
I have learned to enjoy this home as my calm, happy home and building on things learnt and plannedMargaret W(Resident / Service User)

The attention to detail and accommodation of food preferences are second to none.Sam L(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

They are so kind, caring, super efficient and a very happy passionate teamRosemary M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

I have learned to enjoy this home as my calm, happy home and building on things learnt and plannedMargaret W(Resident / Service User)

The attention to detail and accommodation of food preferences are second to none.Sam L(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

They are so kind, caring, super efficient and a very happy passionate teamRosemary M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Barchester Iris Court in Hitchin supports older people that require additional care and support in a stunning environment with breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. Purpose built and opened in Spring 2024, this beautiful home provides care based on individual needs ensuring that care plans are crafted with input from the resident and their family.
Iris Court also provides specialist dementia care within their Memory Lane community for older people...
Care Provided by Barchester Iris Court
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 60 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
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Barchester Iris Court for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Barchester Iris 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
- Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Katy Hughes(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2024
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (56)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (56)
- Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Barchester Iris Court Reviews (31)
Barchester Iris Court has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.736) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Iris Court has 31 reviews.
Moving from home is a difficult transition, but having such a caring and supportive community has made a real difference. The staff are kind, considerate, and genuinely take the time to get to know the residents and build relationships with their families.
There is always something going on, with plenty of opportunities to join in or simply enjoy your own space. It's reassuring to know my mum is in such a welcoming and engaging environment.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We really appreciate you taking the time to do this. The team will be so pleased to hear this. Thank you!
I cannot fault the care my parents receive. All the staff are so friendly, helpful and caring, nothing is too much trouble. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Iris Court to anyone looking for a care home in the area.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. The team will be so pleased to hear your compliments.
This is the second time my mum has visited for respite care. My mum loves it here. The staff are very friendly and caring. Mum is looking forward to her next visit.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful feedback on the home and team at Iris Court, this will continue to be shared with the team here who will be thrilled to hear this.
A very interesting and pleasurable year. My stay at Iris Court has exceeded my expectations. My initial thoughts were linked with concerns about living in and old peoples home. I couldn't have been more wrong. In fact I now feel that I am living in a high class hotel. All my needs are met from medical to laundry. The staff are wonderful; patient, thoughtful, dependable and professional. I am completely satisfied at IC.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful feedback on the home and team at Iris Court, this will continue to be shared with the team here who will be thrilled to hear this.
My Mother has been a resident at Iris Court Care Home since April and has been well looked after by the attentive and kind staff. She enjoys walking around the garden and says the food is also very good.
Thank you for the very complimentary feedback for Iris Court and our staff here. This wonderful feedback will be shared with the team.
Iris Court is a gem - the staff look after my Mother in such a caring and respectful way. When I visit or on the telephone they take great care in answering any queries or discussing my Mother's wellbeing. The garden is a great asset and my Mother enjoys visiting the greenhouse to see the progress of the plants. My Mother enjoys the food very much. Although my Mother doesn't join in with a large number of activities there is always a lovely variety of things put on each week for the residents.
Thank you for the exceptionally kind words, and feedback which will be shared with our team here. We are thrilled to hear such wonderful comments.
It truly is a CARE home.
Thank you so much for your wonderful kind words! Your feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team here at Iris Court.
I have been so happy since my friend become a resident of Iris Court because it seems to me my friend's needs are being met as well as possible. I have observed her room is kept in very good order, the staff treat her kindly. The organisation of meals and activities seem good and staff seem keen to engage her as much as possible in activities. The most important things are kindness and respect, and they seem to be in place.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your wonderful feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team here at Iris Court.
One to watch out for: after just 8 months in residence, the fees were increased by an extraordinary 8.7%, allegedly due to changes in government policies. Despite contesting this nearly 2-months before the proposed change date, Barchester did not respond to my queries and just changed the fees in line with their 'extraordinary' rate increase. A very worrying precedent!
Hi Neil, thanks for taking the time to leave your review. Our team have been in touch in relation to some of your comments raised, and we're sorry that you feel these are unresolved. We understand the home have reached out further to offer the opportunity to discuss your concerns, you are also more...
Mum's time here was shorter than we would have liked. The staff were amazing from start to finish. She came in difficult circumstances and at short notice. The management were extremely helpful. Mum adored the care staff who were always so kind and patient. The food and coffee were amazing! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your wonderful feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team here at Iris Court.
This was my first visit to Barchester Iris Court. I was very impressed with everything I saw from the moment I got there. The rooms were immaculate, the staff were friendly and extremely attentive. As somebody who has worked in nursing homes, locally, for 17 years I can justly say this is the best I have seen. Congratulations to the owners and staff.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your wonderful feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team here at Iris Court whilst we look forward to seeing you again.
Can't recommend Iris Court enough. The team and management are so kind and attentive to everyone's needs. The accommodation and grounds are truly stunning. The attention to detail and accommodation of food preferences are second to none. The activities team are amazing and work tirelessly every day to organise activities that the residents enjoy.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your wonderful feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team here at Iris Court.
From the moment nan moved into Barchester Iris Court, I was immediately impressed with the staff and facilities. Every member of staff is always warm, welcoming and genuinely cares about each and every resident. As someone who was always adamant that they wouldn't move into a care facility, nan has settled in better than I could have hoped or imagined and I think that in itself is a testament to the staff and level of care delivered at Iris Court. Nan even refers to Iris Court as home now! I have already recommended Iris Court to those looking for a care facility for themselves or a loved one and will continue to do so in the future.
Thank you for the amazing feedback. It's gladly received and shared among staff. The team is encouraged by your kind words, Thanks a lot.
In the time he was there, he considered it his home. As a visitor any time of day, coffee and cake always available on tap. Overall a dignified, safe and balanced way for my father to be cared for and we as a family never had to worry about him in anyway.
Thank you so much for your kind words! providing exceptional care and support to our residents is our top priority.
My mum has been at Iris Court Carehome since the beginning of July and all the staff have been wonderful. The attention to detail is 100%. I can already see that my Mum is in better shape after just the few weeks of being at Iris Court. They are so kind, caring, super efficient and a very happy passionate team and peace of mind for me that Mum is being given exceptional care. Thank you to all the Team at Iris Court.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Providing exceptional care and support to our residents is our top priority.
Mother-in-law has only been in Barchester Iris Court a short time as she was moved from another care home. Despite only being here a short time, her well-being seems to be much improved, which I can only put down to the wonderful care and support she is receiving. Keep up the good work and thanks for your kind support from all members of staff.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Providing exceptional care and support to our residents is our top priority!
Everyone is friendly and welcoming and they all get to know the family who visits too.
The food is good and there is a variety of dishes, the main being at lunchtime.
Any time I have had a worry about Mum (which is to be expected at the beginning) I have been listened to and the carers have offered feedback on her progress.
Thank you so much for your kind words! providing exceptional care and support to our residents is our top priority.
On arrival, my first impressions were an outstanding building and beautiful gardens. The staff are friendly and helped us to realise our mother would be well looked after. This is her third day and are well impressed with her continuing progress.
Thank you for your comment. The team at Iris Court will be delighted to hear your feedback!
In about three months I have learned to enjoy this home as my calm, happy home and building on things learnt and planned to wider fellow residents.
Thank you for your lovely comment, it is appreciated, we are delighted you chose to stay with us.
Beautiful location, very restful and peaceful with first-class facilities. Staff are all very friendly and various activities to do.
Thank you very much for your lovely comment, the team at Iris Court will be delighted to hear your feedback.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (125) & Events (3)
- 24 Jul 2026
A huge thank you to The Priory School for welcoming our residents to their Jive and Jazz event! The activities were great, and residents said how lovely it was to...
- 24 Jul 2026
On 23rd July, we enjoyed a very informative talk from Jijo Joseph about IT basics, scamming and how to stay safe online. Jijo was able to give some 1-1 advice...
- 18 Jun 2026
We had a great turn out for our Understanding Dementia Talk today, delivered by Emma & Jacqui from the Alzheimer’s Society ?? A big thank you to Emma and Jacqui...
- 07 Aug 2026Organiser: Barchester Iris Court
- 08 Aug 2026Organiser: Barchester Iris Court
- 22 Aug 2026Organiser: Barchester Iris Court
Awards / Recognitions (16)
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 09 Jun 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
- 15 Apr 2026Recipient: Barchester Healthcare Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Barchester Iris Court.
Meet the Team (9)

