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 61-80
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

  • 72
  • 14
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Date Published

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Review from J R (Husband of Resident) published on 25 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife recently stayed at this care home for respite for 2 weeks.
The managers and staff were very professional, she was treated with kindness and her care was exemplary. The home is clean and nicely decorated. My wife had the opportunity to participate in activities daily. I would recommend this
home to our friends.

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Review from Charmaine J (Respite Resident) published on 20 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After my total knee replacement surgery in hospital, I selected the best place for respite care. I have stayed in other places before. Water Mill House Care Home was the best place for me. Starting from the directors going down to all levels of staff were very caring and helpful. They were always full
of love and ever ready to help with anything. My room, with the en-suite bathroom, was kept very clean and tidy. All areas of the home were kept very clean. I always admired the decor of the place. I was so taken up with the beautiful paintings and pictures on the wall. The place is like a five-star hotel. It was a perfect holiday and a rest for me. There were some very good activities and entertainment throughout the week. I will always recommend the beautiful home to my friends.

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Review from D B (Respite Resident) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would recommend this home to anyone who needs long stay or short it is a lovely home and all the staff are so kind and caring. I would come back again.

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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 6 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The change in my mum in just one week was amazing.
They clearly must have a magic touch.

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Review from A B (Resident) published on 2 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Please see my ratings as I am extremely pleased with the way I have been looked after. This is the first time I have been in a care home.
I have found it very interesting, with a lot going on for me.
I have been able to have a foot massage, watched a film.
I have also done flower arranging since
I have been here.

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Review from Michael H (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother spent the last six months of her life at Water Mill. We all felt that she was very well treated by all the staff and that the spirit in the home was just right. The administration and accountancy side, both of which I had direct contact with, were excellent. The visiting doctor excelled.
It was a very difficult time for our mother and she was demanding. Nonetheless, she received a level of care and kindness that was exemplary.

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Review from Sarah G (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was at the home on respite care after falling ill over Christmas. The staff on the 2nd floor are all amazing and it would be unfair to name any of them. The facilities are amazing and having a separate coffee shop makes it a special more 'normal' mother/daughter time. My 90-year-old mum had
to be moved into more permanent care but had finances allowed she would have stayed. Beautiful home. Amazing staff.

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Review from H S (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 24 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The building is very clean and free of odours. Well decorated with items of interest in lounges. The carers interact actively with patients in the dementia area. Programme of activities is very full. I would like to see more stimulus items such as simple games and puzzles available in the lounge.
Health
maintaining seems effective and regular. All in all, this is the best such institution I have come across.

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Review from Gillian M (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Home is well presented and welcoming but at weekends looks deserted in reception. Care is good/excellent - depending on staff. In the dementia unit need to keep staff who know the residents - not agency and more at all times sometimes the more able receiving less attention as needs of more dependant
have to temporary.Staff are very caring - need more to stimulate residents. If it is a dementia unit - more needs to be available for these residents.

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Review from Wendy R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nice friendly staff, always keep you informed. The food is always nice and it's a good temperature. GP calls every week on the nursing level which is great.

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Review from John M (Cousin of Resident) published on 10 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I am generally pleased with the standard of care provided by carers (ordinary level) but disappointed that management do not want to get involved when major issues are raised. The manager is always very elusive and does not respond when contacted. For a modern care home such as this and the high care
costs involved, I am not impressed by the quality of meals provided they are not very appealing and I would certainly not wish to eat them myself. Often cold and certainly not nutritious.

Reply from Anna Marrah, Business Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. We value all feedback at Water Mill House and welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have with us. I understand that you have already spoken to Noelia at the home and have agreed a new approach that meets your needs. However, please feel free to contact me if you so wish to discuss further.
Kind regards
Anna Marrah (Water Mill House, Regional Manager)


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Review from Lesley D (Wife of Resident) published on 1 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I have had a query or complaint/concern, I am always listened to and given assurances. I find the staff very friendly and appreciate the kindness shown to my husband by them, particularly as he finds it difficult to communicate.

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Review from D W (Son of Resident) published on 1 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall the Water Mill provides a good standard of care but not an outstanding, despite the excellence of the buildings and design. Staff are helpful and friendly but do need good permanent management which should cover seven days a week. Catering should be improved to enhance the overall quality and
choice. Wifi should be provided as a matter of course in all residents rooms.

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Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Was concerned about staff changes especially management but am delighted at the level of care, information and warmth on dementia level.

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Review from Yvonne S (Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A good, friendly home.
It is clean in the rooms, very clean.
The food is excellent, couldn't find better.

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Review from Primrose H (Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy and enjoy the fact that so much is going on.
I like being with people so the Bistro is very good.

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Review from J A S (Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very nice bright, clean surroundings. Kind and helpful staff. Good on activities. Expensive.

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Review from A A (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A very organised and relaxed home.
Amazing staff who understand the residents' needs.
Lots of organised activities.
Peace of mind my mother is being well looked after.
Nothing in the care home is too much trouble - they help in any way they can and even consider the visitors' feelings and emotions.

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Review from Monica W (Respite Resident) published on 21 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A welcoming place to spend in respite care after major surgery. Every day was a pleasure - every level of staff showed constant care and kindness morning, noon and night.


I thank them all.


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Review from P P (Son of Resident) published on 28 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great service - helpful staff. Great tea.

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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.

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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!