The Orchard Nursing Home

129-135 Camp Road, St Albans AL1 5HL
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9.7 106 Reviews
  • The Orchard Nursing Home, St Albans
The Orchard Nursing Home is located in a quiet residential area of St Albans, with a warm family atmosphere, 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 basis.

Staff strive for a blend of compassion and commitment, while the home has many pleasing features to add to the satisfaction of daily lifestyles, including en-suite bedrooms, activity rooms and landscaped sensory gardens.

Following a refurbishment, the nursing home has combined services, furnishings and equipment to ensure a luxurious standard of resident comfort and care in an attractive and restful environment. A bright and spacious interior includes a choice of lounge and quiet areas.
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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 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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1495
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1635
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1635
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1745
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1595
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1735
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1735
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1845

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

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

Contact The Orchard Nursing Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

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)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • 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 (106)

9.7

The Orchard Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.687) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Orchard Nursing Home has 106 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 75
  • 28
  • 3
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Date Published
  • 106
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Reviewer Connection to The Orchard Nursing Home
  • 42
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  • 6
  • 5
  • 5
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  • 3
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  • 1
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Total of 106, showing 41-60
Review from Georgina T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been at The Orchard for nearly three years, and I cannot fault their support and care. When you move your relative into a home, you do all the research you can and hope that you have made the right decision – with The Orchard, I can truly say that we have found another family. This choice is
reflected in my grandmother daily; she is treated with care and respect, has ‘in-jokes’ with each member of staff, and even on the worst days of her dementia, knows how safe she is. During the height of the pandemic, the staff at The Orchard mitigated as much fear and confusion as possible, bringing a spirit of camaraderie and security. The reassurance I feel in our decision is unquantifiable. Being able to visit her without any concerns is wonderful and has given us back our relationship without the additional stresses and worries of caring. Thank you all. So very much.
Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing HomeThank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review, Georgina! We're happy to hear that your grandmother is receiving such great care at The Orchard – she is an absolute pleasure to have as part of our family. I will pass on your wonderful comments to the whole team.
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Review from Francesca B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Orchard has become the next best thing from home for Dad and in some ways the best place. He has now been a resident for just over 4 years and in that time he has never complained to us about the care he is receiving. We witness on a daily basis the friendly and caring atmosphere generated by all
the staff. Any requests made by us on Dad's behalf have been acted upon in a speedy and professional manner and we know all the staff put the residents' needs first. Dad needs encouragement to join in with activities and the Well Being team are always up to get him involved in things they know he will enjoy. Dad had to spend some time in hospital earlier in the year which really affected him physically and mentally. On his return, the nursing and care teams have made every effort to get Dad back to where he was. When Dad is having a good day the way he interacts with the staff is a joy to be seen. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cannot say it enough.
Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing HomeThank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that your Dad is receiving such great care at The Orchard and I'm pleased your Dad is enjoying his time with us too. You kind comments will be passed onto the whole team who will be delighted to hear the praise.
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Review from Stephen J (Respite Resident) published on 7 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Orchard nursing home was the perfect place for me to recuperate after surgery on a fractured ankle. The staff were warm and friendly and I enjoyed socialising with the residents. Constructive feedback would include fitting larger sheets and duvets on beds; more extensive gluten-free food provision
and when you update the room alarm system, make sure that the sound only goes to the staff who need to hear it.
Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing HomeThank you, Stephen, for your review and positive comments regarding our home and staff who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. Your honest feedback is appreciated and will be passed on to the team.
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Review from M D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 25 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law spent ten weeks at The Orchard between December 2021 and March 2022. We chose The Orchard based on recommendations by friends which was then backed up by a very favourable initial visit. From the outset, we were highly impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the care and individual
attention given to the residents. Every effort was made to help her settle and the team were keen to find activities to suit her needs and interests and to get to know her as an individual. Residents are encouraged to mix and get to know one another, yet there is also respect for privacy and a resident's personal space. All family members who visited her, remarked on the friendly and caring family-like atmosphere. I have no hesitation in recommending The Orchard and in fact, have done so both during my mother-in-law's stay and afterwards.
Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at The Orchard Nursing HomeWe are so pleased to read your wonderful comments about the care your mother-in-law receives; the team were thrilled with your feedback as we strive for personalised-centred care for all our lovely residents.
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Review from Martin H (Son of Resident) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Orchard staff have been amazing, the activities team have really kept my mum occupied and the care shown has given us the satisfaction to know we made the right decision. I have visited lots of care homes in my occupation and this is certainly the best.
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Review from Jean B (Wife of Resident) published on 26 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband moved here to the dementia ward one week ago and I felt really happy from day one! The staff (which is the most important aspect, in my opinion, of any care home) are all absolutely lovely. The level of staff on the unit is high enough for them to take time with each resident, I see staff
continually talking to all the residents and treating them with kindness, dignity and even affection which really made me feel emotional. My husband is a high needs patient with advanced young onset dementia (FTD) and motor neurone disease. He has lost the use of his arms so he is very vulnerable and unable to do anything for himself. Knowing that the staff here are patient and kind is really reassuring. The management team are accessible and willing to help with all requests, where physically possible. In addition, the food is fabulous, the nursing care so far has been amazing with great attention and interest being shown in his condition and adjustments to his diet made almost immediately.
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Review from Jem D (Husband of Resident) published on 11 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My fiancee has been at the Orchard since May 2019. I could not have wished for a better care home for her after her severe cognitive impairment. The nurses and carers are wonderful with her showing empathy, respect and dignity. The whole team have shown her and me, so much love and care I cannot express
