Water Mill House Care Home

Rose Lane (Off Red Lion Lane), Hemel Hempstead HP3 9BP
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9.8 102 Reviews
  • Water Mill House Care Home, Hemel Hempstead
Water Mill House Care Home provides expert care to adults (18+) with a range of support needs including rehab following a stroke or amputation, paralysis, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. The dedicated team also delivers residential, nursing and dementia care with love and kindness whilst holding platinum accreditation under the Gold Standards Framework for compassionate end-of-life care.

Residents are supported to try new activities and rediscover former hobbies. From music and movement sessions, reminiscence projects, to brain gym, and make a wish initiative, there is truly something for everyone. As well as frequent excursions to local places of interest on the minibus and visits from entertainers, schoolchildren and the ‘Newt Brigade’, the home’s preschool group.

Water Mill House is a stimulating environment that promotes independence. Set over three floors, the spacious home with state-of-the-art gym, equipped with cardio machines, resistance equipment and stretching aids, ensures a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, enabling community clinicians, physiotherapists and the home’s care team to work in partnership. Together they create and review personalised care plans that maximise each resident's rehabilitation potential, promoting their physical recovery, improving mobility, and enhancing communication skills.

Families are an integral part of life at the home, which boasts beautiful en-suite bedrooms, a bustling bistro, sunny rooftop terrace and on-site library, cinema, spa and hair salon. All surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens with scenic views of the Hertfordshire countryside.

The team receives comprehensive training and professional development to deliver the high standards of holistic care residents and families deserve. In November 2023, it was a finalist in the Dignity in Care category at the East of England Great British Care Awards 2023.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • 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 70 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
  • 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
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Victoria Forsythe (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (70)

Water Mill House Care Home Reviews (102)

9.8

Water Mill House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Water Mill House Care Home has 102 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Water Mill House Care Home
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Total of 102, showing 1-20
Review from Clare C (Wife of Resident) published on 27 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not wish for a better place to for my husband who has late stages of Parkinson's. The care and kindness from every member of staff is unbelievable. They give him his dignity, but health and safety always comes first. I don't know where we would be without Water Mill Care Home.
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Review from Anne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Over the last 8 weeks I have had encounters with this care home as we have made the difficult decision to put my mum into care. From our very first interaction with the home and staff it has been very positive. The care for my mum and the whole team has been so caring helping us all with this transition.
Mum is so much more active and is busy going on outings, joining in using her walker, things that were not happening previously. Highly recommend.
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Review from P M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every time I have visited my mother, I have found her to be happy and well cared for. The staff acknowledge and respect her by using her full name and greeting her with affection. There is always something going on and the staff encourage the residents to be involved.
I would recommend the Water Mill
House Care Home to anyone as they genuinely do care.
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Review from Kay H (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Water Mill House is a lovely care home with very good facilities and kind and welcoming staff. They have been unfailingly kind and supportive to me and my husband, who has used the day centre service for nearly a year.
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Review from S E (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had such a lovely family day on the Easter fun day at Water Mill House. The staff were amazing and worked so hard to make sure everyone was happy. The children had a great time on the bouncy castle and doing the Easter Egg Hunt! It is so lovely to be able to spend this time with our nan and do things
together as a family, so we were so grateful to be a part of it today! Thank you to everyone who made it happen.
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Review from S J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved my Mother to Water Mill as she had stopped eating or engaging with life at her previous care home.
In six weeks this situation has completely turned around. She is smiling again, engaging with staff and eating really well. The chefs/cooks at Water Mill have listened carefully to what Mum will
eat and have bent over backwards to ensure that she has nutritious food that she can enjoy. A very special mention for the hairdresser. She has encouraged and succeeded in getting Mum to trust her and have her hair cut and blow-dried for the first time in months. We are delighted and relieved to see Mum enjoying life again in this calm and caring place.
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Review from P W (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mum moved to Water Mill Care Home, I have witnessed a new energy in her. Before she had become reclusive. She now has a smile on her face every day. She also joins in all the day's activities and loves getting her hair done in the salon. The staff are accommodating and so kind and friendly.
Nothing is too much trouble. Dealing with all her appointments and medical needs before, therefore this is all taken care of so I can enjoy quality time with her. I am frequently asked by the team how is Mum, is there anything more we can do for her and for you. I would highly recommend Water Mill, I feel have my mum back again.
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Review from Peter R (Son of Resident) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Water Mill since March 2024, the Staff, Management and Facilities are superb, really giving me peace of mind. The team at Water Mill really go the extra mile to look after the residents and families. I could not think of a better place for mum, she really feels safe and happy.
I highly recommend Water Mill House.
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Review from N S (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has had a hard time settling. Also does not want to live or eat kitchen home made special meals. A particular staff member went out his way to get her the emergency mental health team. Management have moved her room so she can see fields & animals & the school. Staff at all times go out of their
way to help her make her feel loved & special.
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Review from Alison G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful staff, professional, friendly and very caring. I feel my dad is well looked after and his complex medical needs are monitored and administered to accordingly. All staff are proactive and reactive as and when required.
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Review from J M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My Grandmother was a resident for 7 years at Water Mill, many of them happily spent. Many of the staff during this time were fantastic.
However in 2024, we decided to move my Grandmother due to the decline in management & culture since 2020 when there was a change of management and style. My Grandmother's
care needs were not met due to poor management & oversight of care provision. There were two separate incidents where my Grandmother's health was severely impacted, one due to an undetected severe bacterial skin infection and then undetected bowel impaction. Subsequently, we did not have confidence in the management of care. In addition, we do not feel care costs are in line with similar quality homes (with higher rated CQC audits). We feel comfortable leaving this review now, as when my Grandmother's needs increased we made the distressing choice to move her at 89 years old to an alternative local home where she passed away in March, managed with care and dignity by the new team.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

