What types of Care is Tara's Retreat Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What are the Facilities & Services at Tara's Retreat Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Tara's Retreat Care Home to the centre of St Albans?

2.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Tara's Retreat Care Home, High Street, Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9DQ

Review from Jules M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My nan has been at Tara's for over three years and she recently turned 100 years old. Mentally she is very sharp and completely with it however, her body is starting to fail her which has resulted in a number of falls.
After quite a traumatic stay at a couple of hospitals she has returned back to

Tara's (her home). I have been blown away in the care and general concern for her wellbeing. Even the carer's that were not assigned to her floor have been to see her to check how she is doing. Holding her hand, stroking her face, making her laugh, giving her comfort and reassurance and just making her feel loved has meant the absolute world to me.
These carers are incredible people and I cannot thank them enough for what they do and keep on doing. Knowing I can talk to any member of staff whenever I need to gives me total peace of mind and reassurance that Tara's is a truly special place with truly special people. x

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Hello, Thank you for your kind words. I will share your review with the team. Thank you again x

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Review from Pauline H (Friend of Resident) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My friend was discharged from hospital for 'End of Life Care' in the evening. The following morning I went to visit at 10 am. I was let in, didn't see anyone, went to her room, she was lying there half-covered with a coloured type of sheet. There was a duvet on the armchair and dirty bedding on the

floor. I sat with her for 10 mins, then left, still didn't see anyone. A relative was going in at 12 which the Home knew about, so I knew she would be clean and comfortable for them. I went to visit again late afternoon and she passed away whilst I was there, Thank God I knew she didn't die alone. Also, how can a Care Home not have any clean laundry to use on Christmas morning?

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

I am sorry to read your negative experience. I will share your review and its contents with the team and ensure this experience is not repeated in the future. This is not something we have ever…read more

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Review from D B (Husband of Resident) published on 16 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The home is well-run. Staff and management polite and helpful. Any problems or queries are resolved promptly. Any issues regarding the resident are taken seriously.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We always appreciate any feedback and are happy you have had a positive experience here at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Hilary B (Regular Volunteer) published on 28 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

As a PAT (Pets as Therapy) volunteer, my review is based on experience and observations on fortnightly visits with my dog when we visit residents both in the lounges and individual rooms, accompanied by one of the staff members responsible for activities. Tara's is a bright, clean and welcoming place

and there is a feeling of community and things going on, whether it's visits to the hairdresser, watching a film in the cinema room or knitting at the 'Knitter Natter' session. For those who spend more time in their rooms, rooms are spacious and pleasant and personal belongings are accommodated. In my experience, the staff are friendly, dedicated and caring and they go the extra mile to engage with residents, as well as attending to their practical needs. Based on my experience, residents appear to be treated as individuals, with care and respect.

Reply from Karen Langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We love having you both here for our residents. Your positive comments will be shared with the team here at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from A W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have always found the staff at Tara’s Retreat very kind and helpful to my mother in law who is very confused every day. She is safe and comfortable in her own room with her own facilities. She chooses not to partake in the activities but a variety of events are available.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat Care Home.

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Review from Cassy H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I chose Tara's Retreat out of all the care homes in the area for a variety of reasons. The staff are amazing. Positivity and kindness go so far. They always have great activities on and they allow pets to visit which makes such a difference. Shout out to the loveliest receptionist and understanding

manager. The nurse comes weekly. Can’t fault anyone and really trust Tara's.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Good morning. Thank you so much for your lovely review. I will share your positive feedback with the staff.

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Review from C G (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Tara's Retreat has provided my mother with safety, security and friendship. Knowing she is receiving a high level of care and support has alleviated some of the stresses experienced by having a vulnerable elderly parent. From the very experienced Home Manager and her team to the carers, all staff are

welcoming, friendly and supportive, taking the time to discuss any issues or needs.

With plenty of activities to get involved with, the residents at Tara's Retreat have access to a cinema room where they are able to watch a good selection of movies past and present. My mother particularly enjoys a game of pool in one of the smaller, more intimate lounges. Activities for the summer also included a great game of crazy golf and the activities coordinators always encourage friends and family to join in the events. The home is tastefully decorated and the ensuite bedrooms are very comfortable.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. My team work very hard to keep our residents safe and happy. I will share your review with the team at Tara's.

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Review from S W (Niece of Resident) published on 28 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My aunt has certainly rallied since she has been a resident at Tara's Retreat. Every time I visit her she sings the praises of the staff. I feel comforted that she is being well cared for and is safe and happy.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Thank you for your review.
We are delighted that your aunt is happy here at Tara's Retreat. The staff work so hard to achieve this and are grateful for your positive review.
Many thanks.

