Margaret House residential and dementia care home is an independent, family-run business. Established in 1971, it offers long stay residential and dementia care, as well as respite or holiday breaks.
Whether living in the beautiful, sympathetically converted former rectory or the purpose-built new wing, the aim is the same - to provide a place that residents truly regard as their home.
Experienced, dedicated staff have a genuine care for, and understanding of, each individual resident’s needs, concerns or desires and that caring extends not only to residents but to their relatives as well.
Relatives and friends are always warmly welcome to join residents for lunch or dinner and to participate with them in any of the many varied activities and events that take place at Margaret House.
Owner: T M Kelly
Person in charge: Gail Kelly (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Hertfordshire County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Privately Owned , Registered for a maximum of 42 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's • Parkinson's Disease
Admission Information: Ages 55+.
Single Rooms: 42
Shared Rooms: 0
Rooms with ensuite WC: 42
Weekly Charges Guide: Personal Care Single £750 – £1250 (These prices are only a guideline, please contact Margaret House to find out the exact price for your requirements.)
Facilities & Services: Respite Care • Physiotherapy • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Close to Local shops • Minibus or other transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Bar/Cafe on premises • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Directions:
You will find Margaret House next door to St Margaret's Church, Church End, Barley. This is off the B1368 that runs through the village of Barley.
Visiting:
Relatives and friends always welcome at any time at Margaret House.
Parking:
There's parking spaces available for clients and visitors at Margaret House.
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Margaret House: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.7 (maximum of 10) for Margaret House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 27 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Margaret House in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.831 for Margaret House is calculated as follows: ( (271 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 320 Ratings = 4.831
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 4.833 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Margaret House is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 8.4 positive Reviews (42 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 7 Reviews ÷ 8.4 Target = 0.833
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Margaret House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.664) from 27 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Mary P (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 17 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
I try to visit my friend in Margaret House at least once a week. Since she has been living there she is looking so much better than when she first arrived. I am sure that this is because she is being well looked after and eating so much better than when she had to fend for herself.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by HMS (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 5 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Margaret House has been an excellent 'home from home' for my Father for the past few years. He is quite contented living there.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by D L (Power of Attorney Solicitor of Resident) on Wednesday 20 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
Margaret House is an excellent, well-appointed home.
Clean, friendly with excellent facilities, a particular strength is it's welcoming, professional staff.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by S G (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 23 August 2017. Relates to August 2017.
My mother has been in this care home for three weeks. She has been well cared for and treated with dignity and respect. The staff have been kind and willing to help her in every way. Her room was bright, her meals on the whole good. There was always an alternative meal if she did not like what was offered.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Muriel J (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 2 August 2017. Relates to July 2017.
Staff are positive, friendly, supportive, patient and always cheerful!
Welcoming to families. Excellent communication skills between home and residents family, keep families informed of how their family resident is both physically and mentally, at all times. Staff are flexible and continually well trained in dementia, nothing is too much trouble when it comes to meeting a resident's needs.
They organise trips which specifically target the resident's interests (golf or a visit to a resident's former place of work - if local).
This home is like a family. My mother (93) thrives there, she is so happy! She has gone from a size 10 to a size 16 through their excellent cooking!
They organise games, visitors, keep fit, singing and even a well behaved Labrador (PAT the dog). The needs of each resident is paramount. Every home should be as wonderful as this!!!
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by J S (Niece of Resident) on Tuesday 25 July 2017. Relates to July 2017.
We had to move my aunt very quickly from North West England and bring her closer to us. We placed her in respite care in Margaret House. The manager on the day of the move made sure she remained late at work to greet her. The manager always made sure we felt welcome. When we visited, my aunt thrived with the excellent care she was given.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by B N (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 30 June 2017. Relates to May 2017.
Previously I have worked with care homes. I found Margaret House staff went far beyond any other residential home I have visited.
They engaged with the residents, showed empathy and consideration.
The staff and whoever trained them must take credit for creating a very domestic home atmosphere.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jill P (Resident) on Friday 31 March 2017. Relates to March 2017.