I have worked in the care sector since 1997 and have worked in care home management since 2001. I am very proud to have managed a home that has achieved an outstanding rating by CQC and won the National Care Home of the Year Award. I have won a Suffolk Inspirational Leadership Award, which meant such a lot to me as I was nominated by the team.
I have a husband, a daughter, two dogs and a cat, and my family is very important to me. I am here at Iris Court to support everyone, so please feel free to speak to me at any time. My door is always open.

Hello, I'm Sneha Harish, and I'm very happy to be working at Iris Court as the Deputy Manager.
I have been part of the home since the very beginning, where I started as a carer, progressing into a senior role and now my current role of Deputy Manager. Every stage of the journey has meant a lot to me, but what I love the is simply spending time with our residents.
I was brought up by my grandparents, and because of that, I see a little of each of them in each resident I care for. It makes the work I do feel very personal and very special.
Education has been an important part of my journey. I've completed a Master's in Accounting and Finance, a Bachelor's in Commerce and a Level 3 in Health and Social Care. Right now, I am working towards my Level 5 in Leadership and Management to continue building my skillset.
Outside of work, I love to dance. I have been trained in Indian and classical dance, which brings me so much joy. Whilst at Iris Court, my doors are always open and I always welcome our families or friends to pop in for a chat and to say hello.
I look very much forward to the future with Iris Court continuing to see what amazing things we can achieve and celebrate as a home.

