Caroline H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum arrived at Home Close just an hour before the lockdown was put in place and her stay took place during these difficult times when the residents were, quite rightly, confined to their rooms. As relatives we had no experience of many aspects as we were unable to see her at all for the 7 weeks
she was residing there. Despite these unprecedented times, the manager was amazing, kind and helpful, as were her wonderful team. The staff all worked so hard to keep us in touch and updated. An extension telephone in her room would have been much appreciated as trying to get my mum to answer her mobile was virtually impossible! My mum, an ex-nursing sister, tells me the home was spotlessly clean, the staff showed her great kindness and that she will be very happy to return there in the future. As I live nearby I know that locally this home has a good reputation. All the family are grateful for everything which was done for my mum during her stay. Thank you.

Reply from Zoe Kirk, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words. In these unprecedented times, it is all about the team pulling together. As you have said and I agree we have a wonderful team here at Home Close. Look forward to seeing you and your mum in the future. Take care and stay safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from K W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my mother had for three weeks was amazing. Very well cared for and she was very happy also. To have her appetite back for cooked lunches was unbelievable. I thank each and every one of you.

Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words.
I am so pleased that your mother enjoyed her stay with us at Home Close.
I will ensure your comments are passed onto our team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from N B (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff very friendly and more significantly, Mum seems very happy.

Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review! We will share it with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visit regularly - once every week or two. All staff have been kind to my mother-in-law. Have never witnessed poor staff behaviour. Cleanliness is variable, bedsheets often appear thin and worn.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Catherine J (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are friendly, helpful and caring, actively encouraging residents to join in a wide range of activities which vary with the seasons. The home has the feel of a real home, rather than that of an institution with no clinical/objectionable smells one might associate with a hospital environment.

Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Director at Home Close

Thank you for your kind review. We will share it with the team and use it to improve our services.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.551)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10 for Home Close is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.551 for Home Close is calculated as follows: ( (165 Excellents x 5) + (92 Goods x 4) + (15 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 272 Ratings = 4.551

  • 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 Home Close is based on 23 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 72 registered maximum number of service users is 14.4, which has been reached with 23 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: 5 Feb 2020

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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (9)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (3)

Ioana

Ioana Pop

Job Title: Home Manager

I'm a qualified registered nurse with over 24 years of experience in healthcare, including cardiology, intensive care, and elderly care. Living locally, I love building strong connections with residents, families, and the community to enrich daily life and create a warm, engaging environment.


Naomi

Naomi Willis

Job Title: Activities Co-ordinator

I joined Home close, having previously been a school teacher as the home came recommended by a friend and 10 years on I'm still here. My favourite part of my day is seeing the residents, doing the activities with them and seeing them happy.


Angela

Angela Brasher

Job Title: Head Chef

I started as a domestic and have been trained over the years to become a cook. My favourite part of my day is after dinner, seeing all the finished plates and when the residents give you good feedback.