Elmside

Elmside Walk, Hitchin SG5 1HB
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9.8 72 Reviews
  • 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 offer a tranquil haven for residents to enjoy nature year-round. Accessible and secure, the gardens provide spaces for quiet reflection, socialising, or participating in the gardening club to grow flowers and vegetables. Residents delight in the local wildlife, including squirrels, pheasants, ducks, and robins. Regular outings include visits to nearby Bancroft Park, with its wheelchair-friendly pathways, and trips to the Lavender Fields in Hitchin, where residents can enjoy vibrant blooms and tea in the tearoom.

The home specialises in dementia care, offering a safe and supportive environment where residents feel valued and secure. The compassionate team provides person-centred care, with activities designed to engage and stimulate, including music therapy, interactive ‘magic tables,’ reflexology, singalongs, and arts and crafts.

Its easy to understand why mealtimes are so important at Elmside. Like everything here the residents are at the heart of everything, and they play an active role in shaping the menus, ensuring meals reflect their tastes, preferences, and traditions.

Elmside provides a reassuringly familiar and homely setting where residents feel connected, comfortable, and cared for every day. Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, for short stays or residential, or residential dementia care, the team at Elmside are here to help.
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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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1376 – £1563
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1636 – £1874

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Elmside to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Elmside to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Contact Elmside to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Grainne Wokes (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • 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 (72)

9.8

Elmside has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.839) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Elmside has 72 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Elmside
  • 32
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Total of 72, showing 61-72
Review from Michael T (Son of Resident) published on 21 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother went to stay at Elmside Care Home due to not being able to care for herself any longer. She did not want to leave her house but from day one she amazed me how well she took to life in a care home, calling all the carers and residents her new friends. She loved the food three time a day, biscuits
and tea in between, no cooking, cleaning or ironing. She loved to sit in her room with the door open saying hello and waving to people as they passed her door, carers stopped by and had a chat. But, unfortunately, her age (94) was catching up with her and she passed away. But she really enjoyed the last 4 months.
Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience of Elmside and for the kind comments in relation to our staff team. Your feedback is much appreciated and we will ensure it is shared with the team. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mum.

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Review from Esther W (Friend of Resident) published on 25 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very well run home with caring staff. My relative was very reluctant to live at the Home however, after the kind and caring attitude from all the staff in all areas, my relative has settled in very quickly.
Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experiences of Elmside and for the kind comments in relation to our staff team. Your feedback is much appreciated and I will ensure it is shared with the team.

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Review from Carol S (Sister of Resident) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care in all respects. Cannot praise the Staff and Home highly enough. My sister was looked after extremely well during a very difficult time. We as her family were given all the help and consideration we required. She was treated with complete dignity. I would like to thank you all very
much indeed.
Reply from Samantha Clare, Deputy Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your lovely comments. I can reassure you that this will be passed on to the rest of the team.
All the best for the future.
Kind regards.

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Review from Roma S (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum had advanced stage Parkinson’s disease and moved to Elmside in Oct 2017 after a spell in hospital as she could no longer live alone.
It’s a very happy place where staff and management are dedicated to the residents and their needs.
In Feb Mum was admitted to hospital and 2 weeks later discharged
for “end of life” care- I was devastated but with the help of the Parkinson’s Nurse we got her back to Elmside - I knew she would be happier and properly cared for there. Sadly, soon after she passed away.


I cannot praise the Elmside Management, their excellent Carers and the Chaplain, enough for their kindness and compassion. Mum was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. They supported me throughout and made our visitors very welcome; they were also very impressed.


Elmside made my Mum’s last days more bearable for all of us - I’m not sure they realise what a difference they made - so thank you from the bottom of my heart.


If I ever have to go into Care I hope it’s at Elmside.

Reply from Samantha Clare, Deputy Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your comments about your recent experience at Elmside.
Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care given. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.
Will pass this positive feedback to our team at Elmside.
All the best for the future.
Kind regards.

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Review from Lynn H (Relative of Resident) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I first visited my aunt at Elmside, the first thing that struck me was it had a lovely calm feel to it. The residents were all just sitting down to their evening meal, once all seated, grace was said by one lady. I found this very moving. The staff served and assisted as required, the food looked
delicious. The rooms and the environment are exceptional and the staff all seemed very happy. My mother-in-law had been in a care home, how my husband and I wished we knew about Elmside. For a family member to have to go into a care home, is not an easy decision, I could not recommend Elmside more highly. Our aunt was treated with such respect and dignity, and as a family, we were supported throughout. The manager and his staff could not have done any more for us.
Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your lovely comments. It's always reassuring to have such good feedback which will be passed on to the rest of the team.
We wish you luck in your future ventures, hope to see you soon.
Kind regards.

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Review from Mathew W (Son of Resident) published on 6 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff at Elmside provided excellent care for my dad for the 15 months he was there, he was treated very respectfully and nothing was a problem for the staff. Elmside have now found a manager that can deal with all aspects of the care home (at last!!), I have now recommended my auntie to go to Elmside.
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Review from Lynne S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Dad has been a resident in the dementia care facility at Elmside since February this year. This is a warm and caring environment where all the staff from the manager, senior staff, carers, domestic staff to the caretaker are without fail cheerful, patient, and caring with both residents and families.
The
level of care in the dementia unit is high, with regular activities for residents such as music therapy, reflexology, musical entertainment, and sensory activities so that every resident can participate at a level they are able to.
The home is always clean and warm and the residents receive a high level of personal care.
The environment is cheerful and welcoming, with quiet areas and a coffee area for friends and family to sit and chat with the residents.
Recognising that we could no longer care for my Dad at home was very hard for the family, but we are confident that he is well looked after, and in fact, the level of stimulation exceeds what we could provide for him ourselves.
Reply from Renaud Sockalingum, Home Manager at Elmside

Thank you for your lovely comments. The team at Elmside tries hard to improve the outcome for our service users.
It's always a pleasure for us to engage positively with families or their representatives.
we rely heavily on feedback, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Many Thanks.

