
Everyone is so warm and welcoming, and everyone who visits is really impressedJem D(Husband of Resident/Service User)

The way in which he was admitted, cared for and encouraged has been fantastic.Mark P(Son of Resident/Service User)

A clean, modern, friendly environment with pleasant, capable staff and positive atmosphereNatasha B(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

Everyone is so warm and welcoming, and everyone who visits is really impressedJem D(Husband of Resident/Service User)

The way in which he was admitted, cared for and encouraged has been fantastic.Mark P(Son of Resident/Service User)

A clean, modern, friendly environment with pleasant, capable staff and positive atmosphereNatasha B(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

The Orchard Nursing Home is located in a quiet residential area of St Albans, a calm and welcoming setting for residents. This purpose-built care home features bright and modern interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens and a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort and relaxation.
Highly trained staff are available to get to know residents individually, offering the highest standards of residential, nursing and dementia care on a permanent and short stay...
Care Provided by The Orchard Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Younger Adults
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 63 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
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Orchard Nursing Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Orchard Nursing Home 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
- Caring Homes Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Dumitru Varzaru(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 40+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2013
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (63)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (63)
Visiting
- Visitors welcome at any time, but The Orchard Nursing Home would encourage visitors to call in advance to ensure that any specific arrangements can be met.
Parking
- The home has its own car park for visitors.
The Orchard Nursing Home Reviews (114)
The Orchard Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.689) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Orchard Nursing Home has 114 reviews.
My mother spent the last 6 mths of her life in The Orchard. There was a welcoming and relaxed but professional atmosphere which helped the residents and their families feel at home. The Orchard is well led by their manager and his senior staff who were always available and helpful. Mums views were valued and changes made when possible. All the staff were kind and supportive, with a can do attitude and positive approach. Mum was treated with dignity and respect by everyone, the care staff were attentive and responsive to her changing needs. As a family we were attentive and responsive to her changing needs. As a family we were always made to feel welcome, there was excellent communication with G.P services. Her end of life was dealt with in a sensitive and appropriate way.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and your kind words and recognition of our team at The Orchard Nursing Home. We are sorry for your loss, and we hope we made your Mum's time with us as comfortable and peaceful as possible. The care and services we deliver as a team to our...
My mother has been at The Orchard since April 2024 and I just wanted to say how amazing all the team are from Christine the cleaner, Donna the receptionist, Cynthia and Dumitru and all the wonderful nurses and care workers. I can't express how grateful I am to everyone who looks after my mother on a daily basis. Everyone does a fantastic job. Not foggeting Steve the Handyman, Julie and her team and all in the kitchen and the laundry! Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Zoe. We are so pleased to read your positive comments about your mother's care and the recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. We're glad you feel the team are very accommodating, your mother's needs are being met, and that she's in capable hands. Your feedback will be shared with the team who will be delighted with your review.
This was the first time we'd made use of a care home and tried one week of respite care for my mother, who is suffering with Alzheimers disease. The experience was first-rate and we will definitely make use of this excellent facility again. With huge thanks to all of the staff and also particularly to Daisy - the lovely dog... of whom my mother became very fond!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so please to read your positive comments about your mother's care and the recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. Your feedback will be shared with the team who will be delighted with your review.
I have been very happy and well cared for here.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Gina. We are so pleased to read your positive comments about the care you are receiving and for your recognition of the team at The Orchard Care Home. Your feedback will be shared with the team.
I have visited the orchard nursing home recently my dear friend admitted as respite care .My first impression gained feel as homely environment. I have met the General Manager Dumitru excels strategic leadership with exceptional intelligence .The staff are well led they are very compassionate .I felt like family atmosphere , the care staff are so compassionate. I have been look after very well I saw how residents are engaging in activities carers cater for residents interest which are highly praised .The general manager has excellent communication with families and friends .I felt listen and would like to come to stay for vacation as respite care .My friend has been looked after very well and had a good experience. The general manager Dumitru is very friendly approachable to talk .I have been overwhelmed experiencing a positive moment .The food is nutritious food with flexible dining options and support for those who are in need .I will recommend the orchard nursing home .
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so pleased to read your positive comments about the care your friend is receiving and the recognition the team at The Orchard Nursing Home has received. The care and services we provide to our residents and families are important to us, and...
The Orchard is well kept. The majority of staff are pleasant and helpful. The management excellent. I would recommend The Orchard. Thank you for making my stay very pleasant. Manager goes out of his way to sort out any problems lovely man!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased to read your positive comments about the care and the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. Your comments will be shared with the team.
Given that I'm younger, in my 40's, they accommodate for all my needs and requests. I really cannot find fault. Everybody is great.
Michael, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so pleased to read your positive comments about your care you are receiving and the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. The care and services we provide to our residents and their families are important to us and it's lovely to read...
I can't fault The Orchard. The staff are very caring and always have a smile. It's lovely to know a nurse is on duty for medical things. The rooms are lovely nice and big so all the important things for your loved one can be placed around to make it homely. Food is great and the cakes are wow factor. Fantastic place.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Sandra. We are so pleased to read your positive comments about your Mum's care and the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. The care and services we provide to our residents and their families are important to us and it's lovely to read your comments...
Since Mum went in the nursing staff have assisted with her medication, hearing, dementia diagnosis and hearing issues.
The staff all smile, know the residents and treat them in a friendly manner.
On arrival to visit you are always greeted with a smiley face
Duncan, thank you for your kind words and recognition of our team at The Orchard Nursing Home. We are so pleased to hear that we're meeting your expectations and that you were greeted with a warm welcome upon arrival at The Orchard. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and...
