Foxholes Care Home

Foxholes, Pirton Road, Hitchin SG5 2EN
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9.7 84 Reviews
  • Foxholes Care Home, Hitchin
Foxholes Care Home is a comfortable and spacious care home located in scenic surroundings. It offers a wide range of care expertise that includes long-term residential care with rooms for couples to live independently, respite and convalescent packages, and palliative care.

En-suite rooms, stunning views, suites for couples, and relaxing interiors combine with an in-house activities programme, to ensure residents feel both at home and entertained. A bistro is also on-site to entertain guests, and gardens are popular for their wildlife.

A pet-friendly approach is also taken; the home currently has seven house cats and one dog.

Foxholes has benefitted from significant investment and a year of refurbishment, reopening to offer the very best in modern care standards and a satisfying living environment. The home is constantly undergoing improvements to make it a luxurious place for residents.

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Care Provided by Foxholes Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 110 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Usha Gandecha (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • assessment based
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (92)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (9)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (92)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (9)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2011
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 4

Funding & Fees Guide for Foxholes Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,480

  • Our fee's are determined based on assessment. Please get in touch for more information.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Foxholes Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • 24/7


  • Parking

  • Spacious parking for visitors close to the front entrance. Wheelchair friendly.


Foxholes Care Home Reviews (84)

Total of 84, showing 21-40
9.7

Foxholes Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.739) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Foxholes Care Home has 84 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Tanya A (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 13 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father-in-law had spent several weeks in hospital and sadly received news that his condition was terminal. This happened at the height of the pandemic and we did not want him to spend his remaining time in a small room with minimal care. Foxholes was quite simply our lifeline. From my first call
to them, they just helped. They listened to his needs and our worries. They listened to him and what he wanted and carried it out to the letter. His last days were spent in comfort, with a beautiful view over the paddocks (one of the things he asked for) and in a place, both he and we, as a family, felt genuinely cared for. The move from hospital to Foxholes was smooth, with an update once my father-in-law arrived. At a horrible time, Foxholes were our saviours. They stepped in and helped at a time when Coronavirus stopped us, we couldn't even view and instead were sent photos of the building, surroundings and even the room. They showed us all a kindness we will never forget.

Reply from Neil Gandecha, Director at Foxholes Care Home

Thank you Tanya for your lovely review, we are glad to hear we were able to assist your needs at such a difficult time. The beautiful wooden fox that was gifted by yourself now happily lives in our reception area and is a great addition to the home.


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Review from Bruce D (Son of Resident) published on 28 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been living at Foxholes Care Home for just over two years now following a series of strokes that greatly reduced her vision and mobility. Before this, she was a very independent person in her mid eighties. Since then, the life changing events have created new challenges that she has met stoically.
What has greatly assisted this process is the absolute care and support Mum has received at all times from all the staff at Foxholes Care Home. It is fair to say, Mum retreated into a personal bubble following the strokes and was most happy in the sanctuary of her own room. Over the months, staff have managed to get her to interact in some of the numerous activities they provide and get her out into the gardens where she has enjoyed the visceral experience. Every small step is of great comfort to me. I know Mum feels safe and secure at Foxholes Care Home and I remain so grateful that Mum is now able to call it her home.

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Review from Clive M (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mother arrived at Foxholes recovering from Covid-19. Her previous care home had to close due to the pandemic. On arrival at Foxholes, she was physically and mentally exhausted and needed the 24/7 care that Foxholes is able to provide. Over the next three months, I am pleased to say that she has made
steady progress, and at each visit, I have noticed a significant improvement in all aspects of her health.
Foxholes provides a caring environment and despite the restrictions that Covid-19 has placed on all of us, they are still able to provide a range of activities to engage and entertain the residents. It is a comfort to me and my siblings to know that our Mother is well looked after by the team at Foxholes.

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Review from Carol L (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved to Foxholes in mid-February and settled in very quickly to life at her new home. She loves her new room and spacious bathroom, and the staff have been exceptionally kind and attentive. Within two days of coming out of isolation, she'd been taken out to look at the horses in the field and had
her hair done at the on-site salon. Since then, she has taken part in a range of activities, from cooking and flower arranging to bingo. The staff facilitates a daily FaceTime call with the family on Mum's iPad, which she always enjoys. We have been able to visit Mum safely in the 'Visiting Room' behind a plastic screen, and I'm delighted that I'm now able to sit with Mum in her room for an hour a week. All these opportunities to remain connected to the family have been hugely important in maintaining Mum's health and wellbeing. I highly recommend Foxholes.

