Horton Cross

Horton Road, Ilminster TA19 9PT
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9.3 30 Reviews
  • Horton Cross, Ilminster
Horton Cross Nursing Home is an Ilminster facility that is registered for forty-seven residents and specialises in personalised care for older people, as well as having a great depth of expertise in dementia care.

Residents have the comfort of en-suite bedrooms, with the home being set up to support privacy and dignity, whilst nurses and skilled carers are available at all hours of the day and night.

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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

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 47 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1500
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1500

Our fee rates indicate a baseline- each person will be individually assessed and a fee rate will be indicated by the care that that is required and this is also dependent on facility.
Horton Cross can accommodate Double occupied rooms for married couples.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Horton Cross 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

Owner

  • Sentimental Care Ltd

Person in charge

  • Elena-Luminita Porancea (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • all referrals accepted
  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (43)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Family and friends are welcome to visit at all times.

Parking

  • A large car park either side of building- adequate parking for up to 30 cars

Horton Cross Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
9.3

Horton Cross has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.312) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Horton Cross has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 20
  • 8
  • 0
  • 0
  • 2

Date Published

30
10
14
22
8

Review from Helena H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely manager is welcoming and takes time to listen. A friendly, welcoming environment with attentive and motivated staff. Well led team, well maintained environment. Residents are encouraged to get involved with the activities, including accessing the recently refurbished garden. Staff work efficiently
but with care and a great deal of respect for residents, and are friendly and supportive of relatives/visitors' needs. An ongoing program of refurbishment is working to update and improve all the rooms, which is welcomed.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share this lovely review. At Horton Cross, our focus is always on providing the highest standard of care for our residents. As I mention to all families upon admission, I truly value all feedback whether positive or constructive as it helps us to continuously improve and ensure we meet each individuals needs. I am always happy to listen to residents, relatives, and visitors, as their opinions are vital in helping us maintain and enhance the quality of care we deliver. Our goal is not only to provide excellent care but also to create and maintain a warm, positive atmosphere where residents feel at home and their loved ones feel welcomed and supported. Thank you again for recognising our teams efforts it means a great deal to all of us.

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Review from Trevor R (Son of Resident) published on 28 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

This Care Home, I would really avoid the quality is very poor the food is very poor and a hygiene is very poor and I've had to get in contact with CQC but regarding this Care Home and the staff it's not clever either just from personal experience I really would avoid this Care Home as you can see from
the other reviews that people have wrote about this Care Home as well.

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Review from Abigail S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Horton Cross Nursing Home is a warm, caring home. All the staff go above and beyond to make their residents feel respected, safe and well cared for. My mother is a resident, and as a daughter, I have complete peace of mind that all of her needs are met, and she is emotionally and physically stimulated
and loves all the staff. I can not fault this home and would recommend. *****

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you for your kind feedback and for your lovely words about our staff and our home. We truly appreciate knowing that both residents and their next of kin are happy with the care provided at Horton Cross Nursing Home. One of our most important goals is to deliver high-quality, person-centred care, always placing the resident at the heart of everything we do and ensuring that their needs and wishes are met. Feedback like yours reflects the results of our team's dedication and passion. Thank you again for your thoughtful message

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Review from Mark C (Son of Resident) published on 1 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My late father had spent the last six weeks of his life in the care of everyone at Horton Cross and together with the local GP's surgery, he was treated to the best of everybody ability and was kept in as much comfort as possible, despite his reasons for having been admitted in the first place. An excellent
service all round.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We are truly grateful you took the time to share your experience. It means a great deal to our team to know that our care and efforts brought comfort to your father and your family during such a difficult time.At Horton Cross, we continually strive to place our residents at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to supporting each individuals needs with compassion, dignity, and respect, while also providing a welcoming and homely environment for both residents and their families. Your words encourage us to keep improving and maintaining the high standards that set us apart.Thank you again for your thoughtful message.

