
Our experience has been very positive from day oneA L(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

Staff, food, activities and safety are amazing.Patrick G(Husband of Resident/Service User)

I thoroughly enjoy coming here. The staff are kind and helpful. The food is goodKathleen G(Day Care Service User)

Our experience has been very positive from day oneA L(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

Staff, food, activities and safety are amazing.Patrick G(Husband of Resident/Service User)

I thoroughly enjoy coming here. The staff are kind and helpful. The food is goodKathleen G(Day Care Service User)

Athelstan House is an eighty capacity care home located in Malmesbury, dedicated to person-centred methods and offering quality care for adults diagnosed with health-related needs.
The home also cares for residents with nursing needs who will be looked after by a team of registered nurses.
A team of professional care workers offer personalised care to suit the needs of each resident and to maximise well-being and are on-hand to offer round-the-clock...
Care Provided by Athelstan House
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 80 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
These services are: Personal care, accommodation,
utilities, use of communal areas, meals, drinks and
snacks, laundry (excluding dry cleaning),
housekeeping, maintenance and activities run by the
home.
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, opticians, hairdressing,
medications, toiletries, clothing, newspapers/magazines.
During your stay, you may need to purchase additional goods
and services. If they are able to provide such goods and
services, they will tell you how much these goods and services
will cost and they expect that you will pay for these goods and
services at the time you request them.
They can accompany loved ones to private appointments,
however the fee attached to this is £21 per hour. Where private taxi
services are used for transportation to appointments the cost should
be paid for by yourself.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Athelstan House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Athelstan House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- The Orders of St John Care Trust
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Dean Palfrey(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2008
- Last Refurbishment: -1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (80)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (80)
Parking
- Free parking on site.
Athelstan House Reviews (87)
Athelstan House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.784) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Athelstan House has 87 reviews.
My mother has just moved into long-term residential care, having attended the day until for a while. The transition was easy as she knew the staff, who always treated her with kindness, respect, and importantly, a sense of fun. My mother, as a result, is happy and comfortable in her new home and enjoys taking part in all the activities provided by the lovely, professional staff. The volunteers also bring great energy to the home, helping lots of residents to join in.
We're delighted to have your mother with us long-term now and that she is so happy here. It's great that she's joining in with home life. If there is anything more we can do to help her, or you, please just let us know.
Our experience has been very positive from day one and our family can now relax knowing that our grandmother is being taken care of by all the excellent staff. She is treated with dignity and particularly enjoys the wide range of activities and the lovely gardens. We would highly recommend Athelstan House.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review and for sharing your experience of Athelstan House. We're glad to have your grandmother with us. If there is anything else she needs, please just let us know.
My mother spent three weeks at Athelstan House, Malmesbury for respite care after a fall. She really enjoyed her time there and the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. A superb experience and our family felt very happy that she was in safe hands.
It was a pleasure to have your mother with us at Athelstan and I'm glad she enjoyed her time here. Thank you for taking the time to write us a review and share her experiences of our home.
Staff, food, activities and safety are amazing.
We appreciate you taking the time to write us a review, thank you! Do let us know if there is anything else we can do for your family.
Dad has been here for approximately one month and everyone has helped him to settle in well. The home has a lovely atmosphere and the staff are lovely, and friendly and go above and beyond for both dad and his family. There is always activities for Dad and the other residents to do, he joining in with the day centre also and the staff there are amazing! Athelstan House is a great place.
We are glad to hear that your dad is settling in well with us here at Athelstan House. We appreciate your feedback, and your taking the time to share it in a review. If there is anything else he needs, please just let us know.
I thoroughly enjoy coming here. The staff are kind and helpful. The food is good. I most enjoy sing-songs and word games. The Victorian history talk was much appreciated. I have been coming for about six weeks.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying our day centre. There are lots more planned in the coming weeks, so I hope you're able to join us.
The management style within this department is reflected throughout all of the staff. They are open, friendly and take time to understand and get to know the residents.
The team deserve medals for the work they do and the relentless task they have.
More people are needed in the world like this team.
A massive thank you to them all for making my mum laugh during really tough times with her dementia and going above and beyond their duties during her final weeks in the home.
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to write us a review - we really do appreciate it. It was a privilege to care for your mum and she will be missed by the team on Primrose household.
Since my husband has been in here, he has been treated brilliantly, has a laugh and joke and has never had any issues. I have also been made very welcome.
We appreciate you taking the time to write us a review, thank you. I'm glad your husband is happy with us. If there is anything more we can do for him, or for you, please just let us know.