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Review from Mel M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum who is 89 had been ill for some months and agreed reluctantly to go into a care home as we, her kids, were exhausted. The whole experience was so much more positive than she imagined. Every member of staff was extremely kind and helpful. Her room had huge windows and was bright and clean and
the bed comfortable. Mum has a very little appetite but she thought the food was very tasty and varied. As a family, we were able to relax for the first time in ages knowing she had help available 24 hours a day. Mum stayed for two weeks this time but will definitely be returning when needed. Well done Foxholes!

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Review from Linda H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Foxholes go above and beyond to look after my father. My sister and I very much appreciate the quality of care offered and we see the evidence of it in how well he looks and how cheerful he is in talking about the activities and the attention which he is given. Staff are kind and patient in their interactions
with him and with us. They have managed to work within Lockdown restrictions to offer him a quality of life that simply was not open to him outside of that environment.

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Review from Sandra P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Foxholes is a truly wonderful place. Everyone is so welcoming and the love and care Mum has received, since moving in, has been fantastic. Mum has always been reluctant to consider residential care and due to her being blind and with limited mobility, she lacked confidence to socialise outside of the
family. Thanks to all the staff and carers at Foxholes, who have encouraged Mum to take part in activities and to socialise with other residents, her confidence is slowly building and she is now making new friends. During these difficult times, the management and staff have managed to keep residents close to their families with portal calls, videos of activities even live streaming events. It was lovely to see Mum enjoying the Christmas party as it was happening. Mum has been with Foxholes for six months now and the family cannot thank them enough for the love, care and dedication they have given mum. It is a lovely feeling knowing Mum is now settled and being taken care of by the wonderful Foxholes team.

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Review from Antony J (Son of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum recently needed respite care following a period in hospital. The Foxholes team were excellent in making the entry process fast and simple. My Mum was initially very nervous about going into a 'home'. The staff and residents made her welcome and she rapidly warmed to Foxholes. Her initial
two weeks soon became a month. Although COVID19 meant that I could not visit, I did receive daily update e-mails from the team. These always agreed with what my Mum was telling me when I phoned her. One thing that sticks in my memory is that part way through her stay my Mum needed some extra clothes. I dropped these off with the lady at reception. She had only met me once, briefly - and with me in a face mask. The lady on reception knew who I was, knew who my Mum was, knew which activities she was doing and who her friends were among the staff and residents. My Mum was much fitter and healthier by the time that she left.

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Review from Ruth P (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my 89-year-old mother recently and was delighted to see her looking bright, content and able to make jokes, always a sign of contentment and peace. She was clean and well dressed, her room is lovely, she can either watch tv (which she loves) or look out of her windows over a beautiful paddock,
with horses and dogs which both remind her of her youth and she is always engaged with one or the other or loving her food which is tasty, well presented and caters for her vegetarian preferences. The staff are wonderful, kind, attentive and respectful and the home itself is clean, spacious, peaceful and provides lots of creative activities. Highly recommended as I can trust mum is being well cared for 24/7.

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Review from D M (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been resident at Foxholes Care Home for just over a year now. I visit every other day and have seen nothing but professionalism delivered with real care and kindness from all of the team.


The facilities and setting are fabulous too. It's worth every penny to know mum is safe and to see her

enjoy what she can as she lives with dementia. We're only moving mum as we're all heading to the West Country.

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Review from Christine M (Wife of Resident) published on 22 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband aged 67 came to Foxholes as I needed respite. He has a brain tumour. He is now a permanent resident approaching final weeks of life. His care has been first class in every way. Staff are knowledgeable caring, respectful and respond with sensitivity to every request. Links with GP's and the
local hospice provide comprehensive support. The facilities are of hotel quality being clean, comfortable and of a high standard. Management are attentive and genuinely concerned for the welfare, not only of their residents but of their families. A first-class care home of the highest order.

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Review from Phil M (Son of Resident) published on 22 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Foxholes really is a special place. Fantastic facilities, comfortable surroundings and really a home from home for my dad. Above all though, the care from the team is second to none. I would highly recommend this care home to anyone who wants a special person in their life receive the care they deserve.
Cannot speak highly enough!

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Review from Christine P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has lived in Foxholes for three and a half years. We feel she has been well cared for. The staff have treated her as an individual and maintained their kindness and sense of humour even when she was being very difficult.
Foxholes has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There is plenty of space
and large, attractive communal areas inside and a very large, accessible garden outside. Visitors are always welcomed at any time of day and there are plenty of activities throughout the week.