I came to convalesce after open heart surgery. I was made most welcome from the start. All the staff I met without exception were kind and friendly and took a personal interest in me. They gladly accommodated all my preferences. I felt safe and comfortable here even my visitors were made welcome. I was offered and extended stay and/or return stay. I hope it won't be necessary, but I would be very happy to return here. The reason I picked Margaret House is because I was impressed when visiting a very elderly aunt who lived here in her latter years.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by R K (Son-in-law of Resident) on Wednesday 29 March 2017. Relates to March 2017.
My father in law has been a resident of Margaret House since December 2013.
He settled in quickly and has been content throughout the period of his stay to date.
My wife and I are very pleased with the service provided.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by J M (Wife of Resident) on Wednesday 29 March 2017. Relates to December 2016.
My husband entered Philomena House in April 2016 and died there in December. I cannot speak more highly of the professional and loving care he received there.
In the summer, he was well enough to enjoy the beautiful gardens and to potter into the kitchen area and help himself to fruit and biscuits. He was suffering from Parkinson's and Dementia and both were catered for. He especially liked the delicious well-cooked food.
His ensuite room was spacious, well equipped and spotlessly clean. The whole family could visit whenever we liked and we were made most welcome. Thier considerate end of life care, with the support of the excellent village surgery, helped us all cope. Competent, well-trained and most importantly, kind and loving staff.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Rose S (Private Carer of Resident) on Tuesday 31 January 2017. Relates to January 2017.
The residence is excellent in many ways. Staff very attentive, competent and happy. Always available to talk to regarding residents. Happy and friendly atmosphere you feel as soon as you go in; very clean and food, drink available to residents at any one time. The residents seem very happy, enjoying music, quizzes and pampering when required. Bedrooms very very clean and nicely arranged. I feel I know the staff are doing their utmost to put residents needs first. Excellent service home and staff.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jill C (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 25 January 2017. Relates to January 2017.
The person I visit tells me she is happy and contented being a resident in this home. The home is always very clean, no nasty smells and seems to be a very happy place. The staff are excellent, very caring and always welcome you and nothing is too much trouble. It is difficult for me to comment on certain things as I am only a friend visiting but what I see is excellent.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Rooms
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Howard M (Resident) on Monday 23 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
I have been extremely happy with the service provided. Staff have been very attentive and have helped with my recovery.
I would not hesitate to recommend Margaret House to any other needy person.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Margaret A (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 18 January 2017. Relates to January 2017.
I am very impressed with Margaret House. It is bright, clean, warm, and very welcoming. The staff are brilliant - kind, friendly, neat, tidy and caring.
The home is always immaculate, and the staff are always willing to listen, be helpful, and stop what they are doing, to explain things. Visitors are treated with the same courtesy that the residents are accorded.
The rooms are also kept immaculate, as are all the public rooms, stairs and hallways - the garden is a pleasure to look at during the winter, and it is lovely to sit out when the weather is warmer.
Residents are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities but are never pushed into anything against their will.
All in all, I cannot fault Margaret House - congratulations to those in charge, who create a very caring environment, with staff who seem to like working there, which is always a good sign.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sheila F (Friend of Resident) on Friday 6 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
I can only speak as an outsider visiting approximately once a week but my experience of St Margarets has been consistently positive. In fact now, far from dreading the thought that one day I may need a care home, I can face the future with hope.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Karen H (Daughter of Resident) on Sunday 1 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
Margaret House has provided both the safety and care that my mother needs at this point in her life. Nothing is too much trouble and all the staff are always cheerful and spend a lot of time interacting with all the residents making them feel part of a big family. Each resident is given the right amount of privacy when visitors come. I feel reassured that the care my mother needs are being provided with both day and night.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by A B (Resident) on Monday 5 September 2016. Relates to August 2016.
Able to provide an invaluable hospital bed when it was clear I could then cope much more independently (after open heart surgery).
Staff used our names when speaking to us - in room or with others - very helpful in learning names. A high standard of courtesy observed by all in Margaret House - staff helped people do as much as they could independently - even if this took time.