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Review from Alice H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Nan came to visit here on respite for around a month. The staff were brilliant with all her care needs.
I cannot praise them enough. They would always go the extra mile for her, nothing was ever a bother.
Whenever I came to visit she was always dressed well and always doing an activity of some
kind.
The activities they provide, there really is something for everyone.
My nan has had respite elsewhere before but the look of this home really does look like a hotel, and now we would never go elsewhere.
It doesn't smell like a typical care home. There is always quiet places to go. Always greeted with a smile from all staff.
As for management they are always around and not locked in an office. The deputy was happy to speak to us on numerous occasions over a cup of tea over any concerns or anything we wanted to chat about. The lead on shift would ring to notify us of things.
Cannot thank them enough.
Made me feel safe to leave her there, not worrying about how she is.
Thank you without end!
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Review from Sue (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum's 'old' friends from her old village over an hour away, visited. They were delighted to find Mum settled and happy. They loved her Home; the atmosphere; the new pictures on the corridor walls; her lovely, airy room with all her things and the view of the garden; and all Elmside surroundings. They
enjoyed the garden, then tea in the Coffee Lounge. They found all the staff welcoming and friendly - it was obvious they all knew Mum and she knew them well, enjoying a laugh and joke with them.

As hoped, Mum is 'home at Elmside' - we just wish she could 'see' how lovely you all are and her surroundings! That will never be...but she knows how kind and caring you all are to her, how lovely the surroundings are. We describe the people, pictures and colours and enjoy time with her. She loves outdoors, enjoying the air; the sounds; the wonderful scents of the flowers and conversations with passing residents and their families and visitors. She enjoys every activity too!


Thank you.

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Review from Paul D (Son of Resident) published on 3 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been in Elmside for 13 months. He entered of his own volition, knowing the home from occasional visits over some years. He was made to feel welcome and settled in remarkably quickly, feeling from the outset that it was the right decision to move there. During his time, the staff have been
friendly and attentive. The facilities and decor have exceeded the expectations of him and his family. The quality and quantity of food is so good that despite having little appetite, he has gained weight. Despite being a very fussy eater, there have only been one or two dishes he was not keen on.


It is a great comfort to his family to know that he is taken such good care of; we really appreciate all that the management and staff do for him. Having visited other care homes, I know that this high standard is not available everywhere. I cannot fault Elmside in any way.

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Review from Hilary C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother (96) moved to Elmside 7 months ago after living alone for 10 years. She was immediately impressed by the building in general and her own room in particular. The facilities and the decor meet with great favour. She tells me how well equipped and well staffed Elmside is. She is not a particularly
sociable person however she has always been comfortable with the staff and is impressed with the level of care - she says that everyone does their best to help her and she feels that they genuinely care about her well-being. This is true not only of the carers but also of the hospitality staff, who go out of their way to make sure that she has everything she needs to feel 'at home'.


Since being at Elmside her health and her confidence have improved and she is increasing her interactions with the other residents, and bis beginning to join in with group events.


I have visited other care homes in the region and am certain that I made the right choice for her.

Reply from Deborah Langton, Area Manager at Elmside

Dear Hilary


Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and for such wonderful sentiments relayed to us. We are always looking of ways to encourage residents to feel at home and it appears we have achieved that with your mother. However, if you ever think of another activity, a particular food recipe or type of decor that your mother would enjoy more always feel free to share this with us as we are continuously open to change.


Kind Regards


Deborah

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Review from Chris (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father spent around 15 months as a resident at Elmside. During this time he was well cared for, treated with respect, mentally stimulated and above all happy.
Staff at every level were very caring, and his day to day carers especially were kind and considerate to him. The MHA ethos which places
great emphasis on spiritual well-being was particularly appreciated by dad with his strong faith, especially the weekly in house religious services. But catering to 'all faiths and none' means that everyone has access to the same pastoral care.
Dad was kept mentally stimulated with daily activities such as group crosswords, music appreciation, carpet bowls.
Dad enjoyed nutritious meals throughout the day.
The home and facilities were kept clean and fresh, and although his bedroom was one of the smaller ones, it had modern fixtures and fittings and a generous en suite wet room.
Management kept me involved in Dad's ongoing care plan.
I could not have asked for a better environment for him.
Reply from Deborah Langton, Area Manager at Elmside

Dear Chris


Thank you for such a heart warming review of the services provided to your dad for his 15 months at Elmside. Finding a care home for your loved ones is difficult at times and I am sure that your review will lend relief to many if considering this home.


I thank you once again and will forward your kind words onto the team.


Kind Regards


Deborah

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.839)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.839) out of 10 for Elmside is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.839 for Elmside is calculated as follows: ( (212 Excellents x 5) + (33 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 248 Ratings = 4.839
  2. 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 Elmside is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 69 registered maximum number of service users is 13.8, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 21 Jul 2018

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (1)

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Violeta Latviene

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2025

Violeta is Elmside's compassionate and dedicated Home Manager.

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