Abbeyfield Friars Mead

Rockliffe Avenue, Kings Langley WD4 8DR
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9.7 45 Reviews
  • Abbeyfield Friars Mead, Kings Langley
Abbeyfield Friars Mead Care Home is a warm, homely community in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, offering residential and respite care for older people. They support people to live with dignity, choice, and as much independence as possible, with 24-hour care tailored to individual needs, routines, and preferences. Friars Mead is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and is rated Good (February 2020).

Everyday living, comfortably arranged: the home has 26 bedrooms, each with an en-suite wet room. One room can accommodate a couple, so they are registered for up to 27 occupants. Room 26 is the designated respite room, supporting planned short stays and, where appropriate, recovery following hospital admission.
Food, companionship, and meaningful days: home-cooked meals are prepared on site, with choice at every mealtime and support as required. Activities and gentle daily engagement are available to suit interests and energy levels, encouraging confidence, connection, and enjoyment. Residents and guests can relax in communal and quieter areas, with supported access to the garden and outdoor spaces.

Respite care: from day one, they agree on what matters to you - goals for the stay, the support you need (mobility, medication arrangements, personal care), and how they will review this if needs change. Respite offers reassurance to families and carers through clear communication (with consent and in line with privacy expectations). Friars Mead is a care home without nursing; where nursing input is needed, support is planned with relevant community health professionals as part of assessment and ongoing review. If you would like to discuss a stay or arrange a visit, they will guide you through the process and what day-to-day support can look like.

Care Provided by Abbeyfield Friars Mead

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 27 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1413 – £1694
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1644 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1695 – £1750

All fees are confirmed on an individual basis following a pre-admission assessment and discussion of the person’s needs and preferred room type. The weekly fee normally includes accommodation, 24-hour support, meals and refreshments, laundry, housekeeping, and the home’s activities programme.
Additional charges may apply for services arranged by the resident or family, such as hairdressing, private chiropody/podiatry, newspapers, toiletries, and certain external appointments/transport. Any optional extras and associated costs are explained in advance. Where a top-up is proposed, it is accepted only if it is lawful and appropriate, agreed in writing, and clearly set out, including who will pay it, what it covers, and how any future fee increases will be managed. A full written breakdown is provided before admission so families can make an informed decision.

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

Contact Abbeyfield Friars Mead 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)

Contact Abbeyfield Friars Mead to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Ricardo Da Silva Freitas (Registered Care Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1992
  • Last Refurbishment: 2026
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (26)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (26)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome daily, including evenings, with flexible visiting to support family life and individual routines.
    On arrival, visitors are asked to sign in, follow current infection prevention measures, and respect the privacy and dignity of all residents. If a resident is unwell, the team may suggest shorter visits or alternative arrangements to support recovery and protect others.


    Children are welcome when supervised by an adult, and visits can take place in communal areas or the resident’s room, depending on preference and what is happening in the home at the time. Where a quieter environment is needed, the team will help identify a suitable space.
    If a planned visit needs to change due to care needs, emergencies, or an outbreak control measure, the team will explain the reason and support alternative options wherever possible.

Parking

  • Parking for visitors is available on site, close to the home, subject to availability. A small number of spaces are typically used for short-stay visitor parking, so visitors may be asked to park considerately and avoid blocking driveways, access routes, or delivery areas.
    Where onsite spaces are full, there is usually additional on-street parking nearby. Visitors are encouraged to allow a few extra minutes at busy times and to follow local signage and restrictions.
    If a visitor requires step-free access or needs to be dropped off close to the entrance, this can be accommodated to support safe arrival and departure.