Having arrived at the beginning of March, the first week was a little complicated as my wheelchair wouldn't pass through any of the doors, this was soon sorted. All the time that I have stayed here has had an easy approach of rehabilitation into society. The staff have made my stay very pleasant, along with making my wife welcome on her visits. Activities here are well thought out, making you work things out for yourself. Food is certainly varied, not to all tastes, but good for a healthy body, along with a different menu each day which I think is good. I would just like therefore to say a big thank you to all of the staff and management team for my stay here. Thank you.
What lovely feedback, thank you! It's been wonderful having you stay with us at Athelstan House and I'm glad the team has been able to accommodate you. We appreciate you taking the time to write us a review.
Staff at Athelstan House have been much more successful in making sure he is taking his medicines (which was one of the problems at his last home). He likes the food and his health has been on a more even keel than it was before.
The management are a pleasure to deal with and it is very easy to get to speak to someone with any concerns.
The atmosphere in the home always seems calm when we visit and the residents are treated kindly and with respect.
My dad has started joining in more activities and he often tells us how happy he is in the home.
I'm so glad your dad is happy at Athelstan and that his health is improving too. We appreciate you taking the time to write us a review - thank you - and I will make sure the team sees it, as I know they love to have the feedback.
My mum has absolutely loved her day visits to Athelstan House Day Centre. The kindness and care shown by the staff has been exemplary. The activities arranged by them have been pitched to engage everyone, whatever their level. Every time she comes away she asks if she can go and live there. Special thanks to one staff member in particular who has been very kind to Mum, above and beyond.
What kind words, thank you so much. We really appreciate you taking the time to write us a review, and I'm delighted that your mum gets so much enjoyment out of her time at Athelstan - she is welcome any time! I'll pass on your comments to the home manager to share with the team, and in particular the member of staff you mentioned.
My husband had a week's stay in 2020 and had been attending the day centre for the past year on Tuesday and Thursday. We have no complaints, in fact, nothing but praise for the staff in the day centre and their efforts to stimulate attendees. The stay was very satisfactory overall, sadly staff shortages has a knock-on effect to the quality of care from time to time.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to submit a review. We do appreciate your feedback and I will pass on your comments to our manager at Athelstan so he can share with the team, particularly your praise for the staff in the day centre - I know it makes a difference to them.
My brother has been a resident of Athelstan House for 3 years. During this time he has received excellent care, consideration of his personal needs and treated with dignity. Management team are first class and always available. The care staff are really excellent and my brother loves his environment and the friends that he has made with staff and other residents.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind review. I am pleased to hear that your brother is happy in the home and enjoys spending time with other residents. I will pass this on to our team - it really does make a difference hearing such lovely words.
My mum is receiving a high standard of care. She is well looked after and is always clean and tidy when I visit. There is plenty going on at the care home with lots of activities available. The staff are lovely, helpful, cheerful and kind. I couldn't ask for a better place for my mum.
Thanks for your lovely review. It sounds like your Mum is enjoying life at the home. I will pass this on to our team.
Nursing staff understanding, caring and willing to listen to concerns. Activities staff encourage the most reluctant to engage, join in 1:1 time and feel valued. Front-of-house staff caring, friendly and helpful.
My husband has been living at Athelstan House since June 2020. Because of the covid pandemic, I was only allowed in the building from May 2021. My review relates from then. I visit my husband daily to help feed him as he is unable to talk, feed himself and has lost his mobility. My experience of the staff on Primrose Ward is excellent, they attend to all of the residents with respect and courtesy. My only comment is at weekends there is not normally a receptionist on duty and therefore a little difficult getting in and out of the building. So the nurse on duty has to leave the ward which could be a potential hazard leaving residents on a dementia ward unattended. My experience with admin and management staff is also excellent.
My sister has now been at Athelstan for just over 2 years. She suffers from dementia. Due to our living some distance away, my own and my wife's health conditions and Covid, we have not been able to visit as much as we would have liked. Reports from other family members and friends indicate that she appears to be happy and very well looked after. There has been some staff turbulence but our telephone calls are always answered, dealt with courteously and followed through. We feel we 'know' members of staff on the nursing side and can always raise an issue with them. In these difficult times it is an indication of 'leadership' that, on telephoning on one occasion, the manager was not available as he was 'helping out in the kitchen'. Well done and thank you.
I am always happy with nan's care and surroundings. The staff are always very polite and helpful. It's a tough job and I think their patience and compassion deserve praise and higher pay, considering the amount that is paid! Many thanks.
My mother has been a resident for 2 months. I cannot fault the care she is receiving. Nothing is too much trouble, her personal care is first class. The cleanliness is excellent. Best of all are the staff who are always warm and friendly, and always make you feel welcome. Mum is very happy and I'm sure she could not be looked after better anywhere else.
Mum has been associated with Athelstan for a number of years. As a 96-year-old she lives currently on her own doing her own cooking etc. She goes to Athelstan House for Daycare and also Respite Care when we are away. She really looks forward to her stay at Athelstan House and indeed as time progresses she will look to become a resident. The stimulation she gets from the activities that take place plus the knowledge for us that she is safe and well looked after is great. Athelstan House is always clean, tidy and well staffed. An excellent care home.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 27 June 2025Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Athelstan House.
There are no upcoming events for Athelstan House.
Awards / Recognitions (9)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 28 Feb 2023Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Meet the Team (12)

