






Wellford Gardens is a purpose-built care home where residents are able to embrace a relaxed, all-inclusive lifestyle. There are 65 bedrooms, each featuring an ensuite wet room, and many boasting private patios overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens.
The home is a sociable place where residents can enjoy catching up with friends in the café, host family gatherings in the private dining room, or unwind in the cinema room, hair and nail...
Wellford Gardens is a purpose-built care home where residents are able to embrace a relaxed, all-inclusive lifestyle. There are 65 bedrooms, each featuring an ensuite wet room, and many boasting private patios overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens.
The home is a sociable place where residents can enjoy catching up with friends in the café, host family gatherings in the private dining room, or unwind in the cinema room, hair and nail salon, or treatment room. With daily activities and regular day trips, there is lots of opportunity to stay active, too.
At Wellford Gardens, as with all OSJCT homes, the team fosters a supportive community, centred around individual care. OSJCT specialises in dementia care, with a practical approach that supports the individuals living in the care, as well as families and friends. The Trust is proud to support dedicated Admiral Nurses, who receive ongoing development through Dementia UK.
As well as permanent residential and dementia stays, individuals are welcome to choose to come for shorter stays, enjoying luxurious surroundings, delicious cuisine, and refreshing beverages on the sun terrace or bar.
Care Provided by Wellford Gardens
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 65 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild 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
Other Care Provided
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life 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
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Your fees cover several areas whilst in our care. These services covered in all care types (except Day Care) are: personal care, chiropody, newspapers/magazines, hairdressing, medication and toiletries. Services covered in all care types include: Accommodation, utilities, use of communal areas, meals, drinks and snacks, laundry (excluding dry cleaning), housekeeping, maintenance and participation in a range of activities run by the home.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Wellford Gardens for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Wellford Gardens 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
- The Orders of St John Care Trust
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Rachel Joyce (General Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 63+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2024
- Last Refurbishment: 2024
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (65)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (64)
Visiting
- Wellford Gardens is located in Wheatley a pleasant village with a good mix of amenities: shops, cafés, pubs and green spaces. Make the most of your visit by visiting Wheatley Windmill, Shotover Country Park or the local heritage trails, one of which is about a mile in length, starting from the Merry Bells car-park. The home welcomes visits from relatives and friends. While specific “open-visiting” hours are not in place, the ethos supports flexible visiting. Visitors may join residents for meals if desired — letting the home know in advance is courteous and please be aware of protected meal service times (when dining rooms are at their busiest) so as to maintain calm and dignity for residents. Driving Instructions (from main roads) • If you are coming via the A40: from Oxford head east on the A40 towards Wheatley; take the exit / slip-road for Wheatley and follow signs for the village. The home is located on Park Hill, just off the A40. • Using a sat-nav, enter OX33 1ND. • From London / M40 northbound: join the A40 towards Oxford, then take the Wheatley turn and follow Park Hill to the home. • If using public transport: Wheatley is served by bus routes (e.g., the 400, 49) and has a stop near Park Hill Roundabout, just a short walk from the home.
Parking
- Visitors arriving by car should use the on-site parking/drop-off area at Wellford Gardens. If there is not an available spot or if in doubt come in the speak to the reception team that will also be able to assist you to the resident’s lounge or the resident’s private room. If on-site spaces are full, plan for a short walk from nearby parking in the village
Wellford Gardens Reviews (37)
Wellford Gardens has a Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Wellford Gardens has 37 reviews.
My gran lives in Wellford Gardens she is very happy. She has made friends, tonight I have attended the Greek Evening and seeing her in this environment was overwhelming. She is so content and interactions with the staff is lovely to see, they are all so caring. They do a great job! Thank you.
My gran lives in Wellford Gardens she is very happy. She has made friends, tonight I have attended the Greek Evening and seeing her in this environment was overwhelming. She is so content and interactions with the staff is lovely to see, they are all so caring. They do a great job! Thank you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Wellford Gardens. We are delighted to hear that your gran is so happy and is thriving in our care. But above all that she has made friends and enjoys our themed events.
Our team strives every day to provide a...
Good afternoon.Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Wellford Gardens. We are delighted to hear that your gran is so happy and is thriving in our care. But above all that she has made friends and enjoys our themed events.
Our team strives every day to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all our residents, it's wonderful to know that our efforts are making a positive difference. Your feedback is truly appreciated.