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Review from A C (Wife of Resident) published on 1 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was in Horton Cross Nursing Home for about 6 weeks until his death. He was treated by kindness, respect & wonderful nursing. All staff were very kind to my husband & to our son & myself. We were kept informed of his wellbeing and medications that were changed (by doctors), and when nurses
had to give him injections of medication, they phoned us and told us. I would highly recommend Horton Cross to anyone for excellent care, kindness and dignity.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback, and it means a great deal to our team to know that our care, compassion, and commitment were felt by you and your family during such a difficult time.We will continue to work towards our goal of ensuring that everyone at Horton Cross Nursing Home experiences the warmth, dignity, and respect that makes our Home truly feel like home. Your recommendation and recognition of our staff's hard work is deeply valued.

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Review from R D (Nephew of Resident) published on 27 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Aunty decided to move into residential care when she felt unable to cope at home. Physical frailty and increasing "muddiness" necessitated transfer to a nursing home - Horton Cross. She has felt safe and comfortable here. I have been very impressed by the standard of care and attention to detail that
the staff have shown to Aunty & to the other residents. Kindness and patience are always shown. There is always a comfortable family atmosphere.
I give my thanks to everyone at Horton Cross for taking the time to understand Aunty, and for making her life as pleasant as possible given her health & care needs.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such kind and thoughtful feedback. We are truly grateful for your words and delighted to hear that your Aunty feels safe and comfortable here at Horton Cross.Our team is dedicated to providing personalised, compassionate care, and it means a great deal to know that our efforts have made a positive difference to your Auntys well-being and experience with us.Were especially pleased that youve noticed the family atmosphere we strive to createits at the heart of everything we do.Thank you again for your trust and support. We will be sure to share your message with the entire team.

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Review from Sarah D (Niece of Resident) published on 22 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Aunt has been living at Horton Cross for 2 years now. Whenever I visit I am impressed by the professionalism and kindness of all the staff and the time taken to get to know each resident and respond to there individual preferences with calm patience.
On our most recent visit my Aunt was quite unwell
and the care she received was exemplary.
The New Manager gives this team of lovely careing people the support, encouragement, and leadership that they so deserve. She is also generous with the time she willingly gives to her residents and their famillies.
The recent improvements both internally and to the gardens add to the welcoming ambience.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful feedback. We are truly grateful for your continued support and appreciation. It means a great deal to our team to know that the care and dedication we give to each resident is noticed and valued.Were especially pleased to hear that your Aunt felt well looked after during a difficult time, and that youve seen the positive impact of the recent changes within the home and gardens.Our team at Horton Cross is passionate about providing person-centred care, and we are fortunate to have such committed and compassionate staff. We also appreciate your kind words about our new manager, whose leadership and involvement have indeed made a positive difference.Thank you once again for your support it inspires us to continue working hard every day to provide the highest standard of care in a warm, welcoming environment.

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Review from Z D (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The medical team, carers and staff have been excellent looking after my father for the past 2 years. The home is friendly and welcoming and the nursing home has an excellent manager in place who the staff trust and respect.
As a family we are thankful that Dad was looked after with dignity, kindness
and care in his final years.

Reply from Elena-Luminita Porancea, Registered General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you for your feedback we truly appreciate your thoughts and the time you took to share them. At Horton Cross, we are committed to delivering high standards of care for all our residents and to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for families. We believe that continuous improvement is only possible through open communication and collaboration with residents, families, and professionals alike. Your input plays an important role in helping us grow and enhance our service. Thank you once again.

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Review from J Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing, kind and considerate, chatty and always helps when asked. Clean and tidy home. Laundry good, mum always looks clean and tidy. I feel mum is safe here and that's very important to us as a family. The food is very good, portions served are perfect for mum. Entertainment good.

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Review from Tracy G (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been at Horton Cross for two weeks. The staff are all very welcoming and hard working. The staff have been amazing and made sure us and mum are happy. The entertainment team leader is amazing too, she works so hard, I notice doing more jobs than just entertainment. So far all is going well
in the home. It's difficult for us to except mum need this care!

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Review from A P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visited my mum on 19th November. Made very welcome by everyone and had an informative talk of future plans for mum. Mum was in the lounge area dressed, warm and contented. While there, she was asked what she would like for lunch. Very attentive staff.

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Review from J E (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Home is clean, tidy and staff welcoming. Resident's room is clean and calm. Resident is regularly taken out of their room into the pleasant day room for lunch time.
Nursing staff could have been more proactive in obtaining GP intervention when resident went without an active prescribed treatment for
psoriasis in early December. The psoriasis was causing itching and discomfort.

