
The staff are an absolute credit and go out of their way to help with anything we needed.Sharon A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

I would certainly book further respite stays if possible and would recommend Alex Wood HouseMargaret S(Respite Resident/Service User)

The rooms are clean, comfortable and thoughtfully designed.Maureen G(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The staff are an absolute credit and go out of their way to help with anything we needed.Sharon A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

I would certainly book further respite stays if possible and would recommend Alex Wood HouseMargaret S(Respite Resident/Service User)

The rooms are clean, comfortable and thoughtfully designed.Maureen G(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Alex Wood House is a welcoming care home in Cambridge, providing personalised Residential Care, Dementia Care, and short-term Respite Care in a warm, homely environment where residents are supported to live life their way.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and close-knit community, Alex Wood House offers a more intimate setting where residents are truly known as individuals. The dedicated team takes time to understand each person’s unique preferences, routines, and interests,...
Care Provided by Alex Wood House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 36 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
Other Care Provided
- Convalescent Care
Accreditations
- The National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Stairlift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Weekly care fees at Alex Wood House are determined following a Pre-Admission care needs assessment and room selection. Guideline prices range from £1,350 and Hairdressing Services, Newspapers etc are billable extras and not included in weekly care fees.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Alex Wood House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Alex Wood House 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
- Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Ryan.Palmer-Fenny (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: 1988
- Last Refurbishment: 2020
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (36)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Visiting
- Please feel free to visit Alex Wood House at any time - the door is always open! Visitors more than welcome to come along to the Lifestyles Programme of activities at Alex Wood House and join loved ones as they participate too.
Parking
- Standard and Disabled car parking spaces are available at the front of the home.
Alex Wood House Reviews (44)
Alex Wood House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.688) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Alex Wood House has 44 reviews.
Alex Wood House is a pleasant and welcoming environment, well staffed by efficient management and carers who provide appropriate care to the resident I visit regularly. The home is well maintained and always very clean. This all gives great reassurance to relatives and friends.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this great review. Your kind words about our care team, our home and its cleanliness really do mean so much to us all and will be sure to let team know. Thank you!
This was my husbands first respite stay and I have to say I was very nervous and worried about it! I chose Alex Wood House as I was recommended it for its caring staff, I think this was evident from the start! We were welcomed and settled in. I kept in touch by phone and was always reassured that he was fine without glossing over his more challenging moments! This may not be the most glamorous of homes but if you are looking for a "home from home" this could be it!
Thank you so much for your great review about Alex Wood House following your husbands stays with us. It was a pleasure to have him stay and we look forward to welcoming him again soon should you need us. Thanks again for taking the time to leave this review. Your kind words really mean a lot!
The staff are also kind to my mum when she visits each week and we enjoy a chat with them and the other residents. We acknowledge that the scheme isnt the most modern but when you're paying for care, finding a home with consistent staffing and kindness count.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It really means a lot. I know what a difficult decision it was for you and your mum when you moved your stepdad into Alex Wood House, and I'm so pleased that you now feel he is settled and happy with us. Seeing him join in with activities and enjoy his...
My dad quickly settled into AWH as a permanent resident. It's welcoming and homely and staff are super friendly and professional. They are always emphasising that this is their home, and positively encourage feedback and suggestions. I would 100% recommend to anyone considering care for their loved one.
Thank you so much for you amazing review about our home, our team and the care that we provide at Alex Wood House. We are delighted that Dad has settled so well and your kind words really mean the world to us all here at the home!
My husband stayed for a week of respite care. He said he enjoyed the food and the bingo. I was reassured that all was well when I contacted the home and was told to contact as often as I needed to. He was calm and happy when I went to collect him and was in no hurry to leave. The first respite stay was a challenge for me but I'm sure I will be more relaxed during future stays.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're glad your husband enjoyed the food and bingo, and that you felt reassured during his stay. Its completely natural to find the first respite visit challenging, and were pleased he was happy and comfortable. We look forward to welcoming him again.
I visit several times a week and got to know the staff. They make my parents feel calm and cared for. My mom gets to go out shopping and is quite independant. She can be herself and can talk to staff with a smile!
My dad has had more care than Mom do to his confusion but he has settled down a lot better! Mom comes down to see dad and spend time together.
Thank you so much for your outstanding review about our home and the care that your Mum and Dad are receiving. Your sincere feedback and kind words really do mean the world to all of us here at Alex Wood and I will be sure the share them with the team. Thank you so much!
As soon as I got here I was welcomed by everyone. I have settled in ok. I am well looked after by all staff.
Thank you very much for your great review about our home. It really means the world to us and I will be sure to share your lovely words with all of the team here at Alex Wood too!
We moved my father into Alex Wood House this month, and the transition from a previous care home has been very smooth. The staff are very welcoming, and all of his and our needs have been met in a very friendly and helpful manner.
Thank you very much for your great feedback about our home and you Father's experience at Alex Wood House. We are delighted how well the transition has gone and thank you for your kind words about our team too!
Please note - wife has risen so cannot take part in the activities but is content with what she has.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review about your experience at Alex Wood House, our team and the care that we provide for your wife too. Your feedback is very much appreciated!
My dad was a resident for just over 2 years until his passing in December 2025. He was always treated with the utmost care and compassion. In his last 5 days of life, he was treated with dignity and love. The staff are an absolute credit and go out of their way to help with anything we needed. Can't praise Alex Wood House enough. Please don't change.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback about your Dad's experience with the care we deliver here at Alex Wood. It really does mean a lot and I will be sure to share your kind words with all of our team!
Alexwood House is a lovely home, all staff seem very friendly and obliging, the home is always lovely and clean, although it could do with redecorating in places. In Joseph's room, the ceiling needs to be sorted as it looks as though there has been a leak! And part of the ceiling is brown.
Thank you for your honest review about our home. Our refurbishment programme is well under way and we are delighted to hear how clean you find our home and how friendly our team are too!
The staff were all excellent, kind and efficient and seemed happy at work which is a sign of a well run establishment
There were plenty of activities available and I enjoyed Pottery and a visit from farm animals. particularly. The food is good and there is always a choice.
I was able to relax and enjoy my stay knowing that my husband was in good hands
The admin manager, Lance and the manager Julie were very kind and helpful with all arrangements,.
I would certainly book further respite stays if possible and would recommend Alex Wood House to anyone considering long term care for loved ones.
Thank you so much for your exceptionally kind words about our home team and the experience that you had at Alex Wood House during your stay. Your kind words really do mean a lot! Thank you!
A lovely, friendly care home. Go above and beyond for mum. Happy she's here, couldn't wish for better.
Lovely home very nice staff.
Happy with home.
Staff are very kind, respectful and caring to the residents.
Amazing place light and airy colourful lots of activities. Great staff a great place to be.
I cannot speak highly enough of Alex Wood House. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are incredibly friendly, caring and always willing to go the extra mile to ensurw residents are comfortable and happy. Knowing that mum is well cared for gives me great peace of mind. The rooms are clean, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. There are plenty of activities to keep residents engaged, from social events to creative hobbies, ensuring they stay active and entertained. The food is excellent with a great variety of nutritious and delicious meals. Most importantly the staff treat every resident with dignity and respect, making Alex Wood House feel like a true home.
Thank you for your lovely review about Alex Wood House. We are extremely pleased that a move to a care home has been a positive experience for your loved one and yourselves. Your lovely comments will be shared with the staff.
We are very happy with the standard of care that mum receives. They are always happy to go the extra mile. We have just had an excellent Mother's Day afternoon tea provided by the home. They do so much to give the residents the best experience.
Thank you for your lovey review. We are glad you enjoyed the Mother's Day afternoon Tea and look forward to planning many more events to bring together residents and their family and friends.
Very impressed with the range of activities. Provides peace of mind knowing my mother is well looked after.
Thank you for your review. All the teams at Alex Wood House work hard to provide a variety of activities to support all residents preferences and hobbies, in addition to arranging outings of interest for residents. The Lifestyle team hold weekly meetings on a Monday with residents to review activities from the previous week and discussed what is planned for the coming week and future events.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (20) & Events (1)
- 25 Oct 2025
We had a fantastic day at the Fitzwilliam Museum today. Our Residents & team had a wonderful day exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The Ancient Egyptian section was a...
- 15 Aug 2025
Our second trip of the week to Anglesey Abbey allowed even more of our residents to enjoy the amazing gardens in the beautiful weather. We love ensuring as many residents...
- 15 Aug 2025
This week we visited the beautiful Anglesey Abbey. Strolling through the stunning gardens gave our Blossom Buddies Gardening Group some fantastic inspiration for ways to improve our own outdoor spaces....
- 29 Aug 2026Organiser: Alex Wood House
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 24 Jan 2025Recipient: Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
- 01 Nov 2024Recipient: Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
- 29 Mar 2019Recipient: Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
Meet the Team (10)