Dean started his career with The Orders of St John Care Trust in 2012.
Whilst working for the Trust, Dean has undertaken a variety of roles starting as a Kitchen Assistant before progressing through to a Carer, Care Leader, Head of Care and now a Home Manager.
Dean became Home Manager at Athelstan House in early 2022 and prior to that was Home Manager at Ridgeway House in Royal Wootton Bassett.
Before that, Dean worked at The Cedars in Purton as the Head of Care. Whilst there, he worked with the team to improve care standards and lead the team to achieve a 'Good' rating with the Care Quality Commission.
During his time with the Trust, Dean has worked at several of the Trust homes supporting and indeed achieving an 'Outstanding' CQC rating at one of these homes in February 2017.
In November 2019, Dean was awarded a Chairman’s Commendation Award for meritorious service.He has completed a QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management, including Levels 2 & 3 in Health and Social Care, complemented by the Level 3 QCF Dementia Award.
Dean is continually looking to enhance his knowledge and skills which he can then pass on to his team.
His ethos and vision are to ensure that residents living at Athelstan House experience a positive environment, with a team who are happy to develop opportunities and good relationships with the local community.

Lucy has worked in the care sector since the age of 18, starting her career as a Care Assistant. From this position, Lucy developed a real passion for the care of the elderly, gaining specific qualifications and experience in residential, nursing and dementia care.
Lucy has worked for OSJCT for 14 years, progressing into a Care Leader role, then Head of Care and is now one of two Deputy Managers at Athelstan House, taking a hands-on approach and being motivated by the happiness of the residents and the team.
Lucy strives to ensure each resident is able to live their life as they choose, having the support and care that they require. Within her role as Head of Care, Lucy supports and supervises the team to continually promote a person-centred approach.When not working, Lucy enjoys practising her photography, baking celebration cakes and spending time with her young nieces.

Louise previously enjoyed a career in retail before moving into care.
She was the manager at H J Knee department store in Malmesbury before moving briefly to Gloucester and then returning to Malmesbury to begin her career in care.She started out at another care home and after just one year became Shift Leader where she stayed another 18 months before moving to Athelstan House as Care Leader.
It was early in 2022 that she became Deputy Manager and aside from her care responsibilities in the residential households, Louise also enjoys managing the Athelstan House activities, team.
Louise enjoys finding solutions to any challenges and she loves helping residents and their families.Outside of work, Louise has four children and in her spare time, enjoys outdoor activities and day trips with the family.