We look forward to continuing to support your gran and hope to welcome you back soon.
Warm regards,Wellford Gardens Team
We held a birthday party for my mum in the private dining room. The sole experience was lovely. A welcome glass of prosecco great food and endless tea and coffee. We felt very welcomed by the staff and the room looked lovely and we had flowers and cards from the home. It was just lovely!
We held a birthday party for my mum in the private dining room. The sole experience was lovely. A welcome glass of prosecco great food and endless tea and coffee. We felt very welcomed by the staff and the room looked lovely and we had flowers and cards from the home. It was just lovely!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Wellford Gardens. We are delighted to hear that you had a lovely celebrations for mum's birthday. Our private room is there for exactly these special moments, serving great food and that all important glass of sparkling...
Dear Sue,Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Wellford Gardens. We are delighted to hear that you had a lovely celebrations for mum's birthday. Our private room is there for exactly these special moments, serving great food and that all important glass of sparkling wine to mark the occasion.
Our team strives every day to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all our residents, it's wonderful to know that our efforts are making a positive difference. Your feedback is truly appreciated.
We look forward to continuing to support your father and hope to welcome you back soon.
Warm regards,Wellford Gardens Team
We have been lucky to find Wellford Gardens. It has proven to be perfect for our mother. She is enjoying her calm and beautiful surroundings and regular meals and conversations with the staff - joining in with activities through the experience and knowledge of a well managed, very caring team that...
We have been lucky to find Wellford Gardens. It has proven to be perfect for our mother. She is enjoying her calm and beautiful surroundings and regular meals and conversations with the staff - joining in with activities through the experience and knowledge of a well managed, very caring team that knows how to work with people living with dementia. Everyone's warmth, kindness and friendliness is second to none; each ensuring our mother can enjoy as much as possible within boundaries that she is comfortable with. For high days and holidays the proverbial 'boat is really pushed out' - high quality dining in a sumptuous dining room when the service and delivery is outstanding. Thanks to everyone at Wellford Gardens who make all this happen.
My mother was one of the first residents at Welford Gardens. She was made to feel very much at home the moment she arrived by staff and management. Her room was tastefully decorated and included an ensuite wet room and a patio which was always full of flowers and spectacular views across the...
I've only had experience with 2 other care homes, but Welford definitely tops them all.
What a lovely home for my uncle! Amazing staff, food and facilities. Thank you so much team Welford Gardens.
What a lovely home for my uncle! Amazing staff, food and facilities. Thank you so much team Welford Gardens.
I've been very happy here. I've been here two weeks. The staff are very good, very kind and very friendly. I'll be happy to come back again.
I've been very happy here. I've been here two weeks. The staff are very good, very kind and very friendly. I'll be happy to come back again.
I think the staff are very good.
I think the staff are very good.
The staff are very kind and helpful. Lots of interesting ideas. The boat was very enjoyable. Very tasty and enjoyable meals.
The staff are very kind and helpful. Lots of interesting ideas. The boat was very enjoyable. Very tasty and enjoyable meals.
We had a delightful birthday lunch in the private dining room for my mother's 96th. All the dishes were delicious, nicely cooked and well-presented. The wine flowed. Service was attentive and responsive to all requests. Thank you very much.
We had a delightful birthday lunch in the private dining room for my mother's 96th. All the dishes were delicious, nicely cooked and well-presented. The wine flowed. Service was attentive and responsive to all requests. Thank you very much.
The staff at Wellford Gardens in Wheatley are always cheerful and friendly. They are kind and compassionate to residents, showing endless patience. The home feels very homely and the food looks and smells delicious. There are lots of activities for the residents to enjoy which keeps minds and...
The staff at Wellford Gardens in Wheatley are always cheerful and friendly. They are kind and compassionate to residents, showing endless patience. The home feels very homely and the food looks and smells delicious. There are lots of activities for the residents to enjoy which keeps minds and bodies active. I cannot believe how well Mum has settled since moving there in May. It feels like she is staying in a 5 star hotel.
I attended a church service at the home and this was well attended by residents/family...
I attended a church service at the home and this was well attended by residents/family members and friends. Pleased there is this facility for those who want a Christian service on a regular basis - keep up the good work.
Staff cannot do enough for everybody. Very pleasant. Event manager very helpful. Cannot fault a very lovely lady. All other staff as well.
