What types of Care is Hollymede Cottage registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What are the Facilities & Services at Hollymede Cottage?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Hollymede Cottage to the centre of Wickford?

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

Hollymede Cottage care home, 61/63 Church End Lane, Runwell, Wickford, Essex SS11 7DP

Review from Tracey B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum had a bad fall in October 2024 and was admitted to Hospital she was also diagnosed with Dementia and has not been able to walk. In February we found Hollymede Cottage for her when I walked into the home I felt very comfortable and the staff were very friendly. My mum was not happy in the

previous home, but on the first day my mum just changed back to how she used to be. On the first day the Manager sent me photos of mum and she was really smiling, this day was the first day of her new journey. The Manager is very helpful and keeps in touch and sends lots of photos. All the staff are friendly and care for the residents.
Also the residents' families are invited in to the home to join in events at Hollymede. Management is great and everything is well organised. I have no worries at all about leaving my mum there as she is quite content.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful and positive review of the home, staff and management, the recognition means a lot to us all. Getting to know your mum has been our pleasure, she has settled in well, made friends and seeing her flourish here is amazing. We are grateful that you chose us and are happy to have you all as part of our Hollymede family.

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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum has been at Hollymede Cottage for a few months now. She settled in straight away. The care home feels very homely. The meals mum really enjoys. They have entertainers coming in regularly, for a sing a long, which we are invited to come along and the manageress sends us photos and videos of the

events. They have a pretty garden, all can sit in. Mum is very happy here and being well looked after.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a glowing and positive review, I will be sure to pass on your comments to the team. It is our pleasure to have your lovely mum here, to care for her and to get to know her and watch her flourish and make new friends. We look forward to seeing you again soon at the next event.

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Review from D C (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 12 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The resident we are COP deputies for is also my husband's uncle. We saw him in a previous care home and he is far happier here at Hollymede Cottage. When we saw him before he moved here he was agitated and had stretched his leg raw. This has stopped since being at Hollymede and the leg has been properly

treated.
We are sent regular newsletters and photos & videos showing the residents having singalongs and other activities. The care home is clean and all the carers are very friendly.
There is a large garden at the back with benches and a covered area. They have celebrations for birthdays, Christmas etc and guest singers. Last time we visited there was a sitting exercise class going on with a proper fitness coach.
Our n relative is very happy here and always calls it home.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review of our home and staff. It is very heart-warming to know all our hard work is appreciated, we are proud of the improvement and achievements we have made for your relative who is now happy and settled here and appreciate your support.

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Review from E Q (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My beautiful Mum has been a resident at Hollymede Cottage for the past ten weeks. She has settled in well and is very happy. The manager and team are very professional and caring to all her needs. All meals are exceptional. Her room is kept to a high standard with all her personal possessions around

her. Our visits are always enjoyable. We are updated with photos, activities and entertainment at the home. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a warm and loving home for their loved ones.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you so much for the glowing review, we are glad to hear that you are happy with the care and support your mum receives. She has settled in very well which is great to see and already made several new friends, she is a wonderful addition to our Hollymede family

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Review from Gordon I (Son of Resident) published on 11 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I now realise that we were so lucky that Hollymede Cottage had a room for mum when we needed it, it is excellent. Room for mum's personal photos etc and plenty of wardrobe space. Spacious dining and living area and lovely conservatory that looks out on the garden. The staff work over the 24 hours in

shifts and are very caring, from what I understand have all worked for a number of years at the home which ensures great continuity. A varied menu is offered and residents individual diets are catered for. The home also arrange entertainment afternoons and celebrate the birthdays for all residents. All in all brilliant for our families peace of mind.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for your glowing review of our home, we strive to give the very best and we are happy that this comes across and that mum is now settling in to her new home and becoming part of our Hollymede family. I will pass on your appreciation to the team.

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Review from Barbara P (Friend of Resident) published on 11 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My friend has been a resident at Hollymede since May 2022. When he first moved there, he was bedbound after a very short time he has been walking. The staff are a lovely friendly and caring. The manager keeps me updated about my friend also sending pictures/videos of him joining in with the entertainment,

which they have on a regular basis. Everyone has a birthday party tea on their birthday. Would definitely recommend Hollymede Cottage.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you very much for your kind words, which I will pass on to the team

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Review from Richard W (Son of Resident) published on 29 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident here for many, many months. The staff are a dedicated, caring bunch who are always extremely attentive to all of her and indeed the other residents' needs. There are a lot of activities that they do, always entertained. I receive lots of photos and updates. Highly recommended,

great service.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, it is very appreciated and I will pass on to the team. We are glad you are happy and Mum is a welcome addition to Hollymede, especially with her sunny disposition and its been lovely seeing her join our activities and make new friends.