9.7

Abbeyfield Friars Mead has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.741) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Abbeyfield Friars Mead has 45 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 34
  • 10
  • 0
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  • 1
Date Published
  • 45
  • 10
  • 10
  • 16
  • 29
Reviewer Connection to Abbeyfield Friars Mead
  • 19
  • 8
  • 3
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  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
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Total of 45, showing 41-45
Review from M T (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother went into Friars Mead for respite care six weeks ago and we are hoping that she will be moving in permanently. The management and staff are caring, attentive, and welcoming to residents and visitors. My mother is encouraged to be mobile and to join in the activities. As a family, we are
impressed with everything we have experienced here.
Reply from Karoline Gullin, Manager at Abbeyfield Friars MeadThank you very much for your kind words.
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Review from S C (Niece of Resident) published on 10 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Accommodating and welcoming home, met by helpful friendly staff who make the house a home. I found the team approachable and caring to my aunt and ourselves. With a poor short term memory and a new environment settling down was slow, but with support, a good routine and a written programme, our aunt
was calm and relaxed in her new home. Sadly, a fall meant an admission to hospital, but the transfer was managed well and efficiently. We are hopeful she will be able to return to the warm and friendly home Friars Mead is.
Reply from Karoline Gullin, Manager at Abbeyfield Friars MeadThank you very much for your kind review.
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Review from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother spent nine months at, Friars Mead, and during that relatively short period of time built up a lovely relationship with many of her carers who treated her with respect and dignity. Residents are given the opportunity for independence and space as well as caring support when needed. The environment
was the style she liked and she loved the food! Friendly for visitors too many welcoming for all.
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Review from M M (Friend of Resident) published on 13 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since entering the home in January 2016 the 93 year old blind resident has settled in well due to the hard work of the staff, she is unable to join in with a lot of the activities but staff ensure that she doesn't feel left out.
Reply from Karoline Gullin, Manager at Abbeyfield Friars MeadThank you very much for your support.
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Review from R R (Resident) published on 21 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
3 weeks respite care. Staff very helpful and attentive. Did their best to make you feel at home. Visitors were made to feel welcome.
Reply from Karoline Gullin, Manager at Abbeyfield Friars MeadThank you very much for your very kind words
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  • Treated with Dignity
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.741)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.741) out of 10 for Abbeyfield Friars Mead 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 16 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 4.841 for Abbeyfield Friars Mead is calculated as follows: ( (161 Excellents x 5) + (26 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 189 Ratings = 4.841
  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 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Abbeyfield Friars Mead is based on 16 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.9
    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 27 registered maximum number of service users is 5.4, which has been reached with 16 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: 13 Feb 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Requires improvement
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report Response by Abbeyfield Friars Mead to this inspection report

Abbeyfield Friars Mead is under new management since 2022. We warmly invite you to come in and visit us. We look forward to welcoming you!

Bed Vacancies

10 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 19 Feb 2026

Residential care (older people) – long-term and respite places available.Friars Mead House (Kings Langley) can consider admissions for individuals who need support with personal care, mobility, medicines administration, nutrition/hydration and day-to-day living in a homely setting. All admissions are subject to a pre-admission assessment (needs, risks, and compatibility) and agreement of terms.Funding: self-funded/private and local authority-funded placements where agreed (including respite/discharge support where appropriate)

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (2)

Ricardo

Ricardo Da Silva Freitas

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2022

Ricardo Da Silva Freitas is the Registered Manager at Abbeyfield Friars Mead House in Kings Langley. He leads the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring residents receive safe, person-centred support that protects dignity, choice and independence.


Ricardo’s focus is on consistent quality, strong governance and clear communication with families and professionals. He works closely with residents, relatives, GPs and community health teams to ensure care plans remain up to date, risks are managed, and support reflects what matters most to each person.


Ricardo is committed to developing a stable, skilled team through supervision, training, and adherence to professional standards, and to maintaining an open, welcoming culture where people feel listened to and supported. He welcomes enquiries from families who want honest guidance, a clear assessment process, and a home where care is delivered with warmth and respect.

Sharon

Sharon Bell

Job Title: Care Manager Joined: 1991

Sharon Bell is the Care Manager at Abbeyfield Friars Mead House and will mark 35 years with the home this year. With deep experience in residential care, Sharon provides steady, compassionate leadership on the floor and behind the scenes, helping to ensure residents receive safe, consistent and person-centred support.


In her role, Sharon oversees day-to-day care delivery and works closely with the Registered Manager and the wider team to maintain high standards. She supports staff practice, helps embed clear routines and good record-keeping, and contributes to key areas of compliance, including infection prevention and control, emergency preparedness, and operational continuity. Sharon is also closely involved in coordinating with health professionals and ensuring care plans reflect current needs and risks.


Families value Sharon’s calm, practical approach and her focus on respectful care that protects dignity, choice and comfort. Her long-standing commitment to Friars Mead helps maintain a familiar, reassuring environment for residents and a supportive culture for staff.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Abbeyfield Friars Mead to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Abbeyfield Friars Mead has an Enhanced Service - more info.