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Elmside

Elmside Walk, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1HB
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Elmside, Hitchin
Elmside, Hitchin
Elmside, Hitchin

Located in the picturesque town of Hitchin near Stevenage and just a short stroll from the town’s lively centre, MHA Elmside provides residential and dementia care for 69 residents. The home is conveniently located with easy access to local cafés, shops, pubs and the bustling market. With excellent transport links, including nearby train stations and the A1 and M1 motorways, visiting families will find it convenient.

The meticulously maintained gardens...  

Care Provided by Elmside

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 69 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential Care£1,457 - £1,655N/A
Residential Dementia Care£1,732 - £1,987N/A

Contact Elmside to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self-Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group / Owner

  • MHA
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in charge

  • Violeta Latviene (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2005

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (65)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (65)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)

Elmside Reviews (75)

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9.7

Elmside has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.689) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Elmside has 75 reviews.

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Showing 75 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Helen K (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother-in-law has been at Elmside since December 2020 initially for respite care but quickly decided to stay permanently, referring to Elmside as home soon after she arrived. She has made good friends and thoroughly enjoys Elmside's superlative activities programme. During this difficult lockdown, we've had regular emails from the home to keep us up to speed and the home has done everything possible to enable visits when safe and practical. The staff are enthusiastic and welcoming and apparently, the breakfasts are fantastic!

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Elmside, especially as I know how busy you are at the moment. We also would like to thank you that you have chosen our care home to care for your mother-in-law. It has been an absolute pleasure having your mother-in-law stay with us, and we are so...  

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Review from John S (Son of Resident) published on 7 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mum has been in Elmside for almost 2 years with dementia and breast cancer. From day 1 the care she has received has been second to none and as her dementia progressed she was still looked after with care and consideration. Covid has meant a difficult time for everyone and the staff have made a great effort to facilitate visits whenever possible. When mum's cancer took hold they could not do enough for her in a very difficult situation. Unfortunately, she has now passed away and they looked after her until the end. We have been very impressed with the level of care from all members of staff and would not hesitate to recommend Elmside to anyone who is looking for care for their relatives.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review in such a difficult time for you all, we are so sorry for your loss and please pass our condolences to all the family. It has been such a privilege to care for your mum and we are pleased that close family members were able to come to see...  

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Review from Valerie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My parents have been residents at Elmside since August 2020. The care and respect they receive is second to none with Elmside staff constantly on hand to assist when residents come up against something they find difficult. This dedication to keeping residents safe and well, particularly during the pandemic has been, and still is, very much appreciated. On the comfort side, the environment is light, clean and welcoming and the food obviously enjoyable, forming an important part of the day. So too is the opportunity to join in the various activities that have been carefully thought out and prepared. Regular visits from the chaplain have been much appreciated especially when family visits were not allowed. Management has shown to be empathetic and understanding, coping with pandemic situations that have arisen including facilitating hospital appointments, and sadly a funeral. This latter comment is very important - we are confident in the knowledge that our loved ones are in safe hands.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Elmside. It is such a heart-warming feeling that our hard work is being appreciated and your kind words mean so much to our staff. It has been an absolute pleasure having your parents staying with us, and it was lovely to see them settling in well...  

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Review from Jo H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We were already very happy with Mother's care at Elmside, and we are so impressed with how well the residents are being cared for and kept safe during these difficult times. Obviously, visiting has been very difficult at times but we get the feeling that staff will try to allow visits where possible. The Home Manager is very approachable and, with the great support of the team, we have always been kept informed of current rules and Mum's well being.
The staff have gone out of their way to assist when we've not been able to visit and there are really too many brilliant people to mention. There has been a real effort to give the residents extra activities and fun to help pass the time. Having the Chaplain on-site has been great, as the residents have not been allowed to go out to church since March.

We are very happy that we have made a good choice of care home for our sprightly 93-year-old.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lovely review of Elmside. It is so rewarding to read that you both felt how well the residents are being cared for. We would like to add that your mother is a lovely lady, and the staff are very fond of her. Relatives play such a large role in the...  

