Water Mill House Care Home

Rose Lane (Off Red Lion Lane), Hemel Hempstead HP3 9BP
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9.9 88 Reviews
  • Water Mill House Care Home, Hemel Hempstead
Water Mill House Care Home provides expert care to adults (18+) with a range of support needs including rehab following a stroke or amputation, paralysis, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. The dedicated team also delivers residential, nursing and dementia care with love and kindness whilst holding platinum accreditation under the Gold Standards Framework for compassionate end-of-life care.

Residents are supported to try new activities and rediscover former hobbies. From music and movement sessions, reminiscence projects, to brain gym, and make a wish initiative, there is truly something for everyone. As well as frequent excursions to local places of interest on the minibus and visits from entertainers, schoolchildren and the ‘Newt Brigade’, the home’s preschool group.

Water Mill House is a stimulating environment that promotes independence. Set over three floors, the spacious home with state-of-the-art gym, equipped with cardio machines, resistance equipment and stretching aids, ensures a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, enabling community clinicians, physiotherapists and the home’s care team to work in partnership. Together they create and review personalised care plans that maximise each resident's rehabilitation potential, promoting their physical recovery, improving mobility, and enhancing communication skills.

Families are an integral part of life at the home, which boasts beautiful en-suite bedrooms, a bustling bistro, sunny rooftop terrace and on-site library, cinema, spa and hair salon. All surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens with scenic views of the Hertfordshire countryside.

The team receives comprehensive training and professional development to deliver the high standards of holistic care residents and families deserve. In November 2023, it was a finalist in the Dignity in Care category at the East of England Great British Care Awards 2023.

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Care Provided by Water Mill House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 70 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alzheimer's
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Victoria Forsythe (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (70)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Water Mill House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Water Mill House Care Home Reviews (88)

Total of 88, showing 1-20
9.9

Water Mill House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.880) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Water Mill House Care Home has 88 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Amanda M (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum came to Water Mill House for respite care and I cannot believe the change in her health and wellbeing as we prepare to go home. The amazing care she has received has helped her eat well, make friends and get stronger. We visit anytime and are always welcomed, the facilities and rooms are so
clean and bright with a calm, warm feel. Nothing is too much trouble for the wonderful staff. Thank you for looking after our mum so well.

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Review from Teresa E (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother was in this wonderful place for 3 weeks' respite in January 2025. Everyone working there was so friendly and caring towards mother and the family which put our minds at ease. We had total trust with the team looking after Mum's welfare. Communication with the family was excellent and very
responsive to our requests and needs. Mother settled in very well, we believe one of the main factors was due to all the staff's expertise and knowledge with caring for the vulnerable. Mother's appetite improved immensely due to the quality and variation of meals. The facilities were exceptional, a special mention to the Bistro and Hairdressers which made such a difference to Mother's experience. If our mother requires further respite, we would not hesitate to bring her back to Water Mill House.

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Review from Linda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father came to Water Mill House in November 2024 for respite. Due to the amazing care the staff have shown towards Dad he has now chosen to stay at the Watermill on a permanent basis. His mental health, happiness and well-being improved greatly within a week of being out of hospital and cared for
at the Watermill. The Watermill provide home-from-home care. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff are always cheerful and attentive to Dad. He is treated with dignity, care and tenderness. The family are welcomed and listened to. We have become his children and grandchildren again rather than his carers. Dad enjoys the variety of activities and feels safe and secure. Thank you so much to all the staff at the Watermill. The family can relax with peace of mind that Dad is well cared for.

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Review from Laura W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law went into the care home with advanced dementia and a significant bed sore. The team here worked very hard to try and heal the sore, provide pain relief and keep her clean and comfortable. This is a model care home. Clean, friendly, bright, decorated nice and modern with private bathrooms
per room. If you are worrying about sending your loved one to a care home that they may face neglect or be left 'to rot' then you really need to visit this place. My mother-in-law actually felt happier knowing she had what she needed on hand versus all the hassle of calling doctors and long wait times for district nurses etc. The garden is beautiful and always lots to see and hear. It never smelled bad and is a nice place for family and friends to visit as they can use the nice bistro/coffee shop/family dining room, gardens and even a library with books, games and puzzles for the little ones. An excellent care home.

