Home Close

Cow Lane, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5HB
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9.7 120 Reviews
  • Home Close, Cambridge
Home Close, located on the edge of Cambridge, provides a warm and peaceful setting for residents needing nursing or residential care. Surrounded by spacious gardens with mature trees and seasonal flowers, it’s a tranquil retreat where residents can relax, enjoy the fresh air, or share a cup of tea in the sunshine.

At Home Close, the focus is on personalised, compassionate care. The dedicated team is chosen not only for their expertise but for their kindness and understanding. They are available around the clock, ensuring each resident’s dignity and needs are respected. Regular assessments help tailor support, and visiting services, including opticians, dentists, and chiropodists, ensure residents’ health and well-being are prioritised.

Residents are encouraged to make their rooms feel like home by bringing personal belongings and furniture, creating a familiar and comforting space. Communal lounges and dining areas provide a sense of community, while the in-house hairdressing salon offers grooming services like manicures and hand massages, adding a touch of pampering.

The catering team prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily, accommodating all dietary needs. At Home Close, every effort is made to create a supportive environment where residents can enjoy life, surrounded by care and kindness.

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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 72 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1390
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1390
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1630
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1630
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1390
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1390
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1630
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1630

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Home Close to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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 £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Ioana Pop (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2011

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (72)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Home Close Reviews (120)

Total of 120, showing 41-60
9.7

Home Close has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.699) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Home Close has 120 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 68
  • 46
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0

Date Published

120
18
27
34
86

Review from N M (Niece of Resident) published on 7 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My auntie was a resident at Home Close for four years. It was originally only for end-of-life care but she improved on arrival to the home and due to the excellent care and support provided. My auntie died four years later. During her entire stay, she was cared for by professionals who treated her with
dignity, respect, kindness and compassion. They always met her care needs even during the difficult time of restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. A huge thank you to everyone.

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Review from John R (Son of Resident) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following two stays in the hospital during the summer, my mother was admitted into Home Close for palliative end-of-life care. She was 98 years old. From my very first meeting with the manager and her staff, I knew this was the right place for my mother's final days. The warmth they provided from the
very first to the last day almost seven weeks later, the excellence of the care from the carers, nurses, domestic staff, and the admin manager right up to the management was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything they could do was done without fuss and with the utmost care and dedication. When my mother finally passed away, everyone was very loving and caring. It was as though they, too, had lost a family member. I expressed my thanks and gratitude to the manager for everything she and her team had done for my mum. I couldn't have wished for a better place for my mother to end her final days. They are an excellent team led by a wonderful manager. Thank you.

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Review from Martin H (Son of Resident) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very professional and friendly team, taking great care of residents with some very difficult issues and requirements. Thank you for looking after my Mum so well.

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Review from M S (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 15 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having spent over two years extremely reluctant to return to yet another care home I was pleasantly surprised to find a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It was the first place I did not feel suicidal. The credit was largely due to the manager, to whom I will always be grateful.

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Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum received excellent care during the last few weeks of her life. The whole team made us welcome and there was always a member of staff to answer any questions we had.
As a family, this was a difficult time for us but, the care, kindness and consideration to us was second to none. Thank you.

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Review from Kathryn J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not have asked for better care and wonderful staff. Our dad came in under difficult circumstances and we felt our family were well supported. Dad had his own room, with a nice view and could have visitors whenever he wanted.

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Review from John B (Son of Resident) published on 28 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father, who is in his 90s and has dementia, has just returned from a fortnight's respite care, his second respite at Home Close. We are very grateful for the excellent care and attention he received. The manager and all staff could not have been more friendly, kind or welcoming to him, and did all
they could to help him to settle in and to feel at home. The manager gave us time, listened carefully to my father's needs, and responded very helpfully to our small concerns about his eating and his mobility from his stay a few months previously. The facilities are pleasant, the dining room/meeting area is particularly cheerful and bright with fresh flowers on all the tables. There is a good programme of daily activities, which my father enjoyed. Our calls, to enquire how he was, were always welcomed and responded to immediately and helpfully. We feel lucky to have such a good care home near to where we live. Thank you.

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Review from Elizabeth G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although mum was only with Home Close for a short period of palliative care, she was always treated with kindness, empathy and warmth. nothing was ever too much trouble and the staff ensured she was clean, comfortable and well hydrated. The home has a cozy feel and staff at all levels are friendly and
approachable.

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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father entered home Close with the late stages of dementia. staff were knowledgeable, helpful and looked after Dad very well. He was very comfortable there and we were always made to feel very welcome.

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Review from Jenny A (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It is very hard to do a review as last week is the first time I have been in the home properly for two years. My mum seems well and happy and the staff are nice. The lady who looks after my mum's flat is very helpful and good at her job, she has been excellent at keeping me informed over the last two
years.

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Review from Barbara H (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has only been there for six days and is at end of life. Everybody single member of staff I have met have been friendly, caring and very helpful. Although the home is further from us than we would have liked I cannot commend it more. When I ring the person who answers knows about Dad straight
away and tells me the latest information. He won’t be there much longer but I am extremely happy with the service so far. At this sad time I feel glad he is safe and looked after.

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Review from C J (Friend of Resident) published on 15 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff and management seem very friendly and caring. Nothing too much trouble. Nice atmosphere and appears very clean. Like the setting of the home and also size of the rooms for the residents. Would recommend to others.