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Review from Stephen W (Son of Resident) published on 17 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My parents moved into Elmside a year ago on the 23rd December after a number of recommendations from professional carers in the area. My mothers increasing dementia was the reason that my Dad decided they needed to make the move. Unfortunately, my Dad has since passed away. It has been a terribly difficult time for Care Homes managing the pandemic, but the Staff at Elmside have always gone the extra mile in helping facilitate visits and manage my mums sometimes difficult behaviour. They are all amazing! I wouldn't hesitate for one moment in urging anyone who is looking for this kind of care to contact them.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for your review of Elmside, your kind words about the team’s dedication is heartwarming to read and we shall pass your comments on to our team. It was lovely to see you spending time with your Mum on her birthday and we are pleased that you are able to see her on the regular basis...  

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Review from Deirdre S (Niece of Resident) published on 11 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

It was a comment from the Home Manager that led us to choose Elmside for our spinster Aunt, he pointed out that MHA not only welcomes the Resident but adopts the family which certainly proved to be true. As my Aunt's dementia worsened, the staff were patient, caring and worked very hard to ensure she was kept busy participating in the many activities provided (pre-COVID). Despite COVID, the Home worked very hard to ensure that we were able to continue our regular visits albeit outdoors. As my Aunt's health went into decline, I cannot compliment enough the care and compassion provided by all to ensure she passed from this life with the dignity and respect she deserved. The Manager, Chaplain and Care staff were amazing all taking time out to say their 'goodbyes' as it was clear that they genuinely cared for her. Furthermore, despite the COVID challenges, we were allowed as a family to be with our Aunt when the time came, a privilege in these times. Thank you Elmside.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review of Elmside. It is so rewarding to read that you felt part of the family and appreciated the compassionate care provided to your aunt until she passed. We are very privileged to have cared for her and spending the time talking to you and...  

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Review from Liz M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Mum has been living at Elmside for over two years now. She considers it her home and is very happy and settled. All the staff are so kind and helpful and nothing seems like too much trouble. Their response during the pandemic has been amazing, ensuring that we can maintain contact in a variety of ways whilst keeping all the residents safe. We really are most grateful for all their hard work and care.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Elmside. It has been an absolute pleasure having your Mum stay with us, and we are pleased that she is settled and feels at home. She is always so warm, caring and kind to others and really appreciates the support staff given to her. We really appreciate your understanding, during the pandemic, and we are so grateful for your generosity.

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Review from Anne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Elmside is a friendly, efficiently run care home. Residents are well looked after with plenty of activities provided for those who wish to partake. They have managed to allow safe visits as soon as possible during the pandemic and have kept relatives informed with regular emails.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete the review and for such a lovely comment about our care home. We are working tirelessly to ensure families are kept informed and updated of what’s going on and we are proud to be able to accommodate a safe visit for residents to see their loved ones. I am pleased that you are enjoying coming to see Mum and thank you for your continued support.

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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Mum and I have always shared a very close relationship and spent lots of time together, prior to her worsening dementia requiring more support than I could provide to help maintain her independence. It was therefore extremely upsetting for us both when she first moved into Elmside 2 years ago. Despite my anxieties, during regular visits, I have always found Mum smiling, happy and relaxed in her surroundings and around the carers and other staff within the home. The situation with Covid this year has obviously greatly affected our freedom and safety to be with one another in any normal way. I could see that Mum didn't understand this massive change to our usual closeness and behaviour, with deteriorating dementia, perhaps even gradually forgetting who I am. However, I am pleased to say that, over these months, the manager has reached out and made every effort to safely help relatives maintain contact wherever possible, with time to listen to concerns, and for that, I say thank you.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review and for your understanding in this current pandemic. We recognise how important it is for families to maintain and keep in contact with their loved ones and we are proud to be able to help you to come to visit Mum and spend quality time with...  

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Review from Wendy F (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mum has been in Elmside for 4.5 years, and as her Dementia/Alzheimer’s has worsened, the care staff have been very understanding and patient with her. The manager has also been very helpful in these very trying times with COVID.