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Review from D J (Son of Resident) published on 21 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is very happy at Horton Cross Nursing Home. She has been here for 3 years and has a lovely room with a view of the garden. She loves the activities daily and enjoys particularly the musical ones, quizzes and baking. The carers know both mum and family well and are welcoming, fun and work together
as a team. From the management to the domestic staff, mum loves the choices for meals that are offered, as well as snacks! A warm, cosy environment, which has recently been updated into a bright, freshly decorated place with new fixtures and fittings.

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Review from J J (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relative has been living at Horton Cross Nursing Home for over 3 years and would not want to be anywhere else! Well cared for with regular reviews and meetings with relatives. The home offers a welcoming and very caring environment for our relative and family when visiting. The food is prepared well
and provided in a tasty and appropriate way for her dietary needs. The management are experienced in all areas, the home has recently gone through extensive changes with redecoration, fixtures and fittings and training for staff.

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Review from C G (Friend of Resident) published on 22 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Service user was distressed on my arrival, slumped in a chair unable to move as the chair was reclined. Uncomfortable and in pain. I pressed the button for help. After 20 minutes had to go and find staff. No staff at all on the 2nd floor found someone who then took 10 minutes to attend service user
who was in tears. If I hadn't visited she could have been left for much longer. No manager to talk to onsite.

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Review from J D (Wife of Resident) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Everybody is pleasant and kind.

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Review from Louise B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On the whole, the care is very good. The care staff are kind. Night care staff are noisy which can be disruptive to sleep. Would like Dad to have a shower/bath more often. He says people are constantly coming in and out when he's in the shower which he does not like. All staff are friendly and helpful.

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Review from G C (Friend of Resident) published on 9 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care home is clean and warm. Services are exceptional but the food is often cold or overcooked. The staff are fine.

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Review from Lynne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

There has been a marked improvement to the services at Horton Cross since having been taken over by the new manager in February this year. My mum is very well cared for and enjoys all the activities now available. The staff keep me well informed of any changes to her care and well-being.

Reply from Roz Gingell, General Manager at Horton Cross

Thank you ever so much for a positive review, we really appreciate your feedback.
I will share this with the team. Thank you.

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Review from P T (Great-Nephew of Resident) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Have always found Horton Cross to be looking after my relative very well, never had any complaints, her room is always kept clean and tidy and the staff are always helpful and cheery.
Would definitely recommend it to others.

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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.312)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.312) out of 10 for Horton Cross is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.312 for Horton Cross is calculated as follows: ( (157 Excellents x 5) + (66 Goods x 4) + (15 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (17 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 260 Ratings = 4.312

  • 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 Horton Cross is based on 20 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 47 registered maximum number of service users is 9.4, which has been reached with 20 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: 21 Jun 2024

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Requires improvement

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Elena-Luminita

Elena-Luminita Porancea

Job Title: Registered General Manager

Joined: 2025

With over 15 years of experience in the care industry, I've had the privilege of working in various roles that have enriched my understanding of both care delivery and leadership.

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Iulia-Lee Suciachi

Job Title: Clinic Lead

Joined: 2025

I bring a wealth of experience to the team as a Clinic Lead.

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Cathleen Beare

Job Title: Administrative Office/Front of House

Joined: 2025

I have a background in business administration and customer service, and bring a caring and friendly approach to the role.

Alison

Alison Overd

Job Title: Health Care Practitioner

Joined: 1989

Hello and Welcome to Horton Cross,


I am Alison- I am one of the longest serving staff members at Horton Cross, I first joined Horton Cross in Jan 1989!
I love my job- spending time with the residents and creating a family environment, seeing residents smile and taking the time to help them and talk about their lives, some of our residents do not have family and we have become their family members.
I am very family orientated myself- having two grown up sons that I like to spend my time with.
I enjoy travelling abroad, pop concerts and generally having a good time!
Through my time with the Sentimental Care Group I have progressed within my roles I was previously a senior care assistant and now I am an approved practitioner- I am keen to further develop my skills within Horton Cross and to be able to make it even better!

Frequently Asked Questions about Horton Cross

What types of Care is Horton Cross registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Horton Cross have?

There are 43 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Horton Cross?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Horton Cross to the centre of Ilminster?

1.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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