This care home stood head and shoulders above all the others we visited, we made the right choice.Rhoda J(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

she has made new friends and enjoys all the activities but still gets the 24-hour care she needs.J M(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

we knew that she would receive the comfort that we as a family were unable to giveAnn S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

This care home stood head and shoulders above all the others we visited, we made the right choice.Rhoda J(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

she has made new friends and enjoys all the activities but still gets the 24-hour care she needs.J M(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

we knew that she would receive the comfort that we as a family were unable to giveAnn S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

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, holding Platinum Accreditation under the Gold Standards Framework for compassionate end-of-life care.
In 2026, Water Mill House won the Palliative Nursing Home Provider Award at the...
Care Provided by Water Mill House Care Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Learning Disability / Autism
- 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 70 Service Users
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
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
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- 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 Water Mill House Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.Contact Water Mill House Care 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Carebase
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Victoria Forsythe (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 18+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (70)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (70)
Water Mill House Care Home Reviews (120)
Water Mill House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.747) out of 10, based on 42 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Water Mill House Care Home has 120 reviews.
my sister has been resident at watermill for nearly two years I was and still am very impressed with the care and love that the staff treat the risidents. its always consistant they go out of their way to make sure every resident is safe and cared for the activities are very good. the home is beautifully decorated and welcoming
The care and kindness my father received at Water Mill House during the final months of his life was outstanding. Every member of staff are absolute super stars in my eyes. Thank you so much.
All the staff in all areas are kind and attentive. The rooms are kept spotless. The food is of very high quality, especially the luxurious desserts. My mother is very fussy and likes routine. The staff acknowledge this and my mother is very settled and her anxiety levels are kept low. The home has nice views from the rooms. The home is readily accessible by all forms of transport.
My parents both have dementia and have lived at Water Mill House since 2022. My father passed away in November 2025. The end of life care that he received there was compassionate and attentive and his last days were calm, peaceful and pain-free. My mother has advanced dementia and still lives at Water Mil House, where she benefits from the warm, cosy environment and excellent variety of activities and social events.The staff know her inside out, understand how she ticks and provide her with great affection and reassurance. They helped her transition from wife to widow with kindness and sensitivity.
From the minute you walk through the door, you feel warmth, and are greeted by every member of staff from reception, staff in the Bistro, carers, general and Deputy Manager. Both my parents are currently on the nursing floor, and the care they are receiving is exceptional. When they are able, they love all the activities, bingo, French Boules, playing Scrabble, and sharing a cuppa with other friends in the home. I feel so grateful that they are so happy being able to have the care and support they are receiving. Thank you.
Highly recommended
Water Mill House is the most comfortable and professionally run home what I could find in the area. The staff are well trained and compassionate with a high number of nurses even on the non-nursing floors. The home has weekly visits from the GP. There are plenty of activities to liven the day and keep a positive mindset. The rooms are very attractive and comfortable. Families are included and made welcome. I thoroughly recommend it.
All staff are always very welcoming, and always take great care over dad. Very respectful of him and his face lights up when they speak to him.
I find all staff at Water Mill House to be caring, and in good spirits.
This month my husband was supported to a family occasion with a very caring and kind member of staff who helped the day go very well.
A huge thank you to all involved.
Staff are always friendly and family are always made to feel welcome. Lovely to be able to spend time together as a family, whether in the Bistro, cinema room or at the events put on by the home. Nan is well cared for and seems happy and content.
Staff are very friendly and kind. There are lots of things to do for the residents like animals coming in or trips. My nan enjoys it here.
We were made to feel welcome from our 1st visit to view the premises with very little notice. We were met at reception and given a comprehensive tour with nothing hidden, everyone going about their day to day routine.
The staff are all friendly and welcoming and all play their part in making the care home a nice place to reside.
Mum was a resident at Water Mill for the final six years of her life, and throughout that time she received excellent care. The staff showed genuine kindness, patience, and respect, treating Mum with real compassion. For the most part, they took the time to understand her needs, preferences, and personality, and this made a significant difference to her quality of life as her needs changed over the years. In particular, I would like to highlight the exceptional care provided during the final three weeks of her life, when she was placed in palliative care. The compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism shown by the staff during this period was outstanding. They ensured that Mum was comfortable, calm, and well cared for, and they were equally amazing in the love, support, and reassurance they gave to us as a family at what was a very difficult time.
We have tried other care homes in the area, but this appears to be the friendliest, and the staff are really caring. My wife only stayed a few days in Watermill this month, but will be coming back for a longer stay in December. The facilities are excellent, and it feels more like a hotel than a care home. Well done, everybody.
My one week stay at Water Mill House Care Home provided excellent respite care following an operation. The building is light, spacious, modern & well equipped. The staff are all friendly, welcoming & attentive. My only criticism of my stay was the food. I was on a liquid or soft diet and the kitchen found this difficult. The soups were good but the main course too solid. I required pureed food which they didn't provide. I noticed some of the residents were struggling with the food. Apart from this, I enjoyed my stay & felt it very beneficial.
We're sorry to learn that the food didn't...
I can't describe my sense of gratitude that our brother is being cared for with such compassion and diligence. The care home both cares and is a real home. There is no inkling of "institutional living". We were served the most delicious lunch and treated as real family members, not tiresome visitors. 5 stars all round! Thank you.
We came to Water Mill House to have lunch with my brother. We were greeted and met with great courtesy and had a coffee in the Bistro. The ambiance was lovely and the staff were friendly and helpful. Lunch was wonderful, tasty and beautifully presented. Prior to our visit we were treated with care and kindness. Nothing was too much trouble. Overall our experience was very positive and I feel my brother is in excellent hands.
I felt immediately at home on arriving at Water Mill House where I received wonderful care. The staff are all amazing, friendly, compassionate and caring. I was so impressed with all the activities that are organised; and although my stay was only a short one, I did feel that this was so important for long stay residents. If I have a small criticism it would be regarding the food. I found the meals rather stodgy and unhealthy, too much cream etc. Although I should say perhaps this is unfair as I was feels very nauseous due to medication. However this is such a small point and my congratulations to all management and staff on the way the home which run and grateful thanks to all.
The care home is well decorated, clean and tidy. The staff are very helpful, smiley and kind. Always trying to get the residents involved in numerous activities, including outside of the care home. Very well run.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 20 September 2023Requires improvement
- Caring Good
- Effective Good
- Responsive Good
- Safe Requires improvement
- Well-led Requires improvement
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 (9) & Events (0)
- 19 Jun 2026
Two residents from a care home in Hemel Hempstead enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they came face-to-face with elephants during a special VIP visit to Whipsnade Zoo. The lifestyle team...
- 19 Mar 2026
Passionate skier Craig Coverman thought he would never ski again after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 12 years ago. Thanks to his care home, Craig hit the slopes with some...
- 05 Feb 2026
A care home in Hemel Hempstead is looking for new recruits for its free weekly exercise class aimed at those aged 50 and older. Social Steadies takes place at Water...
There are no upcoming events for Water Mill House Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (20)
- 02 Jul 2026Recipient: Water Mill House Care Home
- 09 Mar 2026Recipient: Water Mill House Care Home
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Carebase
Meet the Team (1)
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, Younger Adults 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.