Reply from Vilawan Hawkes, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for taking time to review us, this means so much for us at this difficult time. It has been a pleasure to having your Mum back with us from the hospital and to have the privilege to care for her. She is a lovely lady with a strong spirit and determination. She certainly lifts my spirit whenever I see her.

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Review from J C (Wife of Resident) published on 10 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

A cheerful friendly atmosphere with caring welcoming staff who were patient and encouraging to my husband who was admitted for respite care.

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Review from Decem S (Friend of Resident) published on 22 February 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My friend has been at Elmside for a number of years and every time I visit her she states she wants to stay here indefinitely as this is her home. The whole team has always been welcoming and make you feel like you are a big part of their family. My friend is very happy and comfortable and has a nice facility. She enjoys her a la carte meal every day and partakes in a number of activities within the home. The home is exceptionally clean and the staff are friendly. I was most impressed with the current management team and recent changes have improved the quality of life for all residents. Although my friend can be difficult at times, she is treated with care and compassion and for that, I am truly grateful to Elmside. Genuinely, I do not think one could find a better placement for her.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

We are most thankful for those lovely comments and it is always refreshing to know that our residents, their friends and families do appreciate the service that we provide at Elmside. It is a great honour and a privilege to care for someone with substantial life experiences and we can all enjoy...  

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Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff are really helpful and caring. They have been very helpful and welcoming when I visit. It has made the thought of my mum being in a home easier to know how good they are.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for those lovely comments about our service. I will ensure this is passed on to the staff team. We value the engagement and collaborative relationship we have with our residents and their families. Your feedback is much appreciated as we are always striving to improve outcomes for our residents.

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Review from Linda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 January 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Elmside has proved to be the perfect choice for my mother. The care that she is receiving is everything that we could have wished for. The lovely team of people working there are hard working and dedicated to the job. They all treat mum with kindness and respect and make her feel valued, not just as a resident but also as a person. To add to this, the food is excellent, the rooms are lovely and the surroundings are spotless.

What more can I say except that we, as a family are enjoying the peace of mind knowing that mum is safe and happy. We genuinely believe that we could not have found a better place.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside
Thank you for the lovely comments regarding our services provided here at Elmside. It’s always reassuring to know that our residents' families or representatives appreciate our dedicated care and attention. We will ensure that this is passed on to our staff team.

We consider ourselves privileged...  

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Review from Terry S (Son of Resident) published on 28 December 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident for just under 2 years and despite a reluctance to give up her independent life in her own home she now states regularly that she does not want to return home. Mum is very well cared for, provided with high-quality food, a comfortable room in which she can have a number of her own things and most importantly companionship from both the staff and fellow residents. There are regular activities that can be attended and plenty of opportunities for the family to engage in events. I have been very impressed by the MHA care ethos which permitted the whole organisation from management down.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of Elmside. We are delighted to hear that you are satisfied with the care and support your Mother receives here and would be likely to recommend our home to others. Your feedback is important to us, as is the care and wellbeing of all of our...  

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Review from Pauline L (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
After having made visits to other care homes in the area, my sister and I were impressed with our first encounter with the management, staff and facilities at Elmside.
Our first visit lasted one and a half hours! We were made very welcome and the visit never felt rushed. The manager took the time to show us around and answer our questions. Nothing was too much trouble.
Elmside had a good feel to it.
Sadly our step-mothers time at Elmside was short and she spent only 11 weeks there before passing away. The fact that 2 representatives from the home came to the funeral which was warmly appreciated by our family.
The staff were caring, friendly and respectful. They had a good rapport with the residents. We had excellent contact with the key worker and other carers who were involved with our step-mother.
Our elderly father 98 was able to visit without restriction at any time and hour he chose. The staff showed concerned for his well being too.
Our step-mother was happy and felt safe at Elmside.

We cannot praise the staff enough for their care of our step-mother and would highly recommend the home. If the time comes we would have no qualms about using it for our father hie is in total agreement.

