Search...

Austenwood Nursing Home

29 North Park, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8JA
Austenwood Nursing Home Logo
Jobs
Austenwood Nursing Home logo
The home has provided the best possible care.Sylvia R(Sister of Resident/Service User)
Austenwood Nursing Home, Gerrards Cross
Austenwood Nursing Home, Gerrards Cross
Austenwood Nursing Home, Gerrards Cross

Austenwood Nursing Home offers warm, personalised nursing and dementia care, including support for complex high needs and distressed behaviours. Residents are truly known and understood by a compassionate team who value their individuality and wellbeing. With a calm, structured environment and regularly reviewed care plans, Austenwood create a safe, comforting place to feel supported every day.

Why choose Austenwood?

- Leadership by experienced mental health nurses

- Specialist Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach

-...  

Care Provided by Austenwood Nursing Home

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 35 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,400From £1,400
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,400From £1,399
Nursing CareFrom £1,400From £1,400
Nursing Dementia CareFrom £1,400From £1,400

* Subject to care needs.

Contact Austenwood Nursing Home 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)

Support you may be entitled to

  • If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Nonkosi Nojaduka (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (31)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (11)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Visiting is at anytime, so long as the resident is happy to receive guests. If visiting the home to look around for the first time, an appointment is not necessary, but to avoid abstracting the nurses and carers away from the residents, it would be helpful to telephone in advance and make an appointment. This ensures that there is sufficient time to provide all the information. The visit will take up to an hour and no pressure. Ensure other homes are also visited to compare.

Parking

  • Parking is available on site or on the street no parking restrictions. Visitors to show consideration to the homes neighbours by not parking outside gates or entrances.

Austenwood Nursing Home Reviews (122)

Submit a Review
9.9

Austenwood Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.905) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Austenwood Nursing Home has 122 reviews.

Submit Review
Filter Reviews
Overall Experience
Date Published
Reviewer Connection to Austenwood Nursing Home
Loading...
Showing 122 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from M R (Son of Resident) published on 4 September 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
A haven of love and compassion. My experience with Austenwood Nursing Home has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment our mother was admitted, we knew she was in the best hands possible. The level of care, compassion, and genuine love that the staff exhibited was truly heartwarming.

Their dedication to ensuring her comfort and well-being was evident in the small gestures of kindness and the personalised attention she received. The healthcare team, nurses, managers, and support staff treated her not just as a patient, but as a cherished individual with a unique story. It's not just about the first class medical care at Austenwood; it's about the relationships they build with their residents and their families. We wholeheartedly recommend Austenwood Nursing Home to anyone seeking not just exceptional medical care, but a place where their loved ones will be embraced with love and treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

Reply from Fiona Charles, Operations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for the kind words and comments about the care at Austenwood. We are very pleased you find the home and care exceptional.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Mike R (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Austenwood is like having an extended family care for your loved ones.

My parents were residents at another home prior to moving to Austenwood and the difference is night and day. The attention to detail, friendliness and levels of care provided by all the staff is second to none. They should feel justly proud of what they do.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we will pass on your lovely comments to our team. The care and services we deliver to our residents and families are extremely important to us.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from Sylvia R (Sister of Resident) published on 12 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Very difficult to adequately express my gratitude to the staff and owners of this nursing home for more than 14 years for my sister. We will be celebrating her 84th birthday soon. I remember well her being admitted just prior to her 70th. She has type 1 diabetes, severe but well-controlled since admission. Wheelchair-bound as she had double below amputation. She has also been blind for 6 years. The home has provided the best possible care.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best care for our residents. Your comments will be shared with our dedicated team and are very much appreciated. Best wishes.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Jo D (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Mum has been resident for two months now and my sister and I have been so pleased with the care she has received. Despite her advanced dementia and complex physical needs, whenever I visit she is always beautifully dressed with her hair brushed and they have maintained a life of dignity for her despite her circumstances. She loves the food! We find the nursing staff and carers are professional, approachable and very caring.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from Sam J (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My Mum has received a high level of care since being transferred from another home. The atmosphere in the home is calm, friendly and efficient. The food standard is excellent and well-balanced nutritionally.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Gill H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Sadly my mother died on 27th January 2023 after three and a quarter years at Austenwood. The love, care and support over the tricky last few weeks were second to none. I couldn't;t have asked for more. Austewood was her second family, and they were with her right to the end, which gave me great comfort.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback which is important to us, your lovely comments will be shared with our dedicated team. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents, the care and services we deliver is extremely important to us. Very best wishes to you and your family.

