






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 TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define 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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Elmside for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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)
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.
Looking around the premises before my father became a resident I was very impressed by the welcoming attitude of the staff, their willingness to show me around and to take their time to answer any of my concerns. Everywhere was spotlessly clean, the bedrooms being spacious and having a pleasant outlook. The idea of the shop was well thought out to give residents a sense of independence. Also, lots of seating areas for residents to sit with their visitors. Talking to activities coordinator lots of varied activities on offer. Overall there was an air of sunshine, light, peace and calm about the whole place.
Thank you for those lovely comments. Please rest assured that this message will be passed on to the team. I feel confident that those kind words will help to improve care services and instil a sense of achievement for all our team member. Hope to see you soon.
Each staff member from the manager, administrators, catering, cleaners and especially the maintenance men who helped me set up the room to make it cosy are so friendly and carry out their duties with such empathy and care. Nothing is too much trouble. I am very impressed with the high standard of care and dedication given by all of the staff. A big thank you. Such a lovely home.
Thank you for your lovely comments about our service at Elmside. I will ensure this is passed on to the rest of the team. Our dedicated team works hard to get it right for residents, families and their representatives. These comments are so useful and has proved to be a driving force in care delivery. Once again a big thank you for this recognition.
The carers were kind, the two managers made us feel special. Mum was reluctant at 98 to go in, but she settled and they were brilliant with her. Sadly she died after four months the care she was given in her last days was amazing. We are sure had she gone there years before she would still be here now. A lovely place, lovely people. I can't thank them enough.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All the best for the future.
Kind regards.
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.
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...
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.
We wish you luck in your future ventures, hope to see you soon.
Kind regards.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 07 January 2026Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (9) & Events (0)
- 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...
There are no upcoming events for Elmside.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Elmside.
Meet the Team (1)

Violeta is Elmside's compassionate and dedicated Home Manager.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Elmside to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Elmside has an Enhanced Service -more info.