I would not hesitate to highly recommend this care homeRichard B(Son of Resident/Service User)



I would not hesitate to highly recommend this care homeRichard B(Son of Resident/Service User)



Southwell Court is located in a lovely residential area in the village of Melbourn, near Royston on the border of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. The home provides daycare, short-term, respite care and longer term care and support for up to 40 people.
The comfortable bedrooms have ensuite facilities; there are large, separate communal lounges, a dining room, hair salon and adapted bathrooms. There are large gardens, accessible from the ground floor bedrooms,...
Care Provided by Southwell Court
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 40 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
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- 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
- Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1,400
- RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1,400
Weekly fees include personal care, all food and drinks, activities and entertainment.
Contact Southwell Court 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
- Black Swan Care Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Lisa King (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2023
Room Information
- Single Rooms (40)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
Visiting
- 24 hour visiting welcomed.
Parking
- Parking available outside home
Southwell Court Reviews (50)
Southwell Court has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Southwell Court has 50 reviews.
Dad moved to Southwell Court permanently after a short period of respite care there. He loved it. The staff are so caring and thoughtful, often going the extra mile for both Dad and for Mum when she visited. They were always welcoming and friendly and knew exactly what was happening all the time. Dad loved the activities and all that was going on. The staff managed to make what could have been a difficult time for all of us so much easier. Dad was really happy in his new home. Thank you.
When Auntie had to go into the home, she was not happy about it. She had tried some but was not happy. But when she came here, she loved everything about it, and we are very happy with every about the home. Staff are lovely. The care she is giving is excellent. We could not have wished for anything else. I would like to thank everyone for making Auntie so happy.
Me and my nan agree that all the staff are lovely and overall happy about the service she is provided with.
The staff and food are excellent. More than happy for my mother to be here. Great job! (All concerned).
We had concerns about putting Dad in a care home and viewed a few. When we walked into Southwell Court and met with the manager, we knew straight away we would like a place for Dad. He was fading away at home and talked about giving up, but since being here, he is improving every day and looks really well for his age. He looks forward to the activities and is getting his sense of humour back; he even said, "I might make 90" - (he's 85).
Sometimes good fortune falls on you. I wanted somewhere that was local to her family, so we chose Southwell Court. The first weeks were anxious. Would she like it? Will she be treated with dignity? What will the staff be like?
I have to say that I could not have hoped for a better outcome. The staff make or break a care home, and the staff here certainly make it. I thank them for the care that they show my mum and the treatment she receives.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. Mum has settled nicely into the home, and we could not imagine the home without her. Our staff are amazing, and when we receive kind words like this from families who have trusted their loved ones with their care, it means so much to us and them.
Southwell Court is clean, modern and light, and the staff are caring and attentive both to the needs of the residents and their relatives, and within a couple of weeks, Mum was referring to Southwell Court as home. We had originally proposed to move her to another home in the group after a period of respite care, but Mum decided she wanted to stay because she liked it where she was!
Mum has a small appetite, but nothing was too much trouble to prepare if Mum fancied something to eat, and the entertainment kept her amused and occupied.
I live in the States, and the people at Black Swan are taking care of my parents. From me calling up to check on them and the way they treat my mother and father as their own family, I cannot praise enough every person that looks after them. If it came to a time I was required to go into a care home, this is the place I would want to be. Thank you isn’t enough for me to know my parents are well looked after.
Southwell Court too my father on a day's notice of respite care. They could not have been more helpful and friendly. My father felt at home within a day and loved the company, quiet, entertainment and food. The family were also made very welcome, even with the Covid situation.
My dad has been in the home since June 2020. He went into lockdown and was very happy that the then manager left. And someone else took over, and everything went downhill badly. Had a lot of problems, and nothing was ever done. But a new lady manager took over, and things have improved no end. The staff are lovely, and he is a lot happier. Lots of new things are happening, and it’s a completely different place than a few months ago.
Firstly, thank you for your review and the feedback you have provided, I will share this with the management and staff today. We are excited for Southwell Court and the positive things we are bringing in at the home both now and in the future, and dad will be part of our journey. Thank you again; it's our pleasure to support dad.