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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has settled in well. Staff friendly and helpful.

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Review from David B (Stepson of Resident) published on 18 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am totally blown away by this fantastic care home my father-in-law resides at. Where do I start? The staff are amazing - nothing is ever too much trouble. You simply turn up as a visitor whenever you like (save lunchtime) and it really doesn't matter as they are not putting on a show for you; they
are simply getting on with their wonderful work. The manager is rightfully proud of her team and says it's been years since they ever needed agency staff. As a person myself that worked in care for last 20 years, that it amazing and only reaffirms that it is a nice place to work at. My father-in-law loves the staff and they appear to love him - you really can't fake this - it's really happening. The place is spotlessly clean whenever I visit. The cafe on the ground floor is a wonderful place to visit, the gardens are immaculate. I cannot thank the home enough! Wonderful.

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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When dad went into the Water Mill House Care Home after a hospital stay we were not sure if it would be for respite, or a permanent move. Staff were all welcoming, friendly and supportive from the Manager down. The home is a lovely bright homely environment and the rooms are the same, no nasty smells.
Lots of activities going on daily, if you want to join in. They have a hairdresser and mini gym, a bistro that is available to residents and families. There is even a private dining area for residents to have a meal with friends and family on special occasions. Thanks to the support and care of the nursing and care staff Dad was able to build up his strength and return home. A thank you from me also for the support they gave me during this stressful time. Would recommend.

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Review from Alan E (Son of Resident) published on 7 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum joined the Water Mill Family November 2023 and joined in with all parts of her new life. We can't thank the team at Water Mill enough for the care and love they showed to Mum during her time there. RIP Mum.

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Review from Susan O (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum arrived at Watermill quite poorly but the nursing team and carers took her under their wing and made her immediately welcome and part of their family. They cannot do enough for her. The weekly doctor's visits and the attention to detail of all the staff have been amazing. And although she is
still poorly, we know she is comfortable and secure and on her good days, she enjoys meeting her friends in the coffee shop or watching TV in the lounge or letting me read to her in the library. She has loved the entertainment and joins in when she can with the singing. A 5-star experience for our beloved mum. Thank you to the manager and the team you really have lived up to your promises.

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Review from Jane B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My parents both have dementia and have been residents at Water Mill House for two years. They enjoy a wonderful standard of care from staff who are kind, engaged and observant about their needs. The care home is purpose-built with bright accommodation, cheerful communal areas and good facilities. The
atmosphere is warm and comforting but there is always a lively and varied programme of activities and social stimulation. The care plans are very detailed and carefully tailored to the individual, while a calm, steady flow of information between staff, residents and relatives keeps everyone well informed.

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Review from Louise S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dearest mum has been at Watermll Care Home since 2014. She has now been on all three floors - resident, nursing and now, dementia. Mum has always joined in with the many activities within the home and outings too, as well as getting her hair done weekly with the in-house salon. Mum has made many
friends with the residents, but also with the carers who look after her. Mum used to potter in her room with her radio on or watch TV, but when she wanted a chat or company would go to the lovely bistro on-site. Mum is now on the dementia floor and all the staff are marvellous which gives us, as Mum's family, some relief and reassurance. The manager of Watermill Care Home, her door is always open if you need answers or advice to any questions or worries you may have.

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Review from H C (Partner of Resident) published on 18 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited 4 local care homes when looking for a new care/nursing home for my partner. As my partner had previously been a resident in a care home, the experience taught me what we needed and were looking for. All 4 were clean, residents well presented, very good amenities and friendly staff. When I
came to visit Water Mill it had all that and more. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and, a stimulating yet homely environment. It has 'soul'. My partner moved in and Water Mill delivered. The staff are calm, caring, empathetic, well trained and work well as a team. The food is excellent with a planned menu. My partner is now putting back some of the weight he had lost. We are both so happy with Water Mill.

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Review from Jean W (Wife of Resident) published on 18 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the carers and other staff are warm, friendly and compassionate. The BBQ party was a perfect example of this when everybody helped us and made it much easier for me with kindness and concern. I haven't been able to find out what activities my husband does apart from listening to music which he loves
but I can't thank the lovely carers enough!

