Water Mill House Care Home

Rose Lane (Off Red Lion Lane), Hemel Hempstead HP3 9BP
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9.7 118 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 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
  • 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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1900
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1900
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1900
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1900
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1900
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1900
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1900
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1900

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Water Mill House Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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)

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 Water Mill House Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

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)

Water Mill House Care Home Reviews (118)

9.7

Water Mill House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.715) out of 10, based on 46 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Water Mill House Care Home has 118 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Water Mill House Care Home
  • 48
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Total of 118, showing 41-60
Review from Louise S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dearest mum has been at Watermll Care Home since 2014. She has now been on all three floors - resident, nursing and now, dementia. Mum has always joined in with the many activities within the home and outings too, as well as getting her hair done weekly with the in-house salon. Mum has made many
friends with the residents, but also with the carers who look after her. Mum used to potter in her room with her radio on or watch TV, but when she wanted a chat or company would go to the lovely bistro on-site. Mum is now on the dementia floor and all the staff are marvellous which gives us, as Mum's family, some relief and reassurance. The manager of Watermill Care Home, her door is always open if you need answers or advice to any questions or worries you may have.
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Review from H C (Partner of Resident) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visited 4 local care homes when looking for a new care/nursing home for my partner. As my partner had previously been a resident in a care home, the experience taught me what we needed and were looking for. All 4 were clean, residents well presented, very good amenities and friendly staff. When I
came to visit Water Mill it had all that and more. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and, a stimulating yet homely environment. It has 'soul'. My partner moved in and Water Mill delivered. The staff are calm, caring, empathetic, well trained and work well as a team. The food is excellent with a planned menu. My partner is now putting back some of the weight he had lost. We are both so happy with Water Mill.
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Review from Jean W (Wife of Resident) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the carers and other staff are warm, friendly and compassionate. The BBQ party was a perfect example of this when everybody helped us and made it much easier for me with kindness and concern. I haven't been able to find out what activities my husband does apart from listening to music which he loves
but I can't thank the lovely carers enough!
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Review from M D (Respite Resident) published on 14 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very pleased to spend two weeks at the Water Mill House Care Home. I was made very welcome by all the staff who were friendly and very helpful. The rooms are spacious. clean and comfortable with excellent bathroom facilities. Having one's own toilet and television was a bonus. The food was generally
very good, especially the hearty breakfasts. I spent two very comfortable weeks on a lovely soft mattress. Good tea and coffee plus homemade cakes.
Highly recommend.
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Review from P D (Day Care) published on 13 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visited as a daycare resident. I get a bit lonely at home all day on my own. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed my day I had my hair done by the stylist. I then had a beautiful lunch. We played a competitive game of bingo and then I had a really relaxing foot reflexology session. Great package
and well worth the money. I have now booked in for fortnightly daycare.
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Review from Lynn L (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother described the care at Water Mill House Care Home as "excellent" and felt that the staff did their absolute best at all times. She was made to feel very welcome and staff went out of their way to provide everything she needed during her week of respite care.
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Review from Helen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident at Water Mill for nearly 5 years and I cannot thank and praise the staff here more for their care, support and love that they provide for not just Mum but for all the family! Dignity is paramount to the ethos of Water Mill and they make every endeavour to ensure that each and
every resident is cared for in the way they deserve!
The bistro is a definite bonus too, and serves delicious lattes, which makes visiting feel like you have gone out, even though you are still in the building.
Thank you to all the team.
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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother spent the last few weeks of her life on the dementia floor at Watermill House. The family were in and out of the house a lot during these weeks including in the evenings and overnight and saw a lot of the care being given to all the residents. We were very impressed by the kindness and respect
with which all the residents were treated, despite there sometimes being some quite challenging behaviours. We felt that the home was run by people who really cared about providing a safe and compassionate environment. My mother enjoyed all the activities provided when she was well and we felt that the way she (and we) were cared for at the end of her life was excellent. We are very grateful to all the staff that we can look back on this difficult time with the comfort of knowing that Mum was in the right place and with the right people around her.
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Review from R S (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We found the review meeting for my mum a very positive experience. The care home were able to talk about how they felt Mum was doing and made suggestions as to some additional activities which would benefit her - these will be added to her care plan. My brother and I were also encouraged to offer our
views on Mum's progress and current position. We felt listened to and that we would be consulted if any major changes became necessary.
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Review from J S (Wife of Resident) published on 7 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband a dementia patient (vascular) was diagnosed in 2017. He led a good life at home until 30/03/23 when he had to T.I.A's and lost the use of his arms and hands. The staff and management team have looked after my husband with kindness, dignity and humour these last five months. He was in hospital
