Home Close

Cow Lane, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5HB
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9.7 122 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 by Home Close

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

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

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 £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1650
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1650
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1650
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1650

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 (122)

9.7

Home Close has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.711) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Home Close has 122 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 70
  • 46
  • 4
  • 2
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Date Published
  • 122
  • 14
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  • 36
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Reviewer Connection to Home Close
  • 52
  • 17
  • 12
  • 8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 122, showing 61-80
Review from Louise T (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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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Review from Angela B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has only recently moved to Home Close. In the short time she has been there I have found staff very helpful, informative and professional. I took some items for my mother and the manager was kind enough to let me see my her through the window whilst I was there. My mother looked very happy
and upbeat and every time I have spoken to her on the phone she has seemed happy and content. Thank you so much for the care she is receiving.
Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Hello
I am so pleased that you are happy with your mothers care. I will pass your comments onto the team.
Kind regards
Sam

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Review from R C (Resident) published on 6 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been here for over two years. At first, I was scared and didn't know how things worked, but the staff soon made me feel at home, and I soon got to know how things work. I settled in, but it's sad when someone leaves, and you have got used to them looking after you. I have always found the food
excellent.
Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review. I am pleased that you are happy at Home Close and enjoy the excellent home-cooked food.

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Review from V C (Resident) published on 6 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I have been here for 2 years and have been quite happy most of the time. As always, you always get bumpy patches. My room has a really nice outlook of trees and a grassy area and flower borders. There is always something to watch, squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, sometimes muntjac,
also various birds. Sometimes the carers take us in our wheelchairs around the garden. Looking forward to the day we have visitors back instead of just 30 minutes. In our situation, you have to make the best of life and enjoy.
Reply from Samantha Humphreys, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am pleased that you enjoy the view from your room and I am also looking forward to the day that visiting can return to how it was.
I hope that you can enjoy many visits from your family in the warm garden pod that has been provided.

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Review from Alastair E (Husband of Resident) published on 5 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Three years ago I received a number of possible care homes for my wife. Home Close stood out and because of its management, its staff, its homely unpretentious atmosphere, the apparent contentment of the residents, and the quality of the nurses and workers. Over the last two and a half years, even though
the management has changed twice, my view has not changed. It is in a very pleasant and quiet location.
Reply from Patricia Burton, National Operations Manager at Home Close

Thank you very much for your positive review. This is appreciated by all of the team at Home Close.

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Review from N O (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff have been amazing. Mum was diagnosed with Covid-19, asymptomatic, we were informed of every stage and procedure. Mum had her favourite carers throughout her two weeks of isolation, came back to her room and back with her friends!
Through this pandemic, the manager and all the team have been
amazing. Not being able to look after Mum at home, was a huge decision to make, but one we have not regretted, as there is so much love and support at the home.
Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your words of kindness and support. It really is a team effort at Home Close and we are all really happy to see your mum with her friends, enjoying their time together once more.

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Review from J N (Sister of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When having to place my sister into care, I was unsure of amenities available and at what cost, as my sister had limited funds to afford care home costs. I live close to Home Close care home, so it's convenient for me and family members to easily visit. My first visit for a look around was conducted
very well, and since my sister has been in the home 22.01.2020, I and my family have experienced the most excellent of care for my sister and also of me and my family, especially in the current situation.
Best wishes and love to all the staff and manager.
Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for sending us such a lovely review. I am so happy that your sister and all the family are so pleased with the excellent care provided by the team here at Home Close.

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Review from Caroline H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My Mum arrived at Home Close just an hour before the lockdown was put in place and her stay took place during these difficult times when the residents were, quite rightly, confined to their rooms. As relatives we had no experience of many aspects as we were unable to see her at all for the 7 weeks
she was residing there. Despite these unprecedented times, the manager was amazing, kind and helpful, as were her wonderful team. The staff all worked so hard to keep us in touch and updated. An extension telephone in her room would have been much appreciated as trying to get my mum to answer her mobile was virtually impossible! My mum, an ex-nursing sister, tells me the home was spotlessly clean, the staff showed her great kindness and that she will be very happy to return there in the future. As I live nearby I know that locally this home has a good reputation. All the family are grateful for everything which was done for my mum during her stay. Thank you.
Reply from Zoe Kirk, Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words. In these unprecedented times, it is all about the team pulling together. As you have said and I agree we have a wonderful team here at Home Close. Look forward to seeing you and your mum in the future. Take care and stay safe.