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Review from David O (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 15 August 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My friend became in need of nursing home care. The selection of Elmside was made very easy by the fact that a couple of years before some relatives had the same requirement for an elderly parent. Fortunately, they had carried out all the local groundwork, so Elmside was an obvious choice. I, nor my charge, encounter problems that cannot be solved. the staff are very caring and helpful. The food and dining facilities are faultless, housekeeping is very good (for example the dining room floor is cleaned after every session). Personal care and respect to residents is nothing less than expected. The spiritual and medical needs are well catered for. Entertainment and recreational needs and gardens are a feature of Elmside. Does my friend like Elmside? Yes, she considers it to be her home, which of course is the most important answer in any care home facility. Our thanks to the Elmside Team. Five stars all round.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for your lovely comments about our service at Elmside. This will be passed on to the rest of the team. Such comments and feedback are most useful in galvanising the team to deliver better care and to stay focused in their endeavours. This means a lot to us as a team and on behalf...  

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Review from Shaun H (Son of Resident) published on 1 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My dad was a resident at Elmside care home in Hitchin for the last 6 months of his life.
During that time the staff, management and nurses were fantastic, they cared for my dad like it was their own dad.
I couldn't have asked for more.
A huge thank you to the staff.
This is the nicest care home I have visited and I was always made welcome.

I hope that if in the future I need a facility like Elmside, it will be as nice!

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you so much for those kind words about our service at Elmside. I shall ensure that this is passed on to the rest of our team in recognition of their spirits, values, dedication and hard work. This has come at a good time for us as we are in the process of cementing an effective workforce to...  

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Review from Marion H (Wife of Resident) published on 30 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Having had a traumatic time in hospital in late December 2017, followed by reasonable care at a respite home in Stevenage, I was so thankful when my husband was given a place at Elmside Care Home. From his first day at Elmside, it was like being at home but with the specialist care that he needed. As a family, we were always made to feel welcome and during his final days were offered food and drinks, it felt like belonging to a big happy family. The staff were always caring and compassionate and even now my husband is no longer a resident, it feels like we still belong to that family. The staff are truly amazing people. A huge thank you from all my family.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for those lovely comments and positive feedback. I will ensure this is passed on to the rest of the team. The relationship we had with your husband and your family was very special. It was particularly endearing and therapeutic for all of us. Thank you for your support with our dementia...  

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Review from Denise B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Dad had vascular dementia. The staff at Elmside, Cedars wing, recognised the man he was due to his illness but understood the man was slowly losing. In particular, they cared for and befriended my mother, who visited almost every day and found it hard to cope with losing her husband of almost 60 years. Dad disappeared bit by bit over the 6 months he was in Cedars. During this time we were always made welcome whenever we visited if it was a mealtime we were able to eat with Dad. Towards the end of his life, we were with dad as much as possible, the staff made us cups of tea and sandwiches appeared to keep us going. Every member of staff from the cleaners to the manager comforted us if we were upset. My Dad was treated as an individual and respected as a person by everyone right to the end of his life. As a family we will always be grateful to all of the staff who included dad and us in their 'family', they surpassed our expectations in every way. Thank You.

Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your lovely comments about Elmside and the care that we provide. This will be passed on to the rest of the team in recognition of their work and dedication. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have your Dad in our care and to meet your family and engage with them had been so...  

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 07 January 2026
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (9) & Events (0)

News
  • 25 Nov 2025

    3 weeks of care for the price of 2 Whether you're planning a break or exploring longer-term options, our short stays give older loved ones the chance to relax, socialise...

  • 11 Apr 2025

    Every Thursday from 2 - 4pm Join us Love books? Enjoy a good puzzle? Come along to our book and puzzle club, a community event where you can share, swap,...

  • 11 Apr 2025

    Ongoing daily event, 10am - 3pm On the go? Pick up some coffee and snacks on us. At Elmside, we appreciate your dedication and hard work. Just drop in! No...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Elmside.

Awards / Recognitions (10)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: MHA
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: MHA
  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: MHA

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Elmside.

Meet the Team (1)

Violeta Latviene
Violeta LatvieneJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2025

Violeta is Elmside's compassionate and dedicated Home Manager.

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