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Review from M D (Respite Resident) published on 14 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very pleased to spend two weeks at the Water Mill House Care Home. I was made very welcome by all the staff who were friendly and very helpful. The rooms are spacious. clean and comfortable with excellent bathroom facilities. Having one's own toilet and television was a bonus. The food was generally
very good, especially the hearty breakfasts. I spent two very comfortable weeks on a lovely soft mattress. Good tea and coffee plus homemade cakes.
Highly recommend.

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Review from P D (Day Care) published on 13 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited as a daycare resident. I get a bit lonely at home all day on my own. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed my day I had my hair done by the stylist. I then had a beautiful lunch. We played a competitive game of bingo and then I had a really relaxing foot reflexology session. Great package
and well worth the money. I have now booked in for fortnightly daycare.

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Review from Lynn L (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother described the care at Water Mill House Care Home as "excellent" and felt that the staff did their absolute best at all times. She was made to feel very welcome and staff went out of their way to provide everything she needed during her week of respite care.

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Review from Helen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident at Water Mill for nearly 5 years and I cannot thank and praise the staff here more for their care, support and love that they provide for not just Mum but for all the family! Dignity is paramount to the ethos of Water Mill and they make every endeavour to ensure that each and
every resident is cared for in the way they deserve!
The bistro is a definite bonus too, and serves delicious lattes, which makes visiting feel like you have gone out, even though you are still in the building.
Thank you to all the team.

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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent the last few weeks of her life on the dementia floor at Watermill House. The family were in and out of the house a lot during these weeks including in the evenings and overnight and saw a lot of the care being given to all the residents. We were very impressed by the kindness and respect
with which all the residents were treated, despite there sometimes being some quite challenging behaviours. We felt that the home was run by people who really cared about providing a safe and compassionate environment. My mother enjoyed all the activities provided when she was well and we felt that the way she (and we) were cared for at the end of her life was excellent. We are very grateful to all the staff that we can look back on this difficult time with the comfort of knowing that Mum was in the right place and with the right people around her.

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Review from R S (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We found the review meeting for my mum a very positive experience. The care home were able to talk about how they felt Mum was doing and made suggestions as to some additional activities which would benefit her - these will be added to her care plan. My brother and I were also encouraged to offer our
views on Mum's progress and current position. We felt listened to and that we would be consulted if any major changes became necessary.

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Review from J S (Wife of Resident) published on 7 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband a dementia patient (vascular) was diagnosed in 2017. He led a good life at home until 30/03/23 when he had to T.I.A's and lost the use of his arms and hands. The staff and management team have looked after my husband with kindness, dignity and humour these last five months. He was in hospital
for two months. He is able to communicate with these lovely people because he has got to know and memorise their faces.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.880)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.880) out of 10 for Water Mill House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.880 for Water Mill House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (275 Excellents x 5) + (31 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 309 Ratings = 4.88

  • 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 Water Mill House Care Home is based on 26 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 70 registered maximum number of service users is 14, which has been reached with 26 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: 20 Sep 2023

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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 (16)

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Meet the Team (1)

Victoria

Victoria Forsythe

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2020

Victoria qualified as a registered nurse in 1993 and has worked in social care for 30 years, always driven by a passion for making a difference in people's lives.


Her journey began with the NHS in Lancashire, where she quickly advanced to Ward Manager. Seeking new challenges, Victoria moved south to embrace her first role as Deputy Manager in the care home sector and found her true calling.


With extensive experience in managing and commissioning care services, Victoria has successfully led both large, privately-run care homes and smaller, family-owned homes.


Drawn to Water Mill House for its warm, family atmosphere and commitment to making every day joyful and meaningful, Victoria has built strong, caring relationships with our residents and team.


When she’s not at work, Victoria cherishes family time with her husband Richard, son Harry, and Bichon Friese, Lily. She also loves to bake!


Frequently Asked Questions about Water Mill House Care Home

What types of Care is Water Mill House Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Learning Disability, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Water Mill House Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Water Mill House Care Home have?

There are 70 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Water Mill House Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Water Mill House Care Home to the centre of Hemel Hempstead?

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