Jenny

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Janet D (Respite Resident) published on 23 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I cannot fault anything at all here at Austenwood Nursing Home.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Judi S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother came into the nursing home after a bad fall and a two-week stay in hospital. She had a lovely bright room overlooking a small patio garden and terrace. The care from everyone concerned was absolutely wonderful. Sadly as my mother also had advanced dementia the length of time in the home was not as long as we would have wished for, but we got to see how incredibly good they were at taking care of her right to the end of her life. I can't emphasise enough how supportive the whole staff are, not only to my mum but also to us the family. We stayed long hours beside her bed and were given delicious food and endless cups of tea to sustain us. The carers were so gentle and respectful as they took care of Mum. The home is spotlessly clean and a cheerful place as well. A real home from home. We are so pleased that she was able to spend her last few weeks with people who genuinely cared as much as we did for her whole well-being. Thank you to all the people who work at Austenwood.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for sharing your wonderful feedback which is important to us. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents. Your comments will be shared with our dedicated team and are very much appreciated. Very best wishes to you and your family, Jenny.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Neville J (Respite Resident) published on 12 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I cannot write too highly of the care, attention and devotion shown by all the staff to patients, some of whom are too old, infirm or ill even to understand what is happening, let alone respond. I understand that the care manager has only been here four months and clearly inherited problems, particularly with the alarm maintenance. I know she is working to clear it as a problem.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Roger K (Son of Resident) published on 5 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother spent over two years at Austenwood receiving nursing care for much of that time. Continuity of care staff was a particular strength with her carers knowing Mum well and genuinely 'caring' for her well-being. This extended across the wider team.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for sharing your positive feedback which is important to us. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents. Your comments will be shared with our team and are very much appreciated. Very best wishes, Jenny.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Angie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
What can I say about Austenwood, it is a really lovely care home my mum went in for a 2 week respite stay and we couldn’t have been happier.
The staff here are so friendly and helpful and that is everyone included, always making sure Mum was OK to even the chef chatting with her to make sure the food was OK.

So very clean and tidy and food excellent. Can’t thank everyone enough for looking after my mum. Once again a big thank you for everything.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from P B (Respite Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

After a two-week stay in hospital with a heart problem, I arrived at Austenwood Nursing Home with some trepidation. I stayed for three weeks having respite care. I could not stand for any length of time and walking was very limited. The senior management assured me that with a little determination on my part and encouragement from the home I would soon be walking again, she was right! I had soon jettisoned the walking frame and was soon able to walk up and down the stairs unaided. The care was excellent one carer in particular. We were able to walk in the garden and enjoyed a wonderful jubilee celebration. A thoroughly safe environment.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Brian H (Respite Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I was a resident for only two weeks for respite following a hip replacement. I was very warmly welcomed and subsequently found the standard of care exceeded my expectations. For example, on arrival my suitcase was taken from me, unpacked and my clothes hung in the wardrobe or placed tidily in drawers. This sort of attention continued throughout my stay. The staff were friendly and willing to spend time having a chat. Nothing was too much trouble. Meals were always well prepared and menus varied daily. I was free to roam all public areas which was useful on rainy days as I needed to get as much exercise as possible to aid my recovery. It was noticeable that my visitors were welcomed and treated as warmly as I had been. Altogether a very enjoyable experience.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Ian P (Husband of Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My wife's extreme dementia, which has progressively developed over the past 5 years or more, sadly means that she no longer recognises or is able to communicate with anyone visiting her. That said, despite her condition and the restrictions of the recent Covid pandemic regarding regular visiting, I have nothing but praise for the way in which all staff at Austenwood have clearly continued to care for my wife with the utmost love and attention. Thank you so much to all involved.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from P H (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother-in-law moved into Austenwood 2 1/2 years ago, and we have been absolutely delighted with the friendly family atmosphere at the home. Everyone is treated as an individual and their likes /dislikes are always respected. The staff have worked so very hard through the pandemic with such compassion and kindness it has been quite remarkable. Their dedication to the residents is quite extraordinary. My mother-in-law is very happy there, and says she 'couldn't ask for a better place to be', that is quite something coming from her! Bravo Austenwood.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from J N (Cousin of Resident) published on 23 June 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My cousin (next of kin) was at Austenwood Nursing Home from May 2021 - May 2022 following hospital discharge. She required full nursing care and was unable to communicate verbally, care for herself or call for help, with complex health and emotional needs after a catastrophic stroke. Austenwood Nursing Home staff at all levels did their utmost to answer her needs, caring for her with gentleness and adaptability and always communicating promptly and informatively with the family. Austenwood Nursing Home's size and atmosphere meant it never felt institutional. In conjunction with family, at a time when NHS services were barely responding to requests for help, staff did everything they could for her and it was not for want of trying when she had to go to a more specialist facility. I recommend Austenwood Nursing Home wholeheartedly and in many ways wish she was still there. I’m sure when Covid is a distant memory and social care gets the support it should, it will be even better.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Stephen B (Son of Resident) published on 20 January 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My elderly father was admitted to Austenwood in August 2021, after a traumatic couple of months, a period that, very sadly, resulted in his leg muscles atrophying whilst hospitalised after a fall. As a consequence, he had been spending at least 22 hours a day in bed, and with his dementia only ever getting worse, I feared that the prognosis, upon being admitted to Austenwood, was really poor. How wrong I have been proven. Within days, the wonderful carers and nurses were able to help my father spend most of his days out of bed and to add a quality of life that would have been impossible if returning home. He got the colour back in his cheeks, aided by eating excellent meals each day, and he has been able to meet other residents, to chat to and for activities. It is not just the care side that works so well though. Everyone at Austenwood has been so friendly and welcoming, treating me as part of a small 'family' from the very first time that I visited and this has been so appreciated.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for sharing your positive feedback which is important to us. We're pleased your father is happy and settled in our home, we take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents. Your comments will be shared with our team and...  