Firstly, please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family at the passing of your grandmother. Thank you for your kind comments about our team, however I was really disappointed to read much of your review. The matters you refer to, which happened back in 2023, were thoroughly investigated by us and we kept your family closely updated with our findings and gave you further context at the time to help clarify what had happened. We were so saddened when you made the decision to move your grandmother to another home almost 12 months later as she was a much-loved member of our home. If I can be of any help at all in clarifying any detail with you directly, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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Review from E W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I recently visited my nan at Water Mill, it's been a while since I was there and what a warm welcome I received from the man on reception.
When I saw my nan she looked so happy, she was dressed immaculately her hands nicely manicured, she was excited to tell me about the new activity coordinator and
the lovely food she has been having.
The manager was walking past nans room she came in to say hello , it's so nice to have a manager who genuinely cares about her residents and her home.
Nothing is too much trouble and the manager does everything to make the lives of all that live at Water Mill fulfilled and happy,
I wouldn't have my nan anywhere else
Thank you to all the staff
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Review from O D (Grandson of Resident) published on 25 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dearest Gran was a resident here at Water Mill House Care Home for the last 2 years of her life. She was so happy there the care and attention that the staff and the manager gave was out of this world. The home has a lovely atmosphere everybody is treated with dignity and respect you wouldn't find
a better home.
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Review from L O (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
I want to start by acknowledging that a majority of the staff at Watermill Care Home are caring and compassionate. However, I'm concerned about the level of care my father has received during his end-of-life care. A majority of the issues have occurred during weekends and night shifts, when it seems
there aren't enough staff to meet the needs of residents.
My father has been left waiting for over an hour for pain relief and has been left in soiled pads for extended periods, which is unacceptable for someone in his condition. When concerns were raised, the response from management was dismissive, with comments like "you can move somewhere else" and "you need to adjust to how we do things here."
I believe the main issues stem from insufficient staffing and poor management. I hope this feedback is taken seriously to prevent others from experiencing similar distress during such a difficult time.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

We were pleased to read your comments about our wider team being caring and compassionate. However, we were saddened to read the remainder of your review. We take all feedback extremely seriously, carefully looking into the concerns you raised with us directly and we hope the detail we included in our recent letter has helped to provide comfort and show a more accurate picture of the situation.Please be assured the wellbeing and happiness of all of our residents is always at the forefront of everything we do and we remain committed to ensuring your father receives the very best care and you, as a family, continue to be supported during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to speak to us if you need anything.

