Care Home Owned by Friends of the Elderly in Berkshire

Jobs
9.5 Group Review Score (the average from all locations with a review score)
  • Care Home Owned by Friends of the Elderly in Berkshire

Only the locations & reviews in Berkshire for Friends of the Elderly are showing below.

View the details of all 12 locations (with 461 reviews) owned by Friends of the Elderly

Friends of the Elderly Locations in Berkshire (1)

 - Browse 1 Care Home owned by Friends of the Elderly in Berkshire
List View
Map View
Friends Place
The Chase, Calcot, Reading RG31 7DW 
"Friends Place is outstanding in every way. After an impressive visit when it first opened, my husband and I spent two wonderful nights…"   Read all 10 reviews
  • from £1,665 / week
  • 66 Rooms
Location Type Care Home

Friends Place is part of Friends of the Elderly, a charity that has been making life better for older people since 1905. Friends Place is a brand-new purpose-built care home. Every room is light, ... Read more

Older Person Care Permanent Care Respite Care
  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Learning Disability Care
  • Mental Health Care

Friends of the Elderly Reviews in Berkshire (10)

9.5

Friends of the Elderly has a Group Review Score of 9.5 (9.538) out of 10.
The Group Review Score is calculated using the average from all locations with a Review Score, and in addition 75%+ of all locations belonging to Friends of the Elderly must have a Review Score.

Overall Experience
  • 10
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 10
  • 5
  • 10
  • 10
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to Friends of the Elderly
  • 5
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
Review of

Friends Place

from A S (Wife of Resident) published on 21 May 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Place is outstanding in every way. After an impressive visit when it first opened, my husband and I spent two wonderful nights there. We were well looked after in lovely surroundings. He then began to go for day care and short respite periods. When it became impossible for me to meet his needs
at home, we didn't have to start looking for somewhere suitable. He went to Friends Place for a month's respite, followed by a review. He is now a permanent resident and the staff are doing their utmost to give him personalised care, including creating a growing area for him outside his patio door. He is very well fed and encouraged to join in all the activities. The atmosphere is vibrant, with lots of laughter. Well-trained staff - such a caring team.
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you for such a thoughtful and generous review. We are delighted to hear that the experience-from the initial visit through respite and now as a permanent resident-has been so positive. It is especially pleasing to know that the team's commitment to personalised care, including creating outdoor space for gardening, has made a meaningful difference.
Providing a warm, vibrant environment where residents feel well supported, well nourished, and encouraged to engage in activities is at the heart of what we do, and your feedback affirms this. We will be sure to share your kind words with the team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from C P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 May 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has been living at Friends Place for 4 months and we are delighted with the wonderful care and respect shown to her (and her fellow residents) on a daily basis by the staff. All staff are kind, patient and deeply committed to the wellbeing of each resident through the provision of highly personalised
support. I have visited frequently and in all visits I see first hand exceptional care provision.


In addition, the facilities are superb. The rooms are spacious and modern providing plenty of storage and shelves to display photos, books, etc which means the rooms can be personalised for each resident. The open plan dining room/lounge on each floor provides a lovely social/dining area which is superbly used for meals, events, entertainment and activities. Residents are well supported to participate in activities whilst also having the freedom to choose how much/little they engage depending on how they feel each day.


Mum describes Friends Place as a big family. We are delighted.

Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review.
We are truly delighted to hear how happy you and your mum are with her experience at Friends Place. It means a great deal to our entire team to know that the care, respect and personalised support we strive to provide every day are making such a positive difference.
Your recognition of our staff's kindness, patience and dedication is especially appreciated-we are incredibly proud of the compassionate culture they create. It's also wonderful to hear your feedback on the facilities and environment, as we aim to make every space both comfortable and homely, allowing residents to truly make it their own.
Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to us.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from E B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic care home!! Within 2 weeks the staff asked if it was ok for my mother to "help" by doing small chores. This is absolutely what my mum loves to do and I was very impressed that the staff had got to know her so well so quickly!
Communication has been consistently excellent and the nurses have
spotted mum was unwell very quickly indeed and arranged GP visit/medication pick up.
The care home is kep immaculately clean, the food is delicious and the staff all make everyone feel like part of the family.
It's wonderful to know how well my mum is being taken care of, a massive thank you to Friends Place for everything. Highly recommended!!
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to our entire team.
We're delighted to hear how quickly your mum has settled in and how much she's enjoying being involved in day-to-day activities-keeping that sense of purpose is so important, and we're glad we could support her in a way that feels natural and meaningful to her.
Your kind words about our team's attentiveness, communication, and care are greatly appreciated. We always strive to get to know each resident as an individual and to respond promptly to any changes in their wellbeing, so it's reassuring to hear this has made a positive difference for your mum.
We're also very pleased that you've noticed the cleanliness of the home and enjoyed the food-we take great pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and cared for.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. It's a privilege to care for your mum and to have her as part of our Friends Place family.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2026
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Place is a beautifully designed care home with lovely bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms for each resident. I visit mum often and am appreciative of the warm, friendly welcome. There are some very engaging activities every day, which my mum enjoys. I've seen how brilliant the staff and management
are; nothing is too much trouble, and they go above and beyond to ensure each resident receives the care and support needed to live a full and rewarding life.
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience.
It truly means a lot to us to hear that you find Friends Place beautifully designed and that your mum feels comfortable and supported here. We work hard to create a homely, welcoming environment, and it's lovely to know this is coming through.
I'm especially pleased to hear that you feel welcomed during your visits and that your mum enjoys the daily activities. Our team is passionate about providing meaningful engagement and personalised care, and your kind words about their dedication will mean the world to them.
Thank you again for your trust, your feedback, and for being part of our Friends Place community. It is a privilege to care for your mum, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure she enjoys a full and rewarding life here.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Kimberley S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 January 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Deciding that it's time to find a home for a loved one is incredibly difficult. You want absolute reassurance that they will be safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Friends Place delivers all of that and more.