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Review from Nichola P (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

After a long stay in hospital we needed to find a Care Home for Dad. We were struck by the welcoming atmosphere and how clean and tidy Tara's Retreat Care Home was on our first visit. The manager has been very helpful in finding a lovely room for Dad and assisting with all the paperwork involved as

this can be quite daunting. All the staff have been kind, caring and respectful to Dad and helping him to adjust to his new situation. He has actually gained a little weight since his arrival thanks to the lovely food he is enjoying. He has had a couple of medical issues since his arrival but these have been dealt with swiftly and we have been kept informed at all times which helps us to adjust to the situation and stops us worrying about him so much as we know his welfare is a priority to the whole team here.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Nichola, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Julia C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Tara's Retreat Care Home is a comfortable home where my father (who has advanced dementia) is kept clean and comfortable and well fed. It is well managed with enquiries and requests dealt with promptly and cheerfully. The staff take an interest in the residents’ likes and dislikes and makes an effort

to get them venturing out into the communal areas and involved in the life of the home. It is early days but so far we are very happy with the level of care provided.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Julia, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Robin C (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother is treated with great kindness and dignity by the staff. It is very clear that the staff and the management work very hard to look after the residents. Although my mother suffers significantly from Alzheimer's, she is always able to tell me that she is looked after very well. Great credit

to the manager and her team.

Reply from Karen Langley, Home Manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Robin, thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to review us. We are very pleased your mother tells you she is looked after very well.
Thank you.

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Review from Kim D (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Right from the initial assessment at Mum's home where I also lived, the assessor completely ‘got’ mum, who has severe dementia - reassuring from the outset. On Mum's arrival, members of staff all came to introduce themselves to Mum, my sister and one of Mum's other carers. They all had a good knowledge

of Mum's needs and were all very kind and welcoming. We are now in February and Mum has really settled - Tara's Retreat Care Home has now accomplished the care Mum really needed, which we were finding impossible at her own home with lots of wonderful carers in place. Mum seems happy and the staff and receptionist are always fully able to give me any latest updates on Mum - staff change over information is always clearly relayed. Without exception - I have been thoroughly impressed by the extremely honest, genuine care at all times.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Kim, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Matthew P (Son of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We looked at a few local care homes - Tara's Retreat had a lovely 'feel' about it from the minute we walked in. Their greatest asset is their staff. My mother cannot fault them - she thinks they are all extremely kind, compassionate and welcoming, we agree. They work hard to provide extra experiences,

such as summer parties and events. The setting is also perfect - backing onto open fields and the forest. Our mother is fortunate enough to have a room with far-reaching views across fields and paddocks, which she loves. It has been the perfect choice for us.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Matthew, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Gill R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

As the daughter of a resident at Tara’s, I am incredibly grateful to the staff who take care of Mum. Always helpful, always smiling and always willing to listen. I have always been advised that nothing is perfect when caring for patients with dementia, but Tara’s are with me every step of the way. Often

under difficult circumstances, they are so supportive. Thank you to all the staff who look after Mum.

Reply from KAREN langley, home manager at Tara's Retreat Care Home

Dear Gill, thank you so much for your lovely review and taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.

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Review from Jennifer D (Wife of Resident) published on 29 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The management and staff at Tara's Retreat have gone above and beyond expectations. They not only care for their residents but their relatives too. It is a happy place where there is a good relationship among all the staff.

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Review from Martin H (Son of Resident) published on 31 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Following all the Covid related delays we finally managed to move my mum from the North West down to the South East and Tara's Retreat was the perfect care home destination. It was such a shock that my mum's stay was so short but I must say a big thank you to all of the staff. The care and empathy you

showed were simply amazing and as a family, we are very grateful.

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Review from Tracy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

A big thank you to all the wonderful staff at Taras who care for our Dad. It’s been especially hard during lockdown for us and them, but the whole team have worked so hard to keep us updated and in touch. Any worries or concerns are dealt with immediately; they all show such care and compassion.
Your

work is much appreciated by us all.

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Review from Neil W (Son of Resident) published on 20 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

It's very difficult to finally admit a loved one into an OAP home but my mother was made to feel very welcome and was put at ease in a very relaxed, easy manner.
We decorated her lovely room with her own possessions and furniture and it's been kept impeccably clean.
The staff are very professional

and extremely friendly and any concerns are quickly reported, recorded and dealt with.
My mother has been involved in many activities, from day trips and social interactions and her old humour and wit have returned.
I would highly recommend staying at Tara's Retreat. It's a safe, almost family-run atmosphere OAP home.

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Review from Maurice J (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 13 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My father-in-law is extremely well looked after at Tara's. The staff are all great and know him very well. I couldn't praise Tara's more. Thanks.

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Review from Susie J (Private Carer of Resident) published on 6 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Warm and welcoming care home. All the staff are very friendly, caring and show respect to residents. Residents are listened to regarding meetings and changes are made to keep everyone happy. Fantastic activities (varied and fun) especially the singer. Rooms could be larger but nice to have ensuite.

Can't find any faults and always recommend Tara's to all who ask.