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 61-80
Review from J A (Husband of Resident) published on 9 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Water Mill House Care Home is a haven for those in need of care, unfortunately, my wife is unable to make full use of the facilities that are provided. The staff are very caring and care for all of her needs and the accommodation is second to none providing a very pleasant environment.
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Review from H H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall happy with Mum’s care at the home. Her room is wonderful and always clean.
Sadly only negative is I think staff are currently a little stretched. So I’m glad we are able to help when needed.
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Review from Alan Y (Husband of Resident) published on 28 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife was cared for with kindness and respect throughout her seven-week stay. The staff were all helpful and caring.
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Review from Rhoda J (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Leaving your mother in the hands of strangers is a huge step, especially when she has dementia and keeps forgetting that her husband of 69 happy years has since passed away. We put lots of effort into choosing the right care home and I am so pleased to say we chose a great one in Water Mill House! We
live abroad so it's so important to have complete confidence in the carers looking after your loved one. We have that confidence and those around Mum have become family to her and to us. This care home stood head and shoulders above all the others we visited, we made the right choice.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

Your kind words mean so much to Team Watermill who appreciate your time spent sharing this experience of our care, hopefully, it will assist others in making such an important decision. Thank you,

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Review from Michael H (Son of Resident) published on 11 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Water Mill House Care Home for the last four years. She has been extremely well cared for and the fact that she enjoys that level of care and attention allows me and my family the peace of mind to not have to worry about her and her wellbeing. The home has also been extremely well
run during Covid and has not experienced the problems that other care homes have had.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

How lovely for you to take time out to let others know your experience of our home. We are very proud of Team Watermill from Housekeepers and our kitchen team through to our Caregivers, who have all shown love and compassion to our Residents and their families during a tough year for us all.

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Review from Ann S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the start of Mum’s start at Water Mill House we received a warm welcome by someone who we could see had experience and compassion.
Throughout Mum’s stay was a very difficult time, both with lockdown and her frail and fragile health.
At all times we were kept informed of how she was through regular
consistent communication and visits when restrictions were lifted, keeping everyone safe.
The staff built up a strong relationship with Mum and as a family we knew that she would receive the comfort that we as a family were unable to give and all her need’s met.
Our thanks go to all the team at Water Mill House.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

On behalf of the Watermill team I would like to thank you for your lovely words of appreciation, it means so much to the team to hear back from families and makes our work so worthwhile. Our love to you all.

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Review from Caroline T (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum continues to thrive under the care of the wonderful staff at Watermill House. We don't get to visit her much at present but did so two weeks ago when she was accompanied by a wonderful Senior on the second floor. Mum, who was always a little difficult, is now relaxed and happy and clearly adores
her. I was reminded of a visit to the home at the beginning of the year which I should like to share.
The corridors and a small sitting area are cheerfully decked out with silk flowers, which the residents enjoy. On this occasion, it looked as though a bomb had gone off with flowers strewn around and chairs upended. One of the new residents was proving rather difficult and had even attacked staff. She was being moved so that she could receive the help that was required. As a member of staff, I would have been glad to see the back of her, but not this wonderful Senior, who said "poor thing, hopefully, they'll sort her out and she can come back to us". This sums up the ethos at Watermill House.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

It means so much when people recognise the amazing work that our team undertake on Candlesticks where we care for those living with dementia. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences to help others who are looking to find the right environment for those they love. Best regards.

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Review from Deborah S (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother came to Watermill House in August this year on end of life care.
It was a very upsetting time for us all, but the nurses / carers were all brilliant.
They were so compassionate, caring and informative of what was happening with Mum.
Her room was spotless.
Everyone was so kind and supportive.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

Team Watermill would like to thank you for your very kind words and appreciation, it is a privilege to be able to support families during end of life care for their loved one time. Best wishes to you and your family at this time.