It is a modern, beautifully maintained facility with excellent amenities, something that

is increasingly hard to find. What truly sets Friends Place apart, however, is the staff. They are exceptional: compassionate, professional, and genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcomes for the residents.


They have been incredibly accommodating of my mum's individual needs, giving me both peace of mind and the much-needed respite I was struggling to find. Most importantly, they have created an environment where my mum genuinely feels at home.


I am deeply grateful to have found Friends Place and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. We know how difficult it can be to make the decision to find a home for a loved one, and it means a great deal to us that you felt supported and reassured throughout that process.
We're delighted to hear that your mum feels safe, comfortable, and truly at home at Friends Place. Your kind words about our staff are especially appreciated - our team is deeply committed to providing compassionate, personalised care, and feedback like yours reinforces why we do what we do.
Thank you for trusting us with your mum's care and for recommending Friends Place so highly. It's a privilege to support both our residents and their families, and we're grateful to be part of your journey.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Ian E (Son of Resident) published on 21 November 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my Mum first visited Friends Place for day care visits, the management & staff have been absolutely wonderful! They are empathetic, professional, knowledgeable, accommodating & friendly, truly exceptional! The care home is of the highest standard from décor to the layout and overall construction
of the building. The Friends Place "Team" are so welcoming and have already become an integral part of the local community and in such a short time which is testament to their dedication to ensure that residents & service users benefit and enjoy the support and services available. Special mention for Roz & Alina for being so attentive & caring at all times. My Mum enjoys her day care visits immensely and they have provided both me & my wife with much needed "break time" to recharge during her visits. Many thanks to all the Team for your support help & assistance, it's greatly appreciated. Highly recommended!!
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear how much your mum enjoys her day care visits, and we're glad they give you and your wife some well-deserved time to recharge.
Your kind words about our team and our facility mean a great deal to us.
We truly appreciate your support and your recommendation.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Richard L (Son of Resident) published on 14 November 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Professional staff treated my mum (and I) exceptionally well. All help was provided with the admission and settling in process. Many thanks.
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that our team was able to make the admission and settling-in process smooth for you and your mum. Providing exceptional care and support is always our priority, and your feedback means a lot to us.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Phillip M (Son of Resident) published on 21 October 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My initial impression was that it felt like a 5 star hotel with exceptional staff. My father has been a different person since his day visits, so much so that he has decided to move there permanently. As a family, we feel so lucky to have this care home nearby.
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We're truly delighted to hear that your father has settled in so well and that our team has made such a positive difference for him. It means a great deal to us to know that you and your family feel confident and supported. We're so grateful you chose us, and we'll continue doing everything we can to make your father feel right at home.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Rachel D (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 October 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wow where do I begin !! Honestly we cannot fault this beautiful care home. It's like a 5 star hotel, but more importantly the staff are just incredible! My mum and dad went in on respite two weeks ago with the intention of my dad staying permanently, although we'd all decided in the family that it was
never going to work due to the severity of his late stage Alzheimer's. How wrong we were !! We have tirelessly tried to get him to eat but to no avail, we struggled to get him to engage or interact with anything, but literally within days they had him doing both! They are simply brilliant at knowing just how to handle him. It is such a relief for us all that he is now in a secure, safe and beautiful environment surrounded by people that genuinely care. My dad deserves the best and that's exactly what he has at Friends Place. Roz and Alina you have been amazing from the word 'go'! A huge thanks to each and every one of you for taking care of him and making us all feel so welcome. X
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for your wonderful words. We are truly delighted to hear how well your dad has settled in and that you can already see such positive changes. It means the world to us to know that both your mum and dad felt welcomed and cared for from the very start.Our team works hard to create a safe, supportive, and homely environment, so your kind feedback really does mean a lot. Roz, myself, and the whole team feel privileged to be part of your dad's journey, and we're so pleased he is thriving here at Friends Place.Thank you again for trusting us with your dad's care.Warmest regards,Alina
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review of

Friends Place

from Helen L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 29 September 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wow ! After visiting many care homes, this one stood out the most, from the moment we walked through the doors to be shown around I knew it was the one, with a homely feel, amazing staff and management that go above and beyond, the beautiful setting and tasteful design, it even has a cinema room and
bar, my in-laws deserve the best and would not want them anywhere else, would highly recommend without any hesitation , my father in-law has settled instantly which is beyond what we could of ever imagined and my mother in-law has said that she can not find a fault anywhere, this has been one of the hardest decisions we have had to make and Friends Place has made it so easy for us.
Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends PlaceThank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review! We know how big a decision this can be, and it means the world to us that you felt at home from the moment you walked through our doors. We're delighted to hear that your father-in-law has settled in so quickly and that your mother-in-law is so happy with everything. Our team takes great pride in creating a welcoming environment where residents and families feel supported, and feedback like yours reminds us why we do what we do. We're honoured to be part of your family's journey.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Loading...

Awards / Recognitions (3)

Loading...

Loading

Loading

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Friends of the Elderly to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Friends of the Elderly has an Enhanced Service – more info.