for two months. He is able to communicate with these lovely people because he has got to know and memorise their faces.
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Review from D S (Brother of Resident) published on 24 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to point out the exemplary care of the day nurses and care assistants for my brother. They always listened to our concerns and we felt we could ask them anything concerning my brother's care. It was a very traumatic and stressful period for us as a family. However, the staff did everything
they could to help us get through this hard time. We are in awe of the staff and their commitment to care. the kitchen staff were lovely providing us with refreshments which we were very grateful for.
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Review from J M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law has been a resident at Water Mill House Care Home since December 2022. She is very happy at the care home as she enjoys all the activities planned each week. The staff are all lovely, very kind and caring towards her. Previously she lived alone in a flat and had carers visiting daily.
However, at the care home, she has made new friends and enjoys all the activities but still gets the 24-hour care she needs. Her family are all delighted that we chose this home
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Review from Brenda C (Wife of Resident) published on 1 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Of all the care homes in the local vicinity, Water Mill House is certainly the best, it's more like a hotel. The staff are friendly and caring, carrying out their duties in an excellent manner, despite complaints sometimes that their alarm isn't answered immediately. I explained to my husband that he
isn't being ignored - just that they are seeing to other residents. He is very happy and content in his surroundings.
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Review from Nigel M (Son of Resident) published on 9 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've written a review before on Water Mill House care home when my father first went in there. Sadly my 97-year-old dad passed away on April 10th, after contracting a chest infection, he was emphatic he did want to go to Watford Hospital after previously being left on a trolley for 9 hours!
His passing
a week later was peaceful, pain-free and dignified. The staff were awesome, so caring, kind and gentle. He passed away in a comfortable bed in a safe and secure and loving environment. I cannot praise and thank the staff and management of Water Mill House enough, it's a truly caring family atmosphere which I highly recommend.
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Review from A M (Partner of Resident) published on 14 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife is currently at Water Mill House for respite care. The care she has received thus far from the staff is outstanding. Upon the first time meeting with management, I was comforted by the fact that my wife will be well cared for. I have since developed a great relationship with the staff and management
and know that any problems that may arise will be dealt with effectively and with my wife’s best interest at heart. Thank you to the Water Mill House team for your fantastic work.
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Review from Robert C (Respite Resident) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been placed here by the NHS as a respite after a serious leg operation. I really can't thank all the staff enough for all the help and care I received during a very difficult time in my life. What better accolade can I give them than saying should the time ever come when I need care, I would
put this home at the top of the list.
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Review from Gaye B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Water Mill House Care Home go above and beyond to make the residents feel at home and cared for. Their patience and kindness was so touching, the respect and tenderness shown was heartwarming. The building is well maintained, decorated to a high standard and feels more like a lovely
country hotel. The food is exceptional, my mother-in-law was a very good cook and fussy about her food but could only compliment the staff for the wonderful meals. The staff were also happy to adjust meals or provide an alternative if the resident preferred. As a relative, it was such a relief and so much easier leaving her somewhere that I know was safe, comfortable and welcoming and that she couldn't be better looked after. The staff were also very kind and supportive to me and the other members of our family. There is always someone to talk to who would be happy to help or explain anything.
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Review from Suzanne F (Wife of Resident) published on 13 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has Alzheimer's disease, which is progressively worsening. He has been in Water Mill House for two months, during which time he has settled in far quicker than I anticipated. I think the whole process was harder for me to adjust to than it was for him. I visit frequently and am always welcomed
by both staff and residents alike. I am extremely satisfied with the care my husband is receiving in a harmonious environment where he is treated with dignity and respect. I am regularly updated as to his progress and the staff genuinely care and take the trouble to really get to know the residents and the complexity of their needs. It was a decision not lightly undertaken, but definitely the right one for him. Thank you to everyone at Water Mill House.
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Review from Karen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment I arrived for my first tour of the home, I was greeted with such warmth and understanding. The employees are amazing, compassionate and nothing is too much trouble. Without a doubt, this is as a result of exemplary leadership where clearly, employees are respected and respectful in return.
The continuity of employees is proof of this. Seeing and interacting regularly with the same faces is so important for both residents and family members. The surroundings and facilities are fabulous, cleanliness superb and I feel at peace in the knowledge my dad is being very well cared for.
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Review from D B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 21 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am delighted by the care and support provided to my relative. The range of activities, the upkeep and the general attitude of all staff are excellent, and as a distant relative (geographically), I always have the utmost confidence that she is being cared for in all respects.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.715)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.715) 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 4.7 out of 5 from 46 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 44 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 4.715 for Water Mill House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (427 Excellents x 5) + (93 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 543 Ratings = 4.715
  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 44 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 70 registered maximum number of service users is 14, which has been reached with 44 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 (18)

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!

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.