
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.
Dad was a resident of Alex Wood House during December 2024 and January 2025. We chose it because a) it was nearby and b) we had heard good things about it from previous residents. During Dad's time in Alex Wood he was very well looked after and we were very pleased by the level of care and the professionalism and attitude of all the staff. It is a relatively small care home and this gives it a nice, homely feel. The facilities are first rate and nothing seemed too much trouble for the staff, who all went out of their way to be helpful and kind. All in all, we were all very impressed. Recommended.
Many thanks for your lovely review. We very much pride ourselves on providing a homely feel and this filters from the values of Athena: Our Family, caring for yours. I am pleased that you felt the staff provided a high standard of support and assistance. Your kind feedback will be shared with all the staff in the home.
Mum liked the activities organised by the staff and shared many a joyful moment with other residents. Mum was supported with personnel care from the staff and treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
We as a family, praise highly the management and staff working at Alex Wood House who supported Mum with all her healthcare needs. A highly recommended and well-run family-caring facility.
Kind regards, all of the family.
Thank you for your lovely review. We are proud of the team and Alex Wood House and the care and support all staff provide to promote independence and dignity to all residents.
Well done, everyone!
Great job!
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. We are extremely grateful to receive such feedback. All the team at Alex Wood House work extremely hard to embed the ethos of Athena: 'Our family, caring for yours.'
I feel secure and well looked after with approachable staff and excellent food. My room is very comfortable with my own ensuite and I have everything I could need and or want. Everyone makes me feel part of the family.
Thank you for your feedback on your first-hand experience of living at Alex Wood House. We are pleased that your experience of living at Alex Wood House is positive and the ethos of Athena: 'Our family, caring for yours' is apparent to you.
My step mother began living here at the beginning of the year. She has now settled in well. It is a small care home with a cosy family atmosphere. There are varied activities every day and occasional trips out. The care and attention given has been good and staff have been kind and supportive. It is a care home I would recommend.
My mum moved here last April. I have been happy with the care given. Mum enjoys the meals prepared for her. She has an en-suite bedroom and a television. There are activities planned every day if she wishes to participate.
Many thanks for taking the time to review your experience of the care your mother is receiving at Alex Wood House. Thank you for your positive comments, it's very much appreciated.
Alex Wood House provide a caring and loving environment for my mother, who has Alzheimer's, but who is physically quite fit. The frequent activities (craft, cookery, dance, music, etc) appear to be enjoyed by many of the residents, and I love the Facebook updates which enable me to see my Mum participating and enjoying herself. As I live over 4 hours drive away it is lovely to be able to see that she is having fun and obviously enjoying spending time with the staff and residents. More recently some day trips have been planned, which I think is fantastic. When I visit I can see that the staff are caring and interact cheerfully and fondly with my Mum and I feel very pleased that we have found such a great place for her to stay. Of course, there are more difficult times, as with many dementia patients, but even then the Alex Wood House team have been reassuring and we feel confident Mum is being looked after.
Alex Wood do lots of activities which Mum takes part in regularly. Also, the care she is given is exceptional, all the staff know Mum's name and what her likes and dislikes are. I would highly recommend.
I couldn't wish for a better home for my mum to live in. Excellent care and really kind friendly care staff, always ready to help my mum. My mum always looks clean and nicely dressed. I am always kept up to date on any matters concerning my mum.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Alex Wood House to anyone needing such facilities.
We have always found the care at Alex Wood House to be excellent and the standards are very high. The staff are always very caring and numerous activities are provided for the residents during the day. We would certainly recommend this care home to others.
My mother has been in Alex Wood House Care Home for nearly six months. She is very happy and well cared for there. A few teething problems initially due to staff and mother getting to know each other better but were quickly sorted. The staff are very caring and give her time to make her own decisions on what she wants. As a visitor, I am always made very welcome and can visit anytime but am asked to respect meal times. They provide some sort of activity every day for the residents. Residents are offered a varied menu and regular tea, coffee etc. Rooms are kept nice and clean and Mum was allowed to take some of her personal things with her which makes her feel at home. I would thoroughly recommend this home. It is very well run and the management team will always try and sort out any problems. It is a small home and makes you feel like part of the family.
I have, in general, been very happy with the level of care - a crucial aspect of which, apart, of course, from the actual standard of care as exercised by the carers themselves, has been the willingness and promptness of the home to deal with any issues that have arisen. Considering the difficulties of the past two years to do with Covid and the widespread problems of staffing, I think my family has been fortunate in finding a home which has succeeded in maintaining a high level of efficiency and professionalism while at the same time doing so with warmth and personality.
My Mum has been a resident since January 2022. She is very content and feels safe. The care staff are all amazing and very, very kind to her. She is eating well so obviously enjoys the food. Before coming to Alex Wood House, it was a struggle to feed her and she was very underweight. She has gained weight, has more energy and improved mentally. It is now possible to have a conversation with her and she engages which, previously, she did not. She spends very little time in her room, preferring to be in the communal areas. As a family we are extremely grateful for all the love, care and kindness of the staff at Alex Wood House.
PS in order to submit the review, I was obliged to express an opinion about the food, about which I know nothing. I have asked my friend but he has not ventured an opinion.
Many thanks for your honest review; we are pleased your friend has settled well into the home - much appreciated.
The care home staff are friendly and approachable in all forms of communication whether that be face to face, telephone, or email.
Many thanks for taking the time to review your experience of the care your mother is receiving at Alex Wood House. Thank you for your positive comments from the management and staff, it's very much appreciated.
My mother has been a resident at Alex Wood for just over a year. I am very content with the care she has received. The staff are clearly under pressure but are cheerful, caring, and imaginative in looking after her.
Many thanks for taking the time to review your experience of the care your mother is receiving at Alex Wood House. Thank you for your positive comments from the management and staff, it's very much appreciated.
I can not fault the personal care that the staff at Alex Wood House give to my elderly mother with dementia. The care workers spend time trying to keep her involved in everything they do. The senior care workers always keep me informed of her care needs and also offer support and advice when needed.
Many thanks for your lovely comments, much appreciated. Your comments will be feedback to our staff team.
My mother's partner of whom I am Power of Attorney to has been a resident at Alex Wood House for the last couple of years. My mother's partner has Dementia and secondary Parkinson’s. The staff at Alex Wood House have always provided excellent care, treating all the residents with kindness and respect. The staff work tirelessly and I have always felt welcome in the home. Communication has been excellent and any queries have been swiftly dealt with. My mother's partner has been well cared for in every way. I have been particularly impressed with the creative activities put on for the residents and my mother's partner has always been encouraged to join in. I am very grateful to all the staff at this wonderful home.
Many thanks for your kind words, it is very much appreciated. We will communicate your comments to our staff team - thank you.
My mother has been here for 2 months at a difficult time in her life, I have found all the staff extremely caring, kind and helpful at this very challenging time for all care homes. They have a dedicated team that goes above and beyond.
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!
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