my gratitude enough. Wonderful, wonderful people.
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Review from Mark P (Son of Resident) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been at The Orchard for three weeks now. The way in which he was admitted, cared for and encouraged has been fantastic. He has gone from being bedbound to being up and in a chair/visiting the lounge/taking part in daily activities, even if in his room. Calls and visits are allowed, and
sensibly and carefully monitored. All in all, a fantastic home for Dad.
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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 10 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Orchard has cared for my mother excellently in the very difficult circumstances of 2020. They have managed to maintain some contact through video calls, and similar when actual visits were not possible.
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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Having been discharged from hospital, I placed my dad into The Orchard (Camp Road) for him to convalesce for three weeks. Dad and I found the staff to be so caring and attentive to all of my dad's needs. I was always kept informed of how he was. The nursing staff were excellent. One staff member was
my first point of contact placing Dad into The Orchard. She was so kind and caring. I would highly recommend The Orchard (Camp Road) for it's caring, professional and kind ethos.
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Review from T D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad was only at The Orchard Nursing home for a short time. Staff were very helpful and caring towards Dad, myself and the family. Communication was very good from the nursing staff and we were always kept in the loop. The home was always immaculately clean and great measures were put in place to keep
residents, staff and families safe. The activities are good for the residents with a wide range of things to do.
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Review from Alan H (Son of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent and safe home with many activities, and very good care for the elderly. The food is very good, and the staff are very friendly and efficient. If you need nursing care, I recommend The Orchard where the residents seem very happy and comfortable; even throughout the recent pandemic.
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Review from Stuart C (Son of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I feel that my mother is being well looked after. The management and staff are always polite and courteous and are well placed to provide the level of care appropriate to her needs. I realise that private health care can be quite expensive and getting the balance right is always a challenge.
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Review from Janet B (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has only been at The Orchard Nursing home for a few months and suffers from Alzheimer’s. The home is very well run, from management, reception and nurses. The nurses are very helpful, supportive, and caring. I am very pleased that my dad is being nursed and cared for in The Orchard. On entering
the home, everyone is very friendly and welcoming, the home is also very clean. The standard of both care and nursing is first class. Unfortunately, Dad has not been able to get involved in the activities, but there are always things going on run by the wellbeing team. I would highly recommend The Orchard.
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Review from Christine F (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise all the staff enough for their excellent care of my mother. During this difficult year of Covid, they have done everything possible to keep communications ongoing and visits open whenever possible. It has been a very difficult time for all made easier in the knowledge that my mother
is well cared for and the care home have kept me regularly updated with regards to my mother’s wellbeing. The staff are what make this care home a ‘home’, treating the residents with dignity and genuine care. I have no hesitation in recommending The Orchard.
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Review from Jane K (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As soon as I walked into The Orchard Nursing Home two years ago - I knew straight away it was the right place for my mother. My first impressions were how bright, cheerful and spacious it is. The rooms are very attractive and the beds comfortable and adapted for the elderly. All the staff are very professional
and helpful and there is always a smile and laughter echoing down the corridors. It was such a relief to know mother was in such competent and caring hands. The residents are entertained every day with new and interesting activities. The quality of all the staff is excellent. I would definitely recommend The Orchard Nursing Home in Saint Albans to any new residents.
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Review from Fiona K (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at The Orchards for nearly two years. During her stay, she always had excellent care from the nurses and carers. We had her first Christmas with her in the home, and everything was done to make it a special day for us. We had a private room, the food was very good and the wine.
The home is well run, the rooms reasonably spacious and it is surrounded by gardens. The activity staff are very involved in making sure there is always something to do for the residents, especially during these past months where the COVID has made their work even more difficult. I recommend this home without any hesitation and I'd like to thank the staff for all their help these past few difficult months.
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Review from M D (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at The Orchard were always friendly and efficient. They took excellent care of my mother in her final months. Thank you.
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Review from Elaine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has lived at The Orchard for 5 years and during that time I have always had any queries or questions answered giving reassurance to not only myself but my sister's also. This has been especially so during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The staff show care and respect to our Mother and we
have been very appreciative with all that they do for her.
I have often spoken to people about The Orchard and have no hesitation in recommending it.
Words do not seem to express the gratitude I have for all that the staff do for my Mother. Thank you.
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Review from Nick H (Partner of Resident) published on 29 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My wife has suffered from Alzheimer's for approximately the last four years, exacerbated in 2018 by a fall requiring a general anaesthetic to rebuild her hip. Matters deteriorated thereafter and in April 2019 she entered another Hertfordshire home. Due to a poor entry assessment which underestimated
the severity of dementia, the staff at the home could not cope and she was moved to The Orchard in September 2019.


Since then she has been well looked after - the staff are able to cope with her frustrations and have made these last seven months much more bearable for all concerned. Further, my family and I are welcomed and invited to join in activities. Regrettably, due to the pandemic, visiting has been suspended but the staff will bring her to her bedroom window once a week to wave to us in the car park below.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.687)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.687) out of 10 for The Orchard Nursing Home 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 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.687 for The Orchard Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (192 Excellents x 5) + (70 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 268 Ratings = 4.687
  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 The Orchard Nursing Home is based on 23 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 63 registered maximum number of service users is 12.6, which has been reached with 23 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: 1 Aug 2019

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

Meet the Team (3)

Dumitru

Dumitru Varzaru

Job Title: Home Manager

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.

Tubi

Tubi Malawo

Job Title: Deputy Manager

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.

Natalie

Natalie Collard

Job Title: Customer Relationship Manager

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.

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.