My mother went to Southwell Court following a fall at home - initially for respite care, but after only a week, has decided to stay! Impossible to convey in words how caring and compassionate all the staff are, not only to the residents by also to their families. Southwell Court has retained my (very independent) mother's dignity and self-respect above and beyond my hope and wishes. PS, the food is outstanding too!
Thank you
We were very worried when my mother couldn't care for herself anymore and needed to go into care. It's a great relief to know she is safe and being well cared for. Located in a residential area, Southwell Court has recently been refurnished. It is beautifully decorated, homely ambience with plenty of light. Decent size bedroom with en-suite is well furnished and nicely decorated, and the view from the window overlooks the garden. Light and airy dining rooms and comfy lounges to escape to. They also have a cinema room, where you can enjoy a movie night away from your room with family or friends. When talking to the staff directly at the home or on the phone, they are very friendly, helpful and provide a good level of care. My mother seems very happy here and is always saying how nice the staff are.
Thank you.
Since being here, I have been completely satisfied with all aspects of care, food and accommodation. I would recommend these premises to anyone in need. The staff, male and female, are exceptional, caring, gentle and experienced.
Many thanks for your kind comments, which I will pass on to our care staff and management as feedback from yourself. This is so lovely to hear, and I am so pleased you wanted to share it with everyone!
I came to this home after three months in hospital following my leg being cut off. The staff created a home for me where I was cared for and treated very well and my needs catered for. The food has been good, and my needs as a diabetic have been catered for. The home is friendly, clean and well-managed.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We wish you all the very best.
I have been at this home about two months approx. I find this place friendly and the surroundings and grounds pleasant.
Having spent some time in another care home and being very unhappy, I am happier here than I was expecting to be. I have a good relationship with the manager, who makes me feel at ease enough to voice my comments, be they positive or negative. Where up to date, all my problems have been sorted out for me.
Thank you for your honest and forthright review. It is fantastic to know that our new home manager is providing you with the peace of mind that any issues you bring up will be resolved in a timely manner.
During the summer months, it was apparent the home was having management and staffing issues. It now seems that things have improved, although, as we all know, staffing is still an issue and the home is reliant on agency. But I think the home does a great job and gives Mum the best of care.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a positive review. We are glad you feel the new home management has led to improvements - that is exactly what we want to hear. While we are still having to utilise agency due to the ongoing national care staffing crisis, we are actively recruiting as we...
I am very happy with the care my mother receives. She is always treated with the utmost respect. The staff are extremely kind and helpful. I have a very good relationship with the manager, who is always able to answer any questions and sort out any issues I may have; she is excellent.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are very grateful to you for taking the time to complete one. We are thrilled that you are happy with the service we are providing your mother and that you have a positive view of staff and management. We are here to help however we can!
This was the third care home my wife has stayed at for respite, and is by far the best. I found all the staff extremely good, and the room she had very nice, and I would be very happy for her to have further stays at Southwell Court, thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind and positive words. We are so pleased that the home lived up to the standards we wish to provide for all our residents. You are welcome any time!
My room was a good size, with my own shower room. I was able to enjoy the wildlife outside, especially the squirrels and various birds, especially magpies. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The food was good. I enjoyed meeting other residents and chatting with them.
Thank you for your kind words. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 07 April 2021- Caring Good
- Effective Good
- Responsive Good
- Safe Good
- Well-led Good
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
8 Bed Vacancies
Posted: 13 July 2026Single En Suite
News (1) & Events (0)
- Posted: Wednesday 22 Oct 2025The multi-award winning Black Swan Care Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired All Hallows Care Home, in Bungay, Suffolk marking a major strategic investment in local care...
There are no upcoming events for Southwell Court.
Awards / Recognitions (11)
- Recipient: Black Swan Care GroupDate: Friday 30 Jan 2026
- Recipient: Black Swan Care GroupDate: Friday 31 Jan 2025
- Recipient: Black Swan Care GroupDate: Wednesday 31 Jan 2024
Meet the Team (1)
Lisa is the dedicated registered manager at Southwell Court.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Southwell Court to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Southwell Court has an Enhanced Service - more info.