My mum became a resident at "The Orchard" Camp Rd St Albans in July 25. She was very happy there from day 1. She made lots of friends and joined into all the activities. My mum died Tuesday 13th Jan while being cared for by the staff at Orchard. They couldn't have done a better job or been more professional. My mum refused to go back to hospital because she wanted to continue her stay in the home familiar surroundings, in her own room, with friends.
David, thank you for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. We are sorry for your loss. We were pleased to be able to give your mum the support she needed. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us, and it's lovely to read that your comments reflect this. Your comments will be shared with the team.
We have been very impressed with all aspects of the Orchard Care Home. All the staff are very friendly, helpful and kind. There is a friendly feel as soon as you walk in the door and meet the reception staff. My mother in law was made as comfortable as possible in the last five months of her life and was able to make friendship with staff and residents. The end of life care that she received was wonderful. We felt she has been cared for as a family member and and the nurses, carers and the manager were fully supportive of us at the end. Thank you.
Deborah, thank you for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. We are sorry for your loss. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us, and it's lovely to read your comments reflect this. Your feedback will be shared with the team.
Kind and caring attentive after hospital stay.
We would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and positive comments about the home and team at The Orchard Nursing Home. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us, and it's lovely to read your comments reflect this. Your feedback will be shared with the team who will be delighted with your 5*review.
A bright welcoming reception, tastefully decorated corridor beautiful photographs of Verulamium and addressed by name by everyone on arrival. No matter whatever nursing, caring or food beverage, everyone kind, gentle, welcoming and encouraging, smiling faces. It was a joy to be looked after by such people facilities and activities did not really apply to me respite only 2 weeks.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and positive comments about our home and team at The Orchard Nursing Home. Your feedback will be shared with the team, who will be delighted with your review.
Friendly caring staff
Clean pleasant surroundings
Very useful for convalescence to enable an earlier discharge from hospital
Thank you for your care much appreciated
One thought would be that riser recliner chairs for less mobile clients would be a great help
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased to read your positive comments about The Orchard Nursing Home and our team. It's wonderful to know that the care and support provided meet your expectations. Your feedback has been shared with the team.
The Orchard is a wonderful, caring, organised nursing home staffed by well trained, cheerful staff. Mum was welcomed not only by nurses, carers, management but also by other residents. The staff have cheerfully negotiated the challenges of helping her settle after living her own home for so many years. They help and encourage her to enjoy the many social aspects of the home and her standard of care is excellent.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Orchard and for your positive comments about our home and team. We are pleased to hear your mother has settled into the home and that she's enjoying the social aspects the home has to offer. Your comments have been shared with the team who will be delighted to hear your feedback.
Very pleased with the home. Staff friendly, food excellent, care very good. To date we are very satisfied, overall. We are always greeted by friendly staff when we visit.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us, and it's lovely to read your comments reflect this. Your feedback will be passed on to the team who will be delighted with your 5* review.
I am very please Stella is living in The Orchard Nursing Home and find it very satisfactory, no its good.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, John. We appreciate your kind words regarding The Orchard Nursing Home and have passed your feedback onto the team.
I have been a resident at The Orchard for over two years. I looked at seven homes and chose The Orchard. I have had no reason to regret this choice. The staff are caring and considerate. It is a place of safety and well-being.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to read your positive comments about The Orchard Nursing Home and the care you are receiving. We appreciate your recognition of our team, and your feedback will be shared with them.
2nd time for respite.
We would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and positive comments about the home and team at The Orchard Nursing Home. All comments will be passed on to the team.
A well presented and organised event.
Very informative with good dialogue.
My contribution was to commend the home on the excellent care my wife receives and the friendly approach of the staff.
I have commented prior to this review but feel the need to provide further comments as the home has maintained a good standard.
I am absolutely impressed with how my wife's condition has greatly improved since becoming a resident at the home.
To find her so happy and content is a real joy for my family and friends to see.
Courteous staff as you enter and a fun environment all around, especially the activities.
I cannot recommend the Orchard more favorably and feel, we, as a family made a good choice placing my wife there.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words and recognition of the team at The Orchard Nursing Home. The care and services we deliver as a team to our residents and families are extremely important to us, and it's lovely to read your comments reflect this. Your feedback will be shared with the team who will be delighted with your 5* review.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 01 August 2019Good
- 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 (2) & Events (0)
- 17 Sep 2025
We are proud to be in partnership with Therapy on Thames whose expert physiotherapists use our onsite specialist physiotherapy room and equipment to support residents needing physio after a fall...
- 22 May 2025
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It is most associated with Alzheimer’s...
There are no upcoming events for The Orchard Nursing Home.
Awards / Recognitions (13)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Caring Homes Group
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Caring Homes Group
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Caring Homes Group
Meet the Team (3)

As the Home Manager, I believe that our residents should be treated with the highest quality of care possible and I have the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. I lead by example and involve myself in the day-to-day life of the home as well as making The Orchard a happy and enjoyable place in which to live and work.

Our carers and nurses are highly skilled, with qualifications to manage all types of care, including residential, nursing and dementia. Within each team, we’re able to offer specialist care for complex conditions.
I bring a wealth of clinical expertise and compassionate leadership, supporting high-quality care and ensuring residents at The Orchard feel safe, respected and well looked after every day.

I support families from the first enquiry, offering guidance, reassurance and a warm welcome to help make choosing care at The Orchard feel easier and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Orchard Nursing Home
What types of Care is The Orchard Nursing Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The Orchard Nursing Home have?
There are 63 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The Orchard Nursing Home?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is The Orchard Nursing Home to the centre of St Albans?
1.0 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 The Orchard Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Orchard Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.