Reply from Suja Mathai, Registered Home Manager at Home Close

We are pleased to know that your experience with us was good. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your friend and for taking a moment to recommend us to others. Your kind words are greatly appreciated and we hope you won't hesitate to let us know if we can serve you in the future.

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Review from S T (Resident) published on 24 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff and management are so friendly and helpful at all times. Nothing too small or too big to handle. Care is the manager's name.

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Review from T H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I have not been inside Home Close for the last two years because of Covid rules.
My Mum was a resident at Home Close for almost 3 years. Mum had dementia and she seemed well cared for at the time. Mum died 18th November 2021 before I got in to see her.
When we cleared her room, we found her CD player,
TV remote and most of her clothes were missing. We had nothing left to give to the funeral director to dress her. The funeral director said usually when they collect someone from a care home, they find the body is dressed and a flower placed upon them. This was not the case. My Mum was apparently wearing a T Shirt and her underwear. I found this very upsetting and it has made me question the care she received in the two years I have not been able to visit inside. Her body was picked up 90 minutes after her death. I have not received any communication since the phone call telling me she had passed. No message of condolence. It feels like no one there really cared about her at all.

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Review from Clifford M (Husband of Resident) published on 26 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since the lockdown came on 18 March the manager and staff of Home Close have worked very hard to make it possible for me to visit my wife. It was easier in the summer when we could meet in the garden where there were various places to go. Then in the winter, they had a garden hub installed and we used
to meet inside the hub, out in the garden.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, we hope to see you soon.

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Review from Russell H (Son of Resident) published on 10 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum moved to Home Close in October; she spent two weeks isolating before joining the rest of the residents there. Video calls are an option of keeping in touch, and the brand new pod in the gardens is really nice and makes having a comfortable private visit with your family member possible. Both
the manager and all the staff have done everything they can to settle mum into Home Close, her room, and really couldn’t have done more to make her feel welcome within. Emails are responding to in a timely fashion, and I have been kept up to date on how Mum is settling in. Mum is not the easiest person to feed, but again, everything is being done to help with this.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, I hope we can all continue to work together.

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Review from Frederick G (Son of Resident) published on 4 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent the last 18 months of her life at Home Close. During that time, she was loved and cared for by the team. They were meticulous in terms of contacting us if she fell ill and also, where required, took the necessary action to ensure she received the correct level of medical support. My
thanks go to all at Home Close but particularly the team and nurses who looked after my mother.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Many thanks for your kind review from all of the team at Home Close.

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Review from Shirley W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father was a resident at Home Close for over 18 months. He had been managing to live on his own up until then at the age of 97 without any outside assistance. He was persuaded to give up his home after a spell in hospital as he now needed 24/7 assistance. My concern was that he wouldn't settle into
his new life. The staff and the other residents made him so welcome, and he became part of the family. He was well cared for and enjoyed the company, the meals and never complained to me about anything. Before covid, the home offered a wide range of activities of which he could choose to join in if he wished. Unfortunately, with lockdown, I didn't get to see him until June when outside garden visits started, but we did have Skype sessions instead. My father passed away peacefully in his room about 2 weeks ago (not covid-19 related). The staff couldn't have been kinder. I was allowed inside towards the end and I can't praise everyone enough for his end of life care. Thank you so much.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review. Your feedback is very important to the team. The whole staff team at Home Close wish you well.

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Review from Louise T (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has only recently moved to the home after a long stay in the hospital. It all happened very quickly and all the staff at the home were very supportive in helping me understand the process and allowing us daily phone calls whilst my mum was in her initial isolation and helped support this communication
as she is very poorly. The manager and her staff are friendly, caring and have been very accommodating; they make you feel like you matter as well as their residents. Whilst this is a challenging time, I know my mum is in good hands. Home Close has a homely feel and has lovely grounds.

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words, from all of the team at Home Close.

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Review from Sally H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Home Close following a major stroke for 7-years.
The staff care for her well and are very patient in often difficult circumstances. Many know her well and are able therefore to anticipate her needs and have built up a good relationship with her.
Since the home had
to go into lockdown they have worked hard to keep residents and families in contact. Outside visits started earlier in the summer and now a garden Pod has been installed for visits.
There have been some changes in management which can be unsettling but the new manager responds quickly to issues so I wish her well and hope she is a more permanent fixture!

Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review, and I look forward to working together with you to ensure that Mum receives the best possible care.
Kind regards.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.699)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.699) out of 10 for Home Close is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.699 for Home Close is calculated as follows: ( (296 Excellents x 5) + (96 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 405 Ratings = 4.699

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Home Close is based on 34 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 72 registered maximum number of service users is 14.4, which has been reached with 34 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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: 5 Feb 2020

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

1 Bed Vacancy

posted 15 Aug 2025

We provide permanent and respite accommodation for individuals with residential, nursing, respite, palliative and nursing dementia care needs. Our services include basin with WC en-suite rooms and basin provision rooms. Additionally, we offer privately funded, local authority, and NHS-funded placements.

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (2)

Ioana

Ioana Pop

Job Title: Home Manager

I'm a qualified registered nurse with over 24 years of experience in healthcare, including cardiology, intensive care, and elderly care. Living locally, I love building strong connections with residents, families, and the community to enrich daily life and create a warm, engaging environment.

Naomi

Naomi Willis

Job Title: Activities Co-ordinator

I joined Home close, having previously been a school teacher as the home came recommended by a friend and 10 years on I'm still here. My favourite part of my day is seeing the residents, doing the activities with them and seeing them happy.

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