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Review from Ann B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum has been a resident since December 2023. After Mum had a stroke, she needed to go into care, as her health was not good.
It was a hard decision as mum made me promise l never let her go into a home.
But, the hospital staff told me mum hadn't long to live, and that she wouldn't speak and she

would be bedbound.
Thank goodness, Mum went into Hollymede Cottage!
The team have given me my mum back.
The manageress organised a specialised wheelchair, so she could spend time out of bed. My mum is able to talk and she has jokes with the staff. She can now feed herself.
I put that down to a caring team.
I get photos and messages from the manageress, so l can see how my mum is doing at the events l can not go to.
My mum went back into hospital recently, while she was there she said to me, 'l want to go back home'.
That tells you everything about Hollymede, it's home-from-home.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to give a review and one with such kind and positive thoughts. Your mum, you and your family are a wonderful addition to our Hollymede family and we have enjoyed getting to know you all. We are very proud of how far your mum has come, working with us to overcome every obstacle put in her way and are grateful for the small wins and achievements made. It was heart-warming to hear that she now considers Hollymede her home.

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Review from Margaret M (Wife of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I can't speak highly enough of the care given to my husband at Hollymede Cottage since he was discharged there from hospital last September and although my son and I looked at all the other care homes in the area we could find nowhere that better suited my his needs. Having a relatively small number

of residents it feels like a real home and a real family. The residents quickly get to know the carers and they get to know the individual needs of the residents. There is a lot of interaction between carers and cared for, frequent activities, visits from musicians and celebrations of everything from birthdays, St Patrick's Day and Christmas to the recent Olympics. As a frequent visitor, I am always made welcome and I feel part of this extended family. Most importantly my husband always looks happy, I can't ask for more.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you so much for this glowing review which means so much and I will be sure to pass on to all the team. We love having your husband here as part of our Hollymede family and by extension yourself and your lovely family. Knowing how difficult the transition was for you all when the time came to look for 24-hour care, we are glad to have been able to assist and your support of us and our events is greatly appreciated.

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Review from Patricia B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I'm very happy with all the staff who have looked after my mum throughout the last 18 months of her stay at Hollymead Cottage! I'm so impressed with the way in which she has gone from being quite frail, and not eating much after being in hospital, to moving to Hollymead Cottage. The turnaround from

day one has been incredible. The staff are really friendly, and have gone out of their way to make Mum feel settled and happy in her home. There is regular entertainment and family and friends are always welcome, I can confidently say that this is the home for her and I wish I had found this place sooner. She seems very content and happy here.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a glowing and positive review, I will be sure to pass on your comments to the team. It is our pleasure to have your lovely mum here, to care for her and to get to know her and watch her flourish and make new friends. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Review from K H (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum moved to Hollymede from a larger care home. It is much more homely and the staff are kind, patient and caring. Great management and caring staff. They take care of Mum and do their best which I'm thankful for.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for your kind comments, which are appreciated and will be shared with the staff.

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Review from Eileen C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Excellent all round very friendly atmosphere made to feel welcome at every visit by all the very caring staff and manager. Also, they take into account the likes and dislikes of food for individual residents.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for your kind words and time taken to write a review. I will pass your comments back to the team. Look forward to seeing you soon.

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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Always helpful, friendly and professional.
Mum is very happy there and all the staff get on well with her. This is a very cosy comfortable care home.
The care home always keeps me informed of Mum's progress with regular updates on what she gets up to and activities she has attended.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for a lovely review, we appreciate you taking the time. We love having Mum here as part of our family and your support at every event.

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Review from Teresa L (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My lovely mum has been a resident here since December 2023, I moved her from a larger home, it is a very welcoming environment and you can feel the love as soon as you walk in. Mum has a lovely room on the first floor and has all her precious ornaments and pictures around her and her own chair in the

lounge. I am made to feel welcome whatever time of day I visit and mum is always clean and well cared for.
The food is all freshly cooked, Mum enjoys all her meals, and water, juices and tea or coffee are always available.
The staff are all fantastic and give lots of cuddles and all the reassurance Mum needs on a daily basis, they are very quick to notice any changes in behaviour and the manager has a great relationship with the doctors and dementia care teams, she is very approachable, knowledgeable and helpful.
I consider myself and Mum very lucky to have found Hollymede Cottage, everyone there feels like family and they support me and my sister too.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely glowing review. We love having your mum here, caring for her, having fun and making her smile. We are glad you are happy and thank you for your support of us and everyone at Hollymede. I will pass on to all the team.