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Steve M (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident at Austenwood Nursing Home since late March 2021 and is very happy there. The home is very well run by the manager and her team, the nursing care provided is exceptional. The Covid-19 preventative measures are well thought through and clearly designed to keep residents, staff and visitors safe. The food menu is varied and the food is of a good standard. The residents’ rooms are furnished to a very high standard and are kept spotlessly clean. The facilities are well-suited to the needs of the residents and are clearly designed to ensure they are as comfortable as possible in their new home. I was also impressed with the attention to detail, care and understanding of my mother’s nursing needs, which was shown by the Care Relations Manager, when I was assessing alternative residential care homes for my mother.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for sharing your positive feedback which is important to us. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents. Your lovely comments will be shared with our team and are very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you soon. Very best wishes, Jenny.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from John S (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Austenwood Nursing Home have provided excellent care for my mother who is in temporary respite care. In particular, every member of staff that I have been in contact with (and other family members) have been very helpful. Any requests that we have made have been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Reply from Jenny Bloomberg, Care Relations Manager at Austenwood Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for sharing your positive feedback which is important to us. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver the best of care for our residents. Your comments will be shared with our team and are very much appreciated. Very best wishes, Jenny.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Lynn F (Cousin of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My step-cousin had a rather difficult few years with her health and was becoming muddled, forgetting medication and no longer managing - even with good care at her sheltered home.
She went to Austenwood originally for respite after a series of emergency hospital stays a year ago and has been helped back to the much better health she now enjoys with enormous kindness and very efficient professional care and nursing. She decided to sell her flat and stay on in what she calls - "the very best hotel!"
The staff are marvellous and she is settled and calmer, joins in activities, reads The Times daily and has (pre-covid) received many visits from her friends - with whom she has regular phone calls.
As a good cook and gardener herself, her greatest joys are the wonderful meals, and the garden!

The excellent and patient staff have been truly amazing during the trying times since March and have managed to keep morale high for her and have been very creative with ways of keeping the residents safe and busy.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (26) & Events (1)

News
  • 11 Aug 2026

    Residents, families, friends and members of the local community came together for a wonderful afternoon of music, dancing and celebration at Austenwood Care Home’s Vintage Glamour Summer Party. The home...

  • 28 Jun 2026

    Premium Care Group is delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Daisy, who has been named the winner of the Community Award at the Child of Sussex Awards 2026. Daisy...

  • 28 Apr 2026

    Austenwood Care Home in Gerrards Cross has marked an exciting milestone with the launch of its very first Community Dementia Cafe, held in partnership with GXCA and officially opened by...