Staff cannot do enough for everybody. Very pleasant. Event manager very helpful. Cannot fault a very lovely lady. All other staff as well.
Always made to feel welcome when attending events. Very clean, good food and drink available. Friendly staff. Residents always look well cared for.
Always made to feel welcome when attending events. Very clean, good food and drink available. Friendly staff. Residents always look well cared for.
My nan has been looked after really well, she's settled in and been made to feel very welcome by all the staff. The care home and its grounds are beautiful. Myself and the family have also been welcomed by all when we visit.
My nan has been looked after really well, she's settled in and been made to feel very welcome by all the staff. The care home and its grounds are beautiful. Myself and the family have also been welcomed by all when we visit.
My mother is currently in Wellford Gardens and I have nothing but praise for the place. Having opened in 2024 it's beautifully fitted out, with great facilities and lovely views across the valley. The staff are well-trained and caring, and we're always met with a cheerful smile and a friendly...
My mother is currently in Wellford Gardens and I have nothing but praise for the place. Having opened in 2024 it's beautifully fitted out, with great facilities and lovely views across the valley. The staff are well-trained and caring, and we're always met with a cheerful smile and a friendly greeting. It's reassuring to know that my mum is being well looked after, and I'd have no hesitation in recommending the place.
Exceeded expectations. Genuine approach to caring for my mother with Dementia. Respectful and engaging. Beautiful, light and spacious home with welcoming bedrooms and wonderful gardens.
Exceeded expectations. Genuine approach to caring for my mother with Dementia. Respectful and engaging. Beautiful, light and spacious home with welcoming bedrooms and wonderful gardens.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, and for sharing your experiences of Wellford Gardens. We're really proud of our home, so to hear that we've been able to exceed your expectations is lovely to hear. It's an honour to care for your mother, and if there is anything else we can do for her, or for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
I am amazed. My mother was in many care homes but nothing remotely as lovely as this. It's the staff-when I came to visit my dear friend I felt as though we were at a very well-known hotel. Gracious, competent service and care. This is a place of kindness and beauty.
I am amazed. My mother was in many care homes but nothing remotely as lovely as this. It's the staff-when I came to visit my dear friend I felt as though we were at a very well-known hotel. Gracious, competent service and care. This is a place of kindness and beauty.
What kind words, thank you! Our team will be delighted to read your feedback - we really do appreciate you taking the time to write us a review. It's always a pleasure to welcome friends and family to Wellford Gardens, and we're so pleased you find it a lovely place to visit.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (1) & Events (0)
- 28 Jul 2026
The care home is run by not-for-profit care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which has also been recognised for the second year running as one of...
There are no upcoming events for Wellford Gardens.
Awards / Recognitions (9)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 28 Feb 2023Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Wellford Gardens.
Meet the Team (4)

I am the General Manager at Wellford Gardens, bringing a wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to my role. I joined The Orders of St John...
I am the General Manager at Wellford Gardens, bringing a wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to my role. I joined The Orders of St John Care Trust in March 2025 and progressed to General Manager in February 2026, reflecting my commitment, leadership, and passion for delivering exceptional care.
With an extensive career in health and social care, I have held management roles since 2017. I am particularly proud to have progressed from working as a carer to leading services, as this has given me a deep, practical understanding of the sector. My experience spans both domiciliary care and residential care homes, enabling me to support individuals and teams with insight, empathy, and expertise.
I am passionate about empowering people to live fulfilling lives enriched with new experiences. I am committed to ensuring that every resident receives truly person-centred care, supported by teams who take the time to understand each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and life story.
As a hands-on and approachable leader, I value building meaningful relationships with residents, their loved ones, and my team. I believe that strong connections are at the heart of outstanding care.
I am a Certified Dementia Care Mapper, having qualified through the University of Bradford, and I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service. I have experience working within CQC-rated Outstanding services and am dedicated to leading Wellford Gardens in delivering the highest standards of care every day.

I am the Head of Dementia Care at Wellford Gardens, and I feel incredibly privileged to support people living with dementia. I am truly passionate...
I am the Head of Dementia Care at Wellford Gardens, and I feel incredibly privileged to support people living with dementia. I am truly passionate about what I do and believe that every person deserves to live with dignity, purpose, and joy, regardless of their diagnosis. I aim to ensure that each resident receives personalised, compassionate care that celebrates who they are as an individual, helping them to maintain their independence, identity, and quality of life for as long as possible.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building meaningful relationships with our residents and their families. I understand that dementia affects everyone differently, which is why I am committed to creating a calm, supportive, and enriching environment where residents feel safe, valued, and understood. I believe that small moments of connection, kindness, and reassurance can make a significant difference to someone's wellbeing, and I strive to ensure these moments are part of everyday life at Wellford Gardens.