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Review from Katy M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I am writing this with reference to the care that my grandmother currently receives at Hollymede. My grandmother was in a previous home down the road and we removed her from their care and she moved into Hollymede. The team run by the manager are some of the loveliest people I have met. 100% genuine

in their way and I personally have felt total support from them. The diligence and care that they have shown to my grandmother, me and my family is truly remarkable. I work in the care industry and can appreciate the hours and care that is involved in providing a holistic approach for people. Hollymede is exceptional, there isn't a better place for my grandmother to be. Thank you to you to the manager and your team.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you for such a wonderful review which means a lot to myself and the team. Getting to know your Grandma has been our pleasure and seeing her flourish here is amazing. We are grateful that you chose us and are happy to have you all as part of our Hollymede family.

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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

As others have noted, I am thankful to have found Hollymede Cottage and the care they give. Mum became a resident at the end of 2023 after a fall meant she could no longer be by herself. She was placed here but I would now hate for her to be moved anywhere else. The staff are incredible and treat each

resident, regardless of their needs and infirmities with compassion and respect. This is, to be honest, my only experience of the care system, but I have to say how lovely everyone is, not only to my mum but to myself and my family, always greeting us with a smile and a cuppa! They celebrate birthdays, national holidays and events with gusto, plus try and get all the residents involved with daily activities. The home is clean and the food is tasty. As my mum's memory deteriorates, it's good to know she will be well looked after by people who know and care for her. I have no concerns and recommend Hollymede to anyone who is in the position of having to find somewhere for a loved relative.

Reply from Julie Herridge-Searle, Registered Manager at Hollymede Cottage

Thank you very much for your lovely words, they are appreciated and mean a lot to all of us. You and your family are a lovely addition to our Hollymede family.

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Review from Jason G (Grandson of Resident) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My nan was resident here for the last years of her life as she succumbed to dementia. Unfortunately, I live a plane flight away and Covid threw a spanner in the works. However, the time I was able to visit her she was always clean, well turned out and happy. A notoriously fussy eater (no foreign food!)

she never seemed to want for anything. When I was able to visit, the staff were always so welcoming and friendly. Surely they had enough to do anyway, but I never felt as though I was intruding. She was always entertained, I saw many photographs. At her funeral we saw endless pictures of her and the other residents enjoying themselves. This was something I feel they didn’t need to do, but they made time. That so many staff members attended her funeral was a testament to how caring they were and it was lovely to be able to talk to them. Knowing Nan was so well cared for and that she had such a wonderful quality of life was so very reassuring, being so far away.

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Review from Carol T (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I am so thankful we found Hollymede Cottage, my mum stayed there for the last 18 months of her life. The manager and her team are totally dedicated to making the residents feel loved and happy whilst also encouraging them to have fun by joining in the numerous activities. Mum loved the banter and the

endless cups of tea! When my mum passed their care and compassion exceeded all expectations and their support to me and my daughters will always be remembered and appreciated. It is a huge decision to place a loved one in care but visit Hollymede and meet with the manager and her team as this will certainly put your mind at rest.

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Review from Michele T (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum has been a resident of Hollymede for 7 years now. I moved Mum from a larger home. I am grateful every day that we got her a place at Hollymede. The feel of the place is warm, friendly, inviting, happy and homely. Mum's needs have changed several times over the 7 years and Hollymede have been

able to adapt perfectly. The staff are absolutely wonderful from the top down. I cannot recommend them enough. Everyone is extremely gentle, kind, compassionate and so caring. I love visiting Mum, all the residents feel like they are my relatives as you get to know everyone. There are brilliant activities catering for everyone and excellent entertainment. Every possible occasion and major event is celebrated. There is always something going on. I cannot praise the manager and all the team enough for their amazing care, kindness, emotional support and advice. I thoroughly recommend it. The food is excellent, nothing is too much trouble. It doesn't feel like a care home, just home. Thank you so much.

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Review from Alyson S (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 October 2023
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Overall Experience

We decided to move our mother from a very expensive “5-star” care home, because she wasn’t getting the care she needed, to Hollymede Cottage. Whilst its decor didn’t hold up to the five-star home its care and homely ambience very much surpassed it. The carers stayed at the home for a long time and took

the time to understand my mum's complex needs. Sadly, after more than 5 years at the home, mum passed away last March, at the age of 93, her care was faultless and she was loved and comfortable throughout her passing. We were always made to feel welcome and part of the family. I will forever feel grateful. Thank you

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Hollymede Cottage

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

Length of Stay

Care Types Provided

Dementia Care Types

Other Care Provided

Facilities

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Funding Types Accepted

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

Care Home Design/Build

Room Information

Parking

Hollymede Cottage Reviews (26)

Overview of Review Score

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Overall Good

Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hollymede Cottage

What types of Care is Hollymede Cottage registered for?

How many Rooms does Hollymede Cottage have?

What are the Facilities & Services at Hollymede Cottage?

How far is Hollymede Cottage to the centre of Wickford?

Overall
Good