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Review from K W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mother had for three weeks was amazing. Very well cared for and she was very happy also. To have her appetite back for cooked lunches was unbelievable. I thank each and every one of you.
Reply from Zoe Kirk, Home Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your kind words.
I am so pleased that your mother enjoyed her stay with us at Home Close.
I will ensure your comments are passed onto our team.

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Review from N B (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff very friendly and more significantly, Mum seems very happy.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review! We will share it with the team.

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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I visit regularly - once every week or two. All staff have been kind to my mother-in-law. Have never witnessed poor staff behaviour. Cleanliness is variable, bedsheets often appear thin and worn.
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Review from Catherine J (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are friendly, helpful and caring, actively encouraging residents to join in a wide range of activities which vary with the seasons. The home has the feel of a real home, rather than that of an institution with no clinical/objectionable smells one might associate with a hospital environment.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Director at Home Close

Thank you for your kind review. We will share it with the team and use it to improve our services.

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Review from M H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum is receiving good care at the home and has now settled in well. Some of the carers give exceptional care and attention. The activities coordinator is extremely good at her job. She has a real rapport with the residents and improves the quality of many of their lives.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Director at Home Close

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. We will share this with the team and your praise will go to the activities organisers and the care staff.

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Review from A H (Son of Resident) published on 22 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our overall experience as a family is that the staff is very good and caring. Rooms are kept very clean most of the time and the food is extremely good with great variety. Communication can sometimes be difficult due to various nationalities.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Manager at Home Close

Thank you for your review. We will use your feedback to improve our services.

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Review from D L (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't fault it, so kind and all needs are met.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Directorr at Home Close

Great to see such lovely, simple and yet so powerful words being said about what we do! A big thank you on behalf of our Team!

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Review from D B (Son of Resident) published on 19 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely friendly and hospitable home. All staff are caring, obliging in delivering a professional and sympathetic service.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Director at Home Close

Thank you so much for your praise! We'll surely pass this on to our lovely team!

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Review from G M (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Kind and friendly carers. Very good food, entertainment to suit everyone. Very good nurses, staff easy to talk to and laundry girls and cleaners do a good job.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Manager at Home Close

Thank you very much for such a positive and uplifting review. Will pass on your kind appreciation to our staff.

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Review from Deborah A (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
My father was fast-tracked here by the hospital for end of life care. The home over promised and under-delivered. The care was sporadic and the response to dad's buzzer was very haphazard. On the night dad died, the buzzer had been left on the floor by the care assistants who had put him back to bed
after he asked for a commode. Fortunately, we found it. We were called in at 7.34 on September 20th as they said dad was nearing the end. I was there within 15 minutes and walked in to find dad dead. Not just dead, but rigor mortis had set in. There was no way he had just died. No one was there to meet me. I couldn't close dad's mouth and he was cold. The attitude of some staff was awful. They made dad feel like he was an inconvenience on a number of occasions. I just wish we had got dad into a hospice. His last week in this home was rotten. This home said 'anything the hospice can do, we can do'. How wrong they were.
Reply from George Catanescu, Regional Director at Home Close

The content of your review saddens us and we have made attempts to contact you with a clear intention to explore your experience of our services.We understand that you are going through difficult times and you may not feel it is the right time to address the situation, however, we want to reassure you that we will remain available should you wish to engage with us.
We will continue to investigate your experience of our services and will take learnings further where appropriate.

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Review from T T (Wife of Resident) published on 7 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband took some time to settle in but is now very happy here. He has said there is plenty to do and he particularly likes the activities and the musical entertainers who visit. The staff are always patient and polite and keep me informed of all matters relating to his care.
Reply from Noreen Mary Adkin, Manager at Home Close

Thank you very much for your kind review of Home Close.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.711)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.711) out of 10 for Home Close is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.711 for Home Close is calculated as follows: ( (318 Excellents x 5) + (98 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 429 Ratings = 4.711
  2. 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 36 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 36 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 13 Oct 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.

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