Hello, my name is Ryan, and I am the Home Manager here at Alex Wood House in Cambridge.
Caring for others has always been a significant part of both my professional and personal life. Several members of my family have worked in care homes and care services, and my own journey began straight after college when I achieved my Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. I started my career at the very same care home where I had completed voluntary work, and it was there that I discovered my passion for helping others and ensuring people receive the compassionate, person-centred care they deserve.
Supporting my grandfather when he needed additional care also gave me invaluable insight from a family’s perspective. It reinforced my commitment to treating every resident with the same kindness, dignity and respect that I would want for my own loved ones.
Throughout my career, I have gained experience across many areas of the care sector, beginning as a Care Assistant before progressing to Team Leader, Deputy Manager and Home Manager. Working alongside residents, families and healthcare professionals has strengthened my belief that exceptional care is built on meaningful relationships, compassion and truly person-centred support.
As a qualified Skills Assessor, I am passionate about developing our team and creating a culture of continuous learning. By investing in our colleagues, we continue to build on the excellent care already provided at Alex Wood House, delivering the highest standards of residential and dementia care for residents, their families and the wider Cambridge community.
At Alex Wood House, my team and I are dedicated to providing outstanding residential and dementia care in a warm, welcoming environment where every resident feels valued, respected and truly at home. We understand that choosing a care home is an important decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We look forward to welcoming you to Alex Wood House. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I will always do my very best to support you and your family in any way I can.