Upcoming Events

Awards / Recognitions (6)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Austenwood Nursing Home.

Meet the Team (12)

Kosi Nojaduka
Kosi NojadukaJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2025

I have been working in the health sector since 2000 to date. I have experience in different areas in the field, from maternity, neonates, young adults, adults and specialised in Mental Health.

I worked as a general nurse, service manager in specialised services, a DBT therapist and deputy director in one of the mental hospitals.

Having explored and worked in different areas and occupied different positions in this field, I decided to settle for Elderly Care as it became my passion to contribute to the lives of people in their golden years. I then became a CQC-registered manager in one of the care homes before joining the company.

My goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality support and care to residents, many of whom may be elderly or have various health conditions and disabilities. This includes collaboration with families, which is very crucial in person-centred care provided.

I am committed to making my contribution for Austenwood to continue to be a warm, safe and loving environment where residents, relatives and staff feel like family and supported emotionally and mentally.

Kosi Nojaduka - Home Manager

Karen McLean
Karen McLeanJob Title:Deputy Home ManagerJoined: 2025
I have worked within the care sector for over 13 years. For the past three years, I have been specialising in Dementia care.

Two of my passions are: a passion for delivering excellent care to ensure the well-being of our residents and a passion to empower residents to live their lives their way, where there is a will, there is a way.

Working alongside my team of incredible carers, we strive to deliver exceptional person-centred care to every resident every day. A busy, varied and hugely rewarding position which I feel privileged to hold.

Having an open-door policy, I am incredibly happy to be working within such a beautiful home with a friendly atmosphere and dedicated people who deliver excellent care.

I am immensely proud to be the Deputy Manager for Austenwood Care home.

Sammi Fisher
Sammi FisherJob Title:Lead Activity Coordinator

With nearly two years of experience in activity coordination, Sammi leads all engagement initiatives at Austenwood Care Home. Her role includes planning and organising monthly activity calendars, booking entertainers, coordinating one-to-one sessions, and managing special events such as birthdays, parties, and outings. She also hosts resident meetings to gather feedback on preferences, ensuring the activities are personalised and meaningful. Sammi is dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where every resident feels seen, heard, and valued.

Christopher Pigera
Christopher PigeraJob Title:Head Chef

Christopher is a professionally trained chef who studied at The Hotel School in Sri Lanka. He completed the National Diploma at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel (Five Star) over the course of three years and received comprehensive training in all sections of the kitchen.

He has worked for various companies across different countries. In 2004, he moved to London and worked at prestigious establishments including the Meridian Hotel in Piccadilly Circus, City Inn Hotel Westminster, the Bank of England Members Club, and several other fine dining restaurants throughout London.

Since 2015, Christopher has been working in care homes as a chef. He finds this role to be an incredibly rewarding experience. He takes pride in preparing well-cooked, delicious meals that residents thoroughly enjoy.

Jackie Lewis
Jackie LewisJob Title:AdministratorJoined: 2022

With almost 30 years of experience working in the care sector, Jackie joined the team at Austenwood in early 2022 as the Administrator. She is very proud to work in such a lovely home and to support the residents who live there. She welcomes new residents and visitors to the home with a smile and the offer of a nice cup of tea or coffee.

Ian Ephraim
Ian EphraimJob Title:Maintenance OperativeJoined: 2024

Ian has over 25 years of experience in maintenance roles, primarily within the care sector. He has been part of the team at Austenwood for over a year, where he is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of the facility’s equipment, infrastructure, and overall environment. Ian ensures that all work is carried out in compliance with safety regulations and standards. He also supports external contractors who service the appliances within the home.

His role is essential in creating a safe, comfortable, and well-functioning environment for both residents and staff, something he takes great pride in every day.

Robert Balan
Robert BalanJob Title:Head of HousekeepingJoined: 2020

Robert has been working for Austenwood Care Home for 5 years. He began his journey as a cleaner and kitchen assistant in two other care homes before discovering this lovely place. Since then, he has continually developed himself and learned in order to offer better and better services to the residents. He currently works as the Head of Housekeeping and also helps out in all ancillary departments.

Fiona Charles
Fiona CharlesJob Title:Operations Director

Fiona has over 30 years of experience working within the healthcare sector and is a Registered Nurse, remaining active on the NMC register. Her management career started as a charge nurse and then as a ward manager within the NHS, working in wards specialising in care for older adults enduring mental health conditions and dementia.

