Elmside

Mum moved in just after Christmas, after a brief respite stay at another local care home. She settled into Elmside quickly, everyone from the receptionist and chaplain to the carers and activities staff made her feel welcome and relaxed. The staff made the transition from independent home living smooth and reassuring. Mum was able to make her room into her new home with her own chair, phone, pictures etc and the staff were fantastic at helping my sister and me to navigate the new system. Mum has felt safe and happy. The carers and staff are kind and friendly, patient and professional. It was noticeable to us straight away that everyone smiles and greets you as you walk around, there is a calm air of relaxed chat in the communal areas and a good variety of activities to join in if you choose. Mum's health needs are monitored and addressed quickly and her requests are responded to. We have felt very lucky to have such a lovely caring place for mum to call home.

I am Power of Attorney for a gentleman in this care home. He lives on the dementia unit and I am extremely happy with the care provided for him there. The staff are positive, friendly and a real asset to the home. Nothing is too difficult for them.

Elmside is well run by the managers who not only set the lovely tone and atmosphere but are efficient in dealing with any queries and concerns.

Staff all helpful and approachable.

My mother settled quickly into the home and still feels settled two years on. The staff are friendly, welcoming and are upbeat when I visit, and I know mum says she is well looked after.

They have activities each week and she is taken to church every Sunday, where she has been a member for many many years. She enjoys it when there are enough staff to take her out for a walk.

Mum likes her room and is appreciative that it has be decorated with her own personal possessions to make it feel more like home.

Very very good home. The carers are respectful, kind, gentle and patient with the residents. the activities ladies are marvellous always cheerful and innovative. The Chaplain is excellent.

My brother was admitted to Elmside Residential Home from hospital in Hamstead London. He fell in his bedroom and was taken to hospital where he died, having broken his leg, together with other complications. Sadly he only had a very short time at Elmside from admission to death but the family could clearly see Elmside was excellent.

I viewed six homes in the area for a wonderful lady with dementia who was my neighbour. The two ladies are truly exceptional managers, complemented by the office and grounds staff. The homes I saw with the exception of Elmside struggled to achieve a welcoming, kind atmosphere. They had less light, their gardens were not beautiful, they didn't always smell fresh and the staff felt as if they were struggling, dispirited or were watching the clock for the end of shift. Staff at Elmside are mostly young, clearly carefully chosen, caring. I would wish for Elmside's care if things change.

Mum moved into Elmside at the beginning of September 2024. Right from the start we were made to feel incredibly welcome and the transition could not have been smoother. I visited a handful of other homes before deciding on Elmside and none of them had the same homely and settled feel about them. Mum has needed a fair amount of care since moving in, including visits to hospital, but no matter what she needs, nothing is too much trouble for the staff. They are always, without fail, very attentive, caring and super helpful. Every time I visit, the home has a family atmosphere about it and it is clear that all the residents are treated as though they are one big family. I love the fact that there are activities to be involved in every week day, morning and afternoon, plus church on Sunday and the fact that everyone is brought together for meal times three times a day. I couldn't be happier with our choice and I know mum will continue to be very happy there.

My relative has been very well looked after since becoming a resident in 2023 the staff are always welcoming to me and members of my family. The facilities are good and cleanliness excellent and my relative is treated with kindness and excellent care on a daily basis. I would be happy to recommend Elmside Care Home.

Mum has been a resident for 4 years and I am pleased to say that she is very happy here and has made many friends over this period of time, not just other with other residents but with the staff as well. From my point of view I am delighted that she has referred to Elmside as 'home' since shortly having moved there. The whole atmosphere is pleasant and there is almost always something going on to keep the residents entertained. While I always keep in contact with mum the staff also keep me informed of any issues whether it be directly related to mum or indirectly such as with the recent refurbishment taking place. There is a very strong work ethic at the home and I do not think I could have picked a better place.

I can only praise and thank the staff at Elmside for their care and patience in looking after Mum. Even on her dark days she is treated with care and respect by all including the cleaning staff. I'm always greeted with happy smiling faces. Mum is a "loner" but is always encouraged to join in whatever activity is taking place.

Mum initially came to Elmside for respite care but she has since become a permanent resident. She has settled in really well and we can't fault the help and support she gets. The family are very satisfied with every aspect of her care.

My husband had a severe chest infection and an ambulance was called for him. After spending 24 hours in A & E the staff at Elmside cared for him in isolation in his room as he had RSV. Excellent care and kindness.

Mum moved here 9 months ago, and has settled in well. I find the carers to be very kind, caring and compassionate. The staff are responsive to concerns. Activities are imaginative and engaging, and meals seem good. At 96, mum is even making new friends amongst the residents. There is a strong ethos which seems to motivate the staff and inform their attitude. I really feel mum is in such good hands. Thank you.

I do not live in Hitchin so when I visit family I pop in to see my mum. I am so happy that she was moved and is now more settled in her room and also seems to be a little calmer and feeling a bit more at home at Elmside. My sister has now a bit more time as she was and still is her primary care giver. Thank you for giving her some time and space.

Elmside is a magical place with a really lovely team.

I feel my mother has received excellent care. Staff are kind and thoughtful and encourage residents to get involved in a wide range of activities. Home feels very friendly.

The care mum receives at Elmside is wonderful. The staff are very caring and welcoming and the Home Manager does an outstanding job motivating and leading her staff to deliver a high quality care service. Mum feels safe. She is encouraged to participate in activities and the staff take time to connect with her one on one.

Communication with me from management and senior care staff is excellent, which I am particularly grateful for. We are very pleased as a family we chose Elmside for dad, the management and all staff work extremely hard to ensure it is a home with care and respect for the residents as its core values.