Hello, my name is Bernie, and I am the Deputy Manager here at Alex Wood House.
Caring for elderly people has always been close to my heart from an early age. My mum worked in domiciliary care, and when I joined Alex Wood House as a Care Assistant at 18 years old, I knew this was my calling in life. Throughout the years at the home, I have obtained my NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care and Leadership and Management - and am currently studying for my Level 5 Diploma too.
After nearly 20 years at the home, I have progressed from Senior Care Assistant to Lead Practitioner and now Deputy Manager. In my role, I fully appreciate my responsibility to all our residents, their families, and our wider community.
I am extremely proud to help lead such an amazing team and to continually strive for the highest standards, ensuring that our residents receive outstanding, person-centred care every single day. Memory Care is a particular passion of mine, and I am dedicated to enabling those living with dementia at Alex Wood House to continue living fulfilled lives, especially through our tailored Lifestyles Programme.
There is very much a family feel at Alex Wood House, which is often commented on. As a smaller home, this is something many residents and families truly appreciate. Please do come and see us — it would be wonderful to meet you, and I will do my best to support you in any way I can.

Hello, my name is Lance, and I am the Administration Manager here at Alex Wood House.
I began my career in care over 20 years ago - starting as a Care Assistant at just 19 years old. I went on to work as a Healthcare Assistant on the Stroke Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, before moving into administration as an Office Manager in a supported living facility.
As Administration Manager at Alex Wood, I am here to answer any contractual and financial questions that you may have. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with our residents and getting to know their families and community friends who visit our home, too!

Hello, my name is Jan, and I am the Administration Assistant here at Alex Wood House.
I started working at Alex Wood when I was 16 years old and love the strong sense of community at the home. Many who visit always say that it has a homely feel, and it really does feel like my second home too!
It is a pleasure to get to know our residents, their relatives and community friends who visit the home, and if you are ever passing, please do pop in and see us! I look forward to assisting you in any way I can!

Hello, my name is Devu, and I am the Head Housekeeper here at Alex Wood House.
Through years of experience, I am committed and passionate about maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our residents and ensuring that their bedrooms are just the way that they like them to be!

Hello, my name is Joseph, and I am the Head of Maintenance here at Alex Wood House.
Nothing truly makes me happier than caring for our residents and helping make our home inviting, comfortable and safe for their guests and my colleagues. Helping residents personalise their rooms is something that I really do enjoy.
I am committed to maintaining our home to the highest of standards in everything that we do, and look forward to meeting you when you visit Alex Wood House, too!

Hello, my name is Matilda, and I am the Lifestyles Coordinator here at Alex Wood House.
I have always had a natural affinity with the older generation and enjoy exploring bespoke activities that combine my passion for helping others and creating meaningful moments together.
I love the variety each day brings and find great fulfilment in bringing joy and enrichment to our residents’ lives here at Alex Wood House in any way that I can!

Hello, my name is Dorota, and I started at Alex Wood House in August 2008 as a Care Assistant, working up to Team Leader.
I am extremely passionate about Dementia Care and am the Dementia Champion at Alex Wood House.
Providing outstanding care and support is what drives me every single day as our residents, their families, friends and the team, and I create new and happy memories together here at Alex Wood House!

Hello, my name is India, and I started work at Alex Wood House in 2023 as a Care Assistant.
In October 2024, I was promoted to Team Leader, and I am deeply passionate about delivering high standards of care and ensuring that our residents are always treated with dignity and compassion.

Hello, my name is Liz, and I am the Care Team Leader here at Alex Wood House.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the care sector, I have worked across a wide range of roles, including frontline care, care coordination, training, management, and recruitment and retention.
My background in Domiciliary Care has provided me with a strong transferable skill set, and nothing drives me more than ensuring our residents here at Alex Wood House receive exemplary care every single day!
Frequently Asked Questions about Alex Wood House
What types of Care is Alex Wood House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Alex Wood House have?
There are 36 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Alex Wood House?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Alex Wood House to the centre of Cambridge?
1.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Alex Wood House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Alex Wood House has an Enhanced Service -more info.