She is passionate about providing quality palliative care and enjoys the challenges of wound care and pressure area prevention. She enjoys building relationships with residents, their families/friends and work colleagues to provide quality resident focussed care.
Her previous nursing experience was gained in Vancouver, Canada where she lived for 18 years and has brought with her important, extensive and valuable experience.
Family life is very important, she loves spending time outside walking, hiking, mountain biking when time and the weather permits.

Before starting at Athelstan House, Gail worked with children who had special needs but when the care home opened, she decided on a career change to expand her experience in a different area of care.
She enjoys running activities that make the residents happy and helping to make them smile. There are simply not enough hours in the day!

He trained for four years at catering school in Poland and following this, he became Chef to the Major General of the Polish Army in Warsaw, planning and preparing parties and banquets for the General’s guests.
In 2007 he moved to the UK to work for the Compass Group as a chef at RAF Cranwell where he was responsible for all meals prepared in the kitchen, cooking for 100-300 customers. He managed menu planning, stock control and general supervision of the kitchen team.
More recently, he was Chef for Richmond Villages retirement communities.
In his spare time, Rafa enjoys playing tennis, gardening, music and of course cooking!

Tracy has 30 years' experience working in the warehousing sector, from meat to furniture. She is relatively new to the area and also decided that a different career direction was in order too.

Donna’s career in care started 20 years ago, beginning as a Care Assistant and then progressing to a Care Leader when she began working for OSJCT Athelstan House in 2019. Donna has gained NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care in 2006 and Level 3 in 2015. Donna is extremely passionate about her own professional development and sharing what she has learnt with others to ensure high standards of care to all our residents. Donna is currently undertaking a Level 4 Apprenticeship. In her role as Care Leader, Donna works in partnership with our residents, families, colleagues and healthcare professionals to ensure the residents are our main focus and that their diverse and complex needs are met daily.

Left to right; Lynn, Louisa, Karen, Caroline, Gail (Activities Co-ordinator), Jean and Issy.
Our volunteers play an essential role in supporting our residents and team on a regular basis.

Blessword started his career with The Orders of St John Care Trust in 2023. He is enthusiastic, and confident working as part of a team. Blessword started as a Carer and soon progressed to being a Care Leader. He is also a trainer for People Moving and Handling at Athelstan House, Malmesbury.
Before joining the Trust, Blessword worked as a Nursing Care Assistant for Highway Polyclinic and part-time Hospital Administrator at Multichoice Hospital in the Midlands of Zimbabwe for two and half years. He also worked as a part-time Ambulance Technician, Healthcare Assistant for NectaCare Family Private Clinics and for NSSA Workers Compensation Rehabilitation Centre which specialised in comprehensive clinical treatment, including therapeutic and skills training for injured workers to enable speedy re-integration into communities and work situations In Zimbabwe.
Blessword has been commended for his excellent interpersonal and communication skills. He holds a certificate in Systemic Counselling from the National University of Science & Technology Zimbabwe, trained by the Medical Laboratory Clinical & Scientist Council of Zimbabwe for HIV Testing & Counselling, holds a certificate in Emergency Medical Training & is registered with the Allied Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe as an Ambulance Technician.
With his passion and keen interest in learning, Blessword is currently studying for a Diploma in Social Adult Care to enhance his knowledge and Skills in the UK. He is also supporting other Trust homes across Wiltshire with training new members of staff and offering refresher training.

the catering, the housekeeping and the maintenance. He loves the friendly atmosphere in the home and that the team create a new phase of life for each of the residents, and new experiences for them.
Peter retired from the Army after 37 years of service and now loves to spend his spare time with his grandchildren, or fly-fishing.

Peter has been with the Trust since 2019 and he looks after the non-care side of Hayward Care Centre e.g. the catering, the housekeeping and the maintenance. He loves the friendly atmosphere in the home and that the team create a new phase of life for each of the residents, and new experiences for them.
Peter retired from the Army after 37 years of service and now loves to spend his spare time with his grandchildren, or fly-fishing.
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