A look from time to time from a friendly smiling face helped on sleepless nights, quirks in the hot water system meant nothing in comparison with the unfailing, cheerful friendliness and the kind atmosphere.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by A M (Sister of Resident) on Friday 26 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
Extremely welcoming, very homely. Lovely clean and smells nice. Staff are just wonderful.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Marion T (Wife of Resident) on Tuesday 26 July 2016. Relates to July 2016.
I will be putting my name down for me in the future!
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Babs S (Resident) on Tuesday 5 July 2016. Relates to June 2016.
Very well run, food is good and service is good. There is a lot if happiness here.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Bex A (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 11 May 2016. Relates to May 2016.
Caring, friendly and loving staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble. Beautiful facilities, everything is always spotless and fresh. Laundry done daily, fresh home cooked food and plenty of it. Very open to visitors at any time of day.
Good relationship with a local GP who visits weekly and quick to prescribe or sort out a problem. Fun activities, everyone welcome to join in or watch. Residents and families treated with respect and dignity but all made to feel like it's their home.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Katie M (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 7 April 2016. Relates to March 2016.
In March 2015, we were advised that my mother aged nearly 99 should no longer live alone and we were recommend Margaret House as an excellent local alternative. The reputation has been more than justified. The organisation, attention to detail, welcome and above all the love and care shown to mum over the year till her death in March 2016, has been exemplary. I cannot praise the manager and staff too highly, nothing is too much trouble safety and security is excellent. The care and concern for each individual is genuine, and was especially so in mum's last few days we were so blessed and cannot thank ALL the staff enough.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Bessie P (Resident) on Wednesday 6 April 2016. Relates to March 2016.
It's quiet and airy. If you want attention you can get attention. The food is lovely they have a good chef.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Margaret C (Resident) on Wednesday 16 March 2016. Relates to February 2016.
After surrendering my bungalow in the country and realising age was catching up, I was recommended to move to a care home as above! It was a sensible move, and although I left behind my friends and relations I have never regretted the change and have settled well with the residents in "Margaret House".
The countryside here is lovely and travelling by road is reasonably simple to get out and about. I was very sorry to leave my previous home. I'm fortunate and am still able to look after myself and value my independence. My family are wonderful and visit quite often, if it were not for them - my life would not be so pleasant! Staff here, food and attention in all ways could not be better!! Thank you.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Judy G (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 8 March 2016. Relates to February 2016.
My dad is happy and well cared for. The staff particularly senior staff know him extremely well and make sure his needs are met. Because they know him so well trusting and meaningful relationships are developed both with my father and the rest of our family. Speaking personally I find it a great support knowing I can talk through any concerns I have. There is only one issue I realise is due to the age of the home and that is the reliability of the lift.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
T Kelly, Proprietor at Margaret House responded to this review on 10 Mar 2016:
Thank you so much for the lovely comments. I have strived to provide the best possible care for the wonderful people that my staff and I are lucky enough to look after. The lift is being looked at with a review to refurbishment within the constraints of a listed building. However please be assured that I have a long term and ongoing maintenance contract for many years with the same company.
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Peter (Son of Resident) on Friday 26 February 2016. Relates to February 2016.
We have been delighted with the care given to Mum over the past 14 months. The staff are long-serving, friendly and diligent, managed well and very welcoming. They encourage as much independence as possible, but are always on hand to lend a hand. The home is spacious, warm and comfortable and offers a range of activities daily to engage the residents, although no pressure is put on them to participate against their will. In addition, they are served by a hairdresser, optician, chiropodist, rector, doctor and entertainers - all at no extra charge. Relatives and friends are encouraged to visit all day and are invited for meals and special events. I know that my Mum is as safe and happy as she could be in her nineties. It is worth paying that little extra to know that your relative is being very well looked after.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Kirsty (Daughter-in-law of Resident) on Saturday 19 December 2015. Relates to December 2015.
My mother-in-law has been resident in Margaret House for 13 months. The staff are extremely caring and always go the extra mile for their residents. We can't fault her care at all and know she is very happy living there.
How likely would you be to recommend Margaret House? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
February 2018
April 2017
October 2016
September 2016
There are currently no Care Home Idol entrants who have performed at Margaret House