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Review from Amanda M (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum came to Water Mill House for respite care and I cannot believe the change in her health and wellbeing as we prepare to go home. The amazing care she has received has helped her eat well, make friends and get stronger. We visit anytime and are always welcomed, the facilities and rooms are so
clean and bright with a calm, warm feel. Nothing is too much trouble for the wonderful staff. Thank you for looking after our mum so well.
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Review from Teresa E (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother was in this wonderful place for 3 weeks' respite in January 2025. Everyone working there was so friendly and caring towards mother and the family which put our minds at ease. We had total trust with the team looking after Mum's welfare. Communication with the family was excellent and very
responsive to our requests and needs. Mother settled in very well, we believe one of the main factors was due to all the staff's expertise and knowledge with caring for the vulnerable. Mother's appetite improved immensely due to the quality and variation of meals. The facilities were exceptional, a special mention to the Bistro and Hairdressers which made such a difference to Mother's experience. If our mother requires further respite, we would not hesitate to bring her back to Water Mill House.
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Review from Linda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father came to Water Mill House in November 2024 for respite. Due to the amazing care the staff have shown towards Dad he has now chosen to stay at the Watermill on a permanent basis. His mental health, happiness and well-being improved greatly within a week of being out of hospital and cared for
at the Watermill. The Watermill provide home-from-home care. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff are always cheerful and attentive to Dad. He is treated with dignity, care and tenderness. The family are welcomed and listened to. We have become his children and grandchildren again rather than his carers. Dad enjoys the variety of activities and feels safe and secure. Thank you so much to all the staff at the Watermill. The family can relax with peace of mind that Dad is well cared for.
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Review from Laura W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law went into the care home with advanced dementia and a significant bed sore. The team here worked very hard to try and heal the sore, provide pain relief and keep her clean and comfortable. This is a model care home. Clean, friendly, bright, decorated nice and modern with private bathrooms
per room. If you are worrying about sending your loved one to a care home that they may face neglect or be left 'to rot' then you really need to visit this place. My mother-in-law actually felt happier knowing she had what she needed on hand versus all the hassle of calling doctors and long wait times for district nurses etc. The garden is beautiful and always lots to see and hear. It never smelled bad and is a nice place for family and friends to visit as they can use the nice bistro/coffee shop/family dining room, gardens and even a library with books, games and puzzles for the little ones. An excellent care home.
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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has settled in well. Staff friendly and helpful.
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Review from David B (Stepson of Resident) published on 18 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am totally blown away by this fantastic care home my father-in-law resides at. Where do I start? The staff are amazing - nothing is ever too much trouble. You simply turn up as a visitor whenever you like (save lunchtime) and it really doesn't matter as they are not putting on a show for you; they
are simply getting on with their wonderful work. The manager is rightfully proud of her team and says it's been years since they ever needed agency staff. As a person myself that worked in care for last 20 years, that it amazing and only reaffirms that it is a nice place to work at. My father-in-law loves the staff and they appear to love him - you really can't fake this - it's really happening. The place is spotlessly clean whenever I visit. The cafe on the ground floor is a wonderful place to visit, the gardens are immaculate. I cannot thank the home enough! Wonderful.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.754)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10 for Water Mill House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.754 for Water Mill House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (358 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 426 Ratings = 4.754
  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 Water Mill House Care Home is based on 34 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 70 registered maximum number of service users is 14, which has been reached with 34 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: 20 Sep 2023

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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 (17)

Meet the Team (1)

Victoria

Victoria Forsythe

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2020

Victoria qualified as a registered nurse in 1993 and has worked in social care for 30 years, always driven by a passion for making a difference in people's lives.


Her journey began with the NHS in Lancashire, where she quickly advanced to Ward Manager. Seeking new challenges, Victoria moved south to embrace her first role as Deputy Manager in the care home sector and found her true calling.


With extensive experience in managing and commissioning care services, Victoria has successfully led both large, privately-run care homes and smaller, family-owned homes.


Drawn to Water Mill House for its warm, family atmosphere and commitment to making every day joyful and meaningful, Victoria has built strong, caring relationships with our residents and team.


When she’s not at work, Victoria cherishes family time with her husband Richard, son Harry, and Bichon Friese, Lily. She also loves to bake!

Frequently Asked Questions about Water Mill House Care Home

What types of Care is Water Mill House Care Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Water Mill House Care Home have?

There are 70 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Water Mill House Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Water Mill House Care Home to the centre of Hemel Hempstead?

2.2 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 Water Mill House Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Water Mill House Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.