Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been at The Orchard Nursing Home since leaving another home that was not up to standard. Whilst she will never be 100% happy in her situation she has said that it is a very good home, much better than the last and the staff are great. Only this week she told me that all the rooms were

a good size and nice and bright - this includes the communal rooms as well as her own.
As a relation, I can only say how good the staff are, all the staff from reception and management to nursing staff. Any query is generally answered within minutes not hours, whether by phone, in person or by email. There is never a limit to the length or time of a visit. Mum is always encouraged to join in activities and I feel that the staff genuinely care, it isn't just a job.
I would definitely recommend The Orchard.

Reply from Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you, Jane, for taking the time to leave us a review, we are happy to hear that your mother is settling in at The Orchard as well as the positive comments about the home and your recognition of the team. Your feedback will be shared with the team.

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Review from Teresa H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother recently moved into The Orchard Nursing Home and has settled well. She has high nursing needs and has difficulty communicating, but her needs are being fully met by the home. The home is really well run and the staff are lovely and caring, they are really friendly and professional. They are

always available to chat through any concerns.
The rooms are comfortable and spacious and are all decorated to a good standard, unfortunately, my mother is unable to take advantage of the in-house hair salon and little cafe, where there are always a selection of cakes/pastries!
I am extremely happy with the home and would be happy to recommend the home for either respite or long-term care.

Reply from Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you, Teresa, for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased to hear your mother is settling into The Orchard and for your kind words and recognition of the team. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us. Your feedback will be shared with the team.

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Review from Sue G (Respite Resident) published on 28 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Dad came to The Orchard for respite care, this was so I could go in and see him, as he lives a long way away from me. Our family have never had to use care homes or elderly care before, so we were somewhat nervous. However, all I can say is that the care staff and nurses made my dad and us feel very

welcome. The care he received was excellent, loving and understanding. They very quickly got to know his needs, he thought the food was amazing (this from a fussy person). The room was good, and if we had stayed longer we could have made it more of a home-from-home. The activities looked excellent and Dad did join in and enjoyed them, but he also was allowed respectful 'me time' too. They have a statement in the home which says that the workers are coming to work in your home, as the Orchard is the home of those that live there. All the staff take this on board. My biggest thing was that the home was not awkward about my many visits nor how many times a day I came to see him.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you Sue for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard. Your dad was a joy to care for during his stay and we are so pleased to know he enjoyed the activities. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families is extremely important to us. Your comments will be passed on to the team.

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Review from J R (Partner of Resident) published on 28 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have been very pleased with the care received by my partner who is struggling with his mobility and cognition. All the staff are lovely with him and very friendly and caring. It is a great comfort to know that he is receiving such excellent care and warmth.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

We would like to thank you for your words of kindness which are very much appreciated. We are pleased to hear that your partner is receiving such excellent care at The Orchard. All comments will be passed on to the team and thank you again for the review.

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Review from Paul L (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Kind and helpful staff taking care of my dad 24 hours a day. The Orchard Nursing Home have been very supportive and always ready to listen.

Reply from Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Many thanks for your positive review Paul. Your wonderful comments have been passed on to the team who will be delighted to hear your feedback.

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Review from Alison L (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was at The Orchard for nearly 7 years. She was always treated with respect and care. Her room was bright and airy and her clothes were always neatly washed and pressed. The carers were all aware of my mother's needs and if she needed anything, they would always let us know so we could bring

it in for her. We got to know all the carers and nurses on the second floor very well and felt like part of the family at the home. Although my mother could not really participate in any of the activities, the activities team always included her.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

We are so pleased to read your wonderful comments Alison, about the care your mother received at The Orchard. All comments will be passed on to the team and thank you again for the review.

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Review from Brian H (Son of Resident) published on 19 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

it was Mum's birthday on Aug 20th. The staff made her a cake and brought it in and sang happy birthday to her. This was organized by the activities coordinator on the 2nd floor. It was a really lovely touch. Mum has been in the Orchard since April 2021 with severe dementia. She's well looked after and

I see the same staff regularly, whenever I visit. The staff keep regular contact with us (Mum cannot really communicate with us now) and let us know whenever there is an issue or Mum needs something bringing in.

Reply from Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

We are so pleased to read your wonderful comments Brian, about the care your mum receives at The Orchard. The services and support we deliver as a team to your mum and whole family is extremely important to us and we love to make occasions like birthdays as special as possible. Your feedback will be shared with the team.

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Review from Ann K (Ex Family Member) published on 5 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I searched extensively for a placement for a loved one for whom the placing was of an urgent matter. I was impressed with the home from the reception I received on arrival. The place was clean and the decor pleasant. I was given a tour of the home and while walking around was told what the home had

to offer. The lady showing me around knew and greeted all the patients by name but what impressed me the most was that, while viewing the patio and garden, she noticed that a resident was cold, walked over and adjusted a blanket around the lady with a kind word. The lady with me was not a nurse hence my pleasant surprise at her actions. My friend was admitted shortly after this first visit. The nursing staff keep me informed of anything relating to my friend's welfare and do their very best to see to his needs. It gives me comfort knowing he is in good hands and that I can continue giving personal care to my loved one without having to contend with the day-to-day needs he has.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely comments, Ann. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and their loved ones are extremely important to us. Your feedback will be shared with the team.

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Review from H L (Grandson of Resident) published on 1 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Couldn’t have been more impressed by the way The Orchard treated my grandfather. The staff were both diligent and kind, keeping him comfortable in his last moments. They were also very compassionate and allowed my mother and me to stay as long as we needed to, by his side at the end. Really impressed

by their service.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard. We are really sorry for your loss, and we hope we made your grandfather’s last moments as peaceful as possible. Your comments will be passed on to the team.