I began my career in healthcare at the age of 18 and have progressed through a variety of roles, gaining valuable hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the care sector. I have always been committed to developing my knowledge and skills, and I have achieved a Distinction in my Level 4 NVQ Lead Practitioner in Adult Care, which has strengthened my leadership abilities and enhanced my understanding of delivering outstanding dementia care.
As Head of Dementia Care, I am dedicated to leading by example, supporting my team to provide the highest standards of person-centred care, and continually looking for ways to enrich the lives of our residents and offer reassurance and support to their loved ones.

I am the Housekeeping Manager at Wellford Gardens. I joined the Trust in December 2023, having previously worked as an Emergency Call Taker,...
I am the Housekeeping Manager at Wellford Gardens. I joined the Trust in December 2023, having previously worked as an Emergency Call Taker, answering 999 calls. Before joining the ambulance service, I worked as a Housekeeping Manager in a luxury residential care home. Although my time in the ambulance service was a valuable experience, I found myself missing the rewarding and enjoyable environment of care. When the opportunity arose to join Wellford Gardens, I was very keen to return to a care setting and become part of the team.
My background is in hospitality and customer service, having worked in a variety of roles throughout my career, but my passion has always been social care. My role in housekeeping is something I feel very honoured to have. Having the responsibility of keeping our home clean, tidy and welcoming is something I take great pride in. For me, it is about much more than cleanliness; it is about creating a warm, comfortable environment that genuinely feels like home for our residents.
I really enjoy being part of the Wellford Gardens team and working alongside colleagues to provide an outstanding service and experience for our residents. I am proud of the relationships I have built over the years and of the part I play in helping to make Wellford Gardens a place where people feel comfortable, valued and at home.
Outside of work, I am studying towards a degree in Psychology, which I find both fascinating and rewarding. When I'm not working or studying, I enjoy watching crime documentaries and spending time snuggled up with my rescue cat, Freddie

I am the Events Manager at Wellford Gardens. I joined the team in August 2026. I am passionate about creating meaningful experiences, supporting...
I am the Events Manager at Wellford Gardens. I joined the team in August 2026. I am passionate about creating meaningful experiences, supporting independence and helping people continue to live with purpose, connection and choice.
I came into health and social care in 2020 after a career in manufacturing. I initially applied for an activities role to support a friend who was working in a care home, never imagining that one opportunity would completely change the direction of my career. I have never looked back.
I started my journey as an Activity Coordinator, eventually progressing to Team Leader, where I led a team of three. I later developed my career further, working as a Dementia Care Manager and managing a team of dementia care staff. This part of my work is particularly personal to me, having cared for my own gran who lived with dementia. That experience has shaped the way I approach care and support today. I am passionate about seeing the person behind a diagnosis and making sure that conditions never take away someone’s sense of identity, individuality or connection to the people and things that matter to them.
In July 2023, I was incredibly proud to receive the Best Activity Provider/Lifestyle Lead Award at the National Dementia Care Awards. Being recognised nationally for something I am so passionate about was a true honour and remains one of the highlights of my career.
For me, activities are about so much more than simply filling time. There is something incredibly special about supporting people to maintain their sense of purpose, stay engaged with the world around them and continue working towards their own life goals, whatever stage of life they are at.
I also have a keen interest in exercise, which I bring into my role through my energy and enthusiasm. For me, keeping people active isn't simply about physical exercise; it is about encouraging movement, building confidence and helping people remain as active and independent as possible.Alongside my role at Wellford Gardens, I run my own business working with older people, providing adaptive fitness as a Fitness Instructor. I am a recognised Dementia Care Mapper through the University of Bradford, and I hold a Level 3 qualification in Wellbeing and Activity Provision in Care, alongside leadership qualifications that have supported my professional development.
Above all, I believe everyone has a story, a purpose and an identity that deserves to be recognised. I aim to help people feel valued, connected and empowered to continue being themselves, while creating opportunities to enjoy life and achieve the things that matter to them.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Wellford Gardens to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Wellford Gardens has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.