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Review from June H (Wife of Resident) published on 13 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Special thanks to all the caring staff at the home for all the excellent care that they give to my husband. I couldn’t wish for a better home for him, he always appears to be very contented when I speak to him.
I would particularly like to thank all the staff who are the carers that I speak to often
on my husband's floor, who go out of their way to reassure me as to his welfare, also like to thank the member of staff in admin, and all staff and carers at the home.
Many thanks.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

So lovely to receive this review which recognises the whole team approach here at Water Mill. Thank you for taking the time to write a review it will mean so much to Team Water Mill that their care does not go unnoticed.
Best Regards

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Review from Amy P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 12 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My nan is staying at Water Mill House, and we are extremely pleased with the care she is receiving. The new manager is very efficient, and we have already been invited to attend virtual relatives meetings and encouraged to contact the home with ideas we may have. I have been able to see my nan in the
special visiting area, which is lovely, and my nan is very happy there.
Reply from Victoria Forsythe, Home Manager at Water Mill House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words I am glad you enjoyed our virtual relatives' meeting which enables more people to engage and remain involved and informed. The whole team at Water Mill thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Best wishes, Victoria.

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Review from Eleanor G (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum lived for the last 2.5 years of her life on the dementia level. It became her home. The staff caring for her genuinely bonded with her and she with them. Immediately we saw the huge change in her level of happiness and contentment as she benefitted from the companionship of being around people
(not just the carers, but the other residents too) and the enjoyment of being able to take part in the activities offered there. As a visitor, if Mum was already happily engaged in an activity, I would be welcome to join in. The Bistro and garden are lovely. I was always impressed with how well-groomed Mum was, with her hair freshly cut in a variety of styles that really suited her. When she deteriorated very suddenly, we were kept informed and we were able to spend the whole day with her, the end of life care given in the room she had always had; no need to move her to the nursing floor. Staff supported us throughout that day with kindness and sensitivity.
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Review from J B (Resident) published on 7 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Exemplary care and devotion, excellent in all respects.
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Review from E F (Friend of Resident) published on 12 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit a dear friend who is resident in this home, and I am always truly impressed with the hospitality of all the staff. The care given to the residents is excellent, according to my friend, who now calls the place 'home'. Everywhere is always very clean and well presented, plus the activities and
outings for the residents appear to be an excellent choice.
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Review from Penny Y (Friend of Resident) published on 22 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have visited a dear friend of mine regularly for the past two and a half years at Water Mill House. Each time I receive a warm welcome from all the staff I see and they have become like family. The home has a real family, caring atmosphere. Staff take time to really get to know each one of their residents
and their needs, in a sensitive, unobtrusive way - with a kind word of encouragement just when needed. Nothing is too much trouble - it is always fresh and clean with real fresh flower arrangements around. There are lots of varied exciting activities each day and a very well run Bistro where residents and friends can chat over a cuppa.
My friend describes it as 'my home' which says it all.
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Review from J R (Husband of Resident) published on 25 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife recently stayed at this care home for respite for 2 weeks.
The managers and staff were very professional, she was treated with kindness and her care was exemplary. The home is clean and nicely decorated. My wife had the opportunity to participate in activities daily. I would recommend this
home to our friends.
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Review from Charmaine J (Respite Resident) published on 20 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After my total knee replacement surgery in hospital, I selected the best place for respite care. I have stayed in other places before. Water Mill House Care Home was the best place for me. Starting from the directors going down to all levels of staff were very caring and helpful. They were always full
of love and ever ready to help with anything. My room, with the en-suite bathroom, was kept very clean and tidy. All areas of the home were kept very clean. I always admired the decor of the place. I was so taken up with the beautiful paintings and pictures on the wall. The place is like a five-star hotel. It was a perfect holiday and a rest for me. There were some very good activities and entertainment throughout the week. I will always recommend the beautiful home to my friends.
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Review from D B (Respite Resident) published on 3 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend this home to anyone who needs long stay or short it is a lovely home and all the staff are so kind and caring. I would come back again.
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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 6 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The change in my mum in just one week was amazing.
They clearly must have a magic touch.
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Review from A B (Resident) published on 2 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Please see my ratings as I am extremely pleased with the way I have been looked after. This is the first time I have been in a care home.
I have found it very interesting, with a lot going on for me.
I have been able to have a foot massage, watched a film.
I have also done flower arranging since
I have been here.
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Review from Michael H (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother spent the last six months of her life at Water Mill. We all felt that she was very well treated by all the staff and that the spirit in the home was just right. The administration and accountancy side, both of which I had direct contact with, were excellent. The visiting doctor excelled.
It was a very difficult time for our mother and she was demanding. Nonetheless, she received a level of care and kindness that was exemplary.
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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!

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