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Review from C G (Respite Resident) published on 25 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans is a happy place to stay. The staff are cheerful, kind and professional. The food is good, there is a library, activities to take part in and a garden to enjoy throughout the year.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Your positive review means a lot to us and we are pleased you had a happy experience at The Orchard. Thank you for taking the time to give us a five-star review and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future should you ever want to visit again. Thank you again

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Review from Brian S (Regular Volunteer) published on 7 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I have been a volunteer for nearly three years and have enjoyed my weekly visits to The Orchard very much. I have always been made most welcome by staff and residents alike and treated as an equal.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we are pleased you enjoy being part of the team here and thank you for the work you do.

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Review from Georgina T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We have been at The Orchard for nearly three years, and I cannot fault their support and care. When you move your relative into a home, you do all the research you can and hope that you have made the right decision – with The Orchard, I can truly say that we have found another family. This choice is

reflected in my grandmother daily; she is treated with care and respect, has ‘in-jokes’ with each member of staff, and even on the worst days of her dementia, knows how safe she is. During the height of the pandemic, the staff at The Orchard mitigated as much fear and confusion as possible, bringing a spirit of camaraderie and security. The reassurance I feel in our decision is unquantifiable. Being able to visit her without any concerns is wonderful and has given us back our relationship without the additional stresses and worries of caring. Thank you all. So very much.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review, Georgina! We're happy to hear that your grandmother is receiving such great care at The Orchard – she is an absolute pleasure to have as part of our family. I will pass on your wonderful comments to the whole team.

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Review from Francesca B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchard has become the next best thing from home for Dad and in some ways the best place. He has now been a resident for just over 4 years and in that time he has never complained to us about the care he is receiving. We witness on a daily basis the friendly and caring atmosphere generated by all

the staff. Any requests made by us on Dad's behalf have been acted upon in a speedy and professional manner and we know all the staff put the residents' needs first. Dad needs encouragement to join in with activities and the Well Being team are always up to get him involved in things they know he will enjoy. Dad had to spend some time in hospital earlier in the year which really affected him physically and mentally. On his return, the nursing and care teams have made every effort to get Dad back to where he was. When Dad is having a good day the way he interacts with the staff is a joy to be seen. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cannot say it enough.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that your Dad is receiving such great care at The Orchard and I'm pleased your Dad is enjoying his time with us too. You kind comments will be passed onto the whole team who will be delighted to hear the praise.

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Review from Stephen J (Respite Resident) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchard nursing home was the perfect place for me to recuperate after surgery on a fractured ankle. The staff were warm and friendly and I enjoyed socialising with the residents. Constructive feedback would include fitting larger sheets and duvets on beds; more extensive gluten-free food provision

and when you update the room alarm system, make sure that the sound only goes to the staff who need to hear it.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

Thank you, Stephen, for your review and positive comments regarding our home and staff who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. Your honest feedback is appreciated and will be passed on to the team.

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Review from M D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 25 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother-in-law spent ten weeks at The Orchard between December 2021 and March 2022. We chose The Orchard based on recommendations by friends which was then backed up by a very favourable initial visit. From the outset, we were highly impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the care and individual

attention given to the residents. Every effort was made to help her settle and the team were keen to find activities to suit her needs and interests and to get to know her as an individual. Residents are encouraged to mix and get to know one another, yet there is also respect for privacy and a resident's personal space. All family members who visited her, remarked on the friendly and caring family-like atmosphere. I have no hesitation in recommending The Orchard and in fact, have done so both during my mother-in-law's stay and afterwards.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing Home

We are so pleased to read your wonderful comments about the care your mother-in-law receives; the team were thrilled with your feedback as we strive for personalised-centred care for all our lovely residents.

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Review from Martin H (Son of Resident) published on 7 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchard staff have been amazing, the activities team have really kept my mum occupied and the care shown has given us the satisfaction to know we made the right decision. I have visited lots of care homes in my occupation and this is certainly the best.

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Review from Jean B (Wife of Resident) published on 26 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My husband moved here to the dementia ward one week ago and I felt really happy from day one! The staff (which is the most important aspect, in my opinion, of any care home) are all absolutely lovely. The level of staff on the unit is high enough for them to take time with each resident, I see staff

continually talking to all the residents and treating them with kindness, dignity and even affection which really made me feel emotional. My husband is a high needs patient with advanced young onset dementia (FTD) and motor neurone disease. He has lost the use of his arms so he is very vulnerable and unable to do anything for himself. Knowing that the staff here are patient and kind is really reassuring. The management team are accessible and willing to help with all requests, where physically possible. In addition, the food is fabulous, the nursing care so far has been amazing with great attention and interest being shown in his condition and adjustments to his diet made almost immediately.

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Review from Jem D (Husband of Resident) published on 11 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My fiancee has been at the Orchard since May 2019. I could not have wished for a better care home for her after her severe cognitive impairment. The nurses and carers are wonderful with her showing empathy, respect and dignity. The whole team have shown her and me, so much love and care I cannot express

my gratitude enough. Wonderful, wonderful people.

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Review from Mark P (Son of Resident) published on 17 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My father has been at The Orchard for three weeks now. The way in which he was admitted, cared for and encouraged has been fantastic. He has gone from being bedbound to being up and in a chair/visiting the lounge/taking part in daily activities, even if in his room. Calls and visits are allowed, and

sensibly and carefully monitored. All in all, a fantastic home for Dad.

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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 10 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchard has cared for my mother excellently in the very difficult circumstances of 2020. They have managed to maintain some contact through video calls, and similar when actual visits were not possible.

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The Orchard Nursing Home

Care Provided by The Orchard Nursing Home

Good to Know

Funding & Fees Guide for The Orchard Nursing Home

Facilities