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Review from Andrew I (Son of Resident) published on 13 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mother broke her wrist and needed respite care. A full assessment of Mum's needs was taken and the assessor agreed that my Mum could be admitted that afternoon. The care she had was nothing short of excellent. Management (owners) were on hand every day and all care staff showed kindness, care, respect
and consideration to my Mum. The food was akin to a high-class restaurant, varied and plentiful. The room was large, comfortable and beautifully furnished. Public rooms were similar to a 4/5 star hotel - very comfortable and welcoming. The atmosphere was inclusive and family friendly. Overall - a great experience.

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Review from K I (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 20 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After having a fall at home, my Mother-in-law needed respite care and Foxholes Residential Care Home was able to meet her needs. It is a family owned business and the family are very much involved in the daily running of the business. The staff there are very loyal and sensitive to the needs of the
residents they care for. I would recommend this care home to friends and family.

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Review from J. A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is 97, she has Alzheimer's and it takes the form of major challenging behaviour she argues black and white and is totally negative and she is subject to aggressive displays of behaviour and bangs her stick when she thinks she's not getting what she wants. I am treated like a servant. The staff
have endless patience and understanding and I know she is in a safe place.

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Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We feel satisfied that mum couldn't be in a better place.

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Review from Colin S (Friend of Resident) published on 6 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am a visitor so cannot comment on the medical care. However, I consider this is one of the best care homes I have visited.

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Review from Joan C (Niece of Resident) published on 20 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited Foxholes to see my uncle who is there for a break. I was very impressed, from the time I telephoned to arrange the visit, until I left the property. The place was very clean and tidy and all the staff were very helpful and polite. I had lunch with my uncle which was served in one of the lounges
and very nicely presented. All the residents that I saw seemed to be very happy and well looked after. There seemed to be plenty of things for the residents to do and very nice gardens to walk in if they are able. I would recommend the place to all my family and friends.

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Review from David W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 1 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A modern, well-appointed care home with excellent facilities and lovely staff.


Location is rural and pretty. Rooms are spacious and well appointed. Security is very good. Food is pleasant and served in a friendly manner. Price is expensive, but one has to pay to get this standard. Overall, a

good care home.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.739)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.739) out of 10 for Foxholes Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.966 for Foxholes Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (197 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.966

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.773 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Foxholes Care Home is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 110 registered maximum number of service users is 22. 17 Positive Reviews ÷ 22 = 0.773

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 11 Sep 2024

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (4)

Usha

Usha Gandecha

Job Title: Owner & Manager

Joined: 1999

With over 40 years of experience as a pharmacist, I dedicated my career to serving and supporting the local community of Hitchin. As the founder and former owner of Cross Chemist Pharmacy on Redhill Road, I built a trusted business that became a cornerstone for local health and well-being.


In recent years, I shifted my focus to the care sector, fully committing my expertise and passion to managing both Sloe Hill and Foxholes Care Homes. My approach is hands-on, ensuring I am a constant and active presence across both homes. I take pride in fostering environments where residents feel safe, respected, and supported, bringing my deep understanding of healthcare and community spirit into everything I do. I am dedicated to creating homes that offer compassionate, high-quality care and maintain a personal connection with both residents and staff.


Suzie

Suzie Strange

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2017

I have worked at Foxholes since March 2017 as the Deputy Manager but have worked in the care industry since 1997.

I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the home, overseeing the care side of life, and supporting staff training. I have a passion for End-of-Life Care and Moving and Handling, ensuring that we promote our residents’ independence in regard to their mobility as and where practicable and ensuring that our staff is trained to maintain their own and our resident’s safety.

I love working at Foxholes as it is more than just a business; it’s a family. We realise that no two people are the same and strive to ensure that residents have individually tailored care plans, often going above and beyond to ensure that everyone enjoys their time at Foxholes, no matter how long their stay.


Georgina

Georgina

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2023

I joined Foxholes in early 2023 and since then have been promoted from Team Leader to Care Manager.


I'm currently working towards a Level 5 qualification in Care Leadership and Management, a step that reflects my commitment to personal and professional growth while delivering exceptional care.


My journey in the care industry started early when I cared for my grandmother. This experience, combined with my apprenticeship and the founding of a community-focused company, shaped me into the compassionate and driven person I am today. Though I’m relatively new to the care home environment, I’ve quickly embraced the role, focusing on building strong relationships with residents and their families. My mission is simple: to ensure every resident receives the same love and care I gave my grandmother.


Billie-Jean

Billie-Jean

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2024

Billie-Jean is the welcoming face of Foxholes Care Home, managing our front desk from 9 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. She warmly greets residents, families, and visitors, making everyone feel at home. She is always engaged in the life of Foxholes, from greeting guests to helping with events like our weekly Gentlemen’s Lunch. When you call to enquire about staying at Foxholes, Billie-Jean will take the time to understand your needs, provide helpful step-by-step information, and happily assist you in booking a visit to see what we have to offer.