For the last 15 years, Fiona has worked in the Care Home Sector, taking on various Management roles, including Registered Manager, Regional Support Manager, Clinical and Quality Manager, Compliance Consultant and Operations Manager.

Remaining very hands-on clinically, she is passionate about supporting our management teams to deliver exceptional person-centred care, ensuring all individuals can maintain their independence and enjoy the excellent quality of life our care homes offer.

Louise Hickman
Louise HickmanJob Title:Operations Manager

Louise is the Operations Manager at Premium Care Group Ltd, bringing over 20 years of experience in health and social care. Her career began as a domiciliary carer while raising her young children, originally seeking flexible work, she quickly discovered a deep passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Since then, she has never looked back.

Throughout her career, Louise has held a variety of roles across the sector, each building on the last and shaping her strong understanding of what good care truly looks like. Her journey has led her to her current role, where she oversees multiple care homes, supports managers, and ensures the highest standards of quality, compliance, and person-centred care.

Louise is passionate about fostering environments where both residents and staff feel genuinely supported. She leads with integrity, remains hands-on when needed, and is deeply committed to staying connected to the people behind the work. Supporting others to succeed and feel valued is at the heart of everything she does.

She is proud to be part of Premium Care Group, working alongside an exceptional team that shares a common goal: delivering an outstanding experience for both residents and staff.

Kate Wyatt
Kate WyattJob Title:Head of MarketingJoined: 1996

With over 30 years of experience in the care sector, Kate has built an extensive and varied career, holding roles ranging from domiciliary care to Deputy Care Manager. She also spent many years as an Administrator, where her wealth of knowledge, dedication, and unwavering support made her an invaluable member of the team.

Kate's passion for elderly care is at the heart of everything she does. She thrives in the centre of the home, maintaining close relationships with both residents and colleagues and ensuring that compassion and quality remain at the forefront of every interaction.

A strong advocate for community engagement, Kate is passionate about meeting new people, building meaningful relationships, and making a genuine difference in the lives of others. She takes great pride in supporting homes across Premium Care Group, always happy to share her expertise and contribute wherever she is needed.

Most recently, Kate served as Group Community Engagement Manager for Premium Care Group, a role she was immensely proud to hold. In July 2026, she was promoted to Head of Marketing, where she continues to champion connection, compassion, and innovation across the organisation. Kate is excited to build on this new chapter, driving the company's marketing strategy while continuing to make a positive impact for residents, families, colleagues, and the wider community.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her horses and her beloved dog, Selly. A devoted family person, she cherishes quality time outdoors with her two children, Josh and Daisy, and enjoys making lasting memories with her family and loved ones.

Alice Ledwith
Alice LedwithJob Title:Customer Liaison ManagerJoined: 2024

As Customer Liaison Manager, I support families in one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make, finding the right home for their loved ones. I guide and support each care enquiry with compassion and professionalism, ensuring every family feels heard, informed, and confident in their choices.

In addition to my work with families, I also oversee our marketing and advertising, helping to showcase the heart of our homes and the care we provide. I’m a people person at heart, and I’m proud to be part of a business that shares my core belief: life does not end with a dementia diagnosis. Our homes are places to continue living with dignity, joy, and purpose.

Dedicated and deeply passionate, I’m here to help, no question is ever too much.

Daisy
Daisy Job Title:Through the eyes of a child Programme Leader

Daisy is an 11-year-old community champion who has been visiting The Anchorage care home since she was a toddler. A few years ago, she created Through the Eyes of a Child, a heartfelt initiative designed to capture children’s honest reflections on their experiences of visiting the care home, helping staff and residents see the environment through a child’s perspective.

What began as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful programme that fosters intergenerational connections. Daisy encourages children from local schools to visit the home, building friendships with residents and taking part in activities, events, and outings. She has also developed feedback forms to ensure children’s voices are heard and valued.

Over the past year, Daisy’s compassion and dedication have been widely recognised. She has received a Champions of Care Special Recognition Award from Person Centred Software, the Community Cup from her school for her empathy and service, and the Saxon Weald Local Community Youth Winner Award for her outstanding contribution to the care home and wider community. She is also due to join the PDCCA Volunteer Friends Scheme in the New Year.

Now beginning to share Through the Eyes of a Child with other care homes across the group, Daisy continues to lead with kindness, empathy, and maturity beyond her years, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.

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