Hello, my name is Cassie,
I am thrilled to be part of the team at Iris Court, I have worked in the care industry for the last four years and love getting to making lasting bonds with our new residents and family members.
My role as the Homes Services Advisor means I am one of the first points of contact if you are searching for care for your loved one, and I guide you through the process up to move-in day, but from here you can always find me to answer any queries or helping your loved one to settle.
Outside of work, I am self-confessed gym lover! I enjoy spending as much spare time as I can with my family and friends. I also love travelling and exploring different parts of the world and pride myself on working in France and Spain.

Hello, I'm Gemma, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team at Iris Court as the Head Chef.
I have a wealth of culinary experience across the Care Sector, Restaurants, and Pubs, and I always bring a passion for crafting delightful meals and fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere.
When I can get out of the kitchen, I love spending time with our residents here at Iris Court, making them feel special!
My journey began at catering college, where I earned my NVQ while honing my skills in a nursing home setting. Through an enriching apprenticeship, I immersed myself in competitions, even catching the eye of culinary legend Michael Roux, who graciously endorsed my talents!.
Outside of work, I love being spontaneous and finding a new coast to visit!, spending time with my family & friends, and with my adventurous spirit, I dream of owning a food truck someday!

Hello, I'm Trudi, and I'm honoured to serve as the Home Administrator at Iris Court. While I'm new to Barchester, my journey in the realm of care has been a rich tapestry of experiences. Previously, I've dedicated myself as a Senior Care Assistant in a Dementia Unit and as an Administrator in Mental Health Nursing Homes, equipping me with a deep understanding of the needs and nuances of compassionate care.
Outside of work, my heart belongs to my cherished family. With 35 years of marriage under my belt, my husband and I are proud parents to two wonderful daughters and doting grandparents to two grandchildren. Family gatherings are a cornerstone of my life; I find immense joy in connecting with my siblings, nieces, nephews, and their growing families.
In my downtime, you'll often find me exploring new destinations, lost in the pages of a captivating book, or immersed in the melodies of my favourite music. Above all, I treasure moments spent socialising with loved ones, cherishing each precious memory created. I'm excited to bring my passion for care and my love for building meaningful connections to the warm embrace of Iris Court.

Greetings! I'm Jijo, originally from India and currently proud to call Luton my home. With three years of dedicated service in the care sector, I bring a unique blend of skills and passion as a Senior carer at Iris Court.
My journey into caregiving might seem unconventional, considering my background in business and programming, culminating in a master's degree with distinction from the University of Bedfordshire. However, my heart led me to embrace the care sector wholeheartedly. For me, it's not just a job; it's an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need, particularly the vulnerable amongst us.
As a tech-savvy individual, I appreciate the role technology plays in enhancing the quality of care we provide. Outside of work, you'll often find me indulging in my greatest passion: travelling. Exploring new cultures and landscapes fuels my sense of curiosity and adventure. Yet, amidst all the excitement, nothing compares to the warmth of spending quality time with my cherished family and friends.

Hello, I'm Natalie, and for nearly five enriching years, I've dedicated myself to the role of an activity coordinator. My passion lies in understanding the unique interests of each individual under our care. At Iris Court, I strive to craft activities tailored to the preferences of our residents, ensuring no one ever feels socially isolated. Whether someone wants to participate minimally or fully immerse themselves, my goal remains constant: fostering a sense of community and joy in every moment.
Join me as we embark on this journey of connection, laughter, and shared experiences. Together, let's create cherished memories that will illuminate the path ahead. Welcome to Iris Court, where every day holds the promise of something special.

Hello! I'm Csaba, Head of Maintenance at Iris Court. With a tenure at Barchester Healthcare since 2021, I bring a wealth of experience to my role. Before joining the care sector, I spent many years as a maintenance manager for retail establishments and office blocks.
Transitioning into the care sector was a deliberate choice driven by my desire to work directly with people. Every day, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I can make a tangible difference to both my colleagues and our residents. It's the personal connections and the impact on their quality of life that truly drive me.
In my role, I strive to ensure that every corner of Iris Court is not just functional but also safe and comfortable for everyone who calls it home. Whether it's fixing a leaky tap or ensuring the heating system runs smoothly, I take pride in my work, knowing that it contributes to the well-being of our residents.
I find the work incredibly rewarding, and seeing the smiles on residents' faces makes all the hard work absolutely worthwhile.

Hi im Donna, my passion lies in providing person-centred care, ensuring each individual's unique needs are met with empathy and understanding. I find immense fulfilment in accompanying others on their journey through their later years, cherishing every story and memory shared with me.
Recently, I achieved my NVQ Level 3 in adult social care, further enhancing my knowledge and skills to better serve our residents. Beyond the rewarding realm of caregiving, I find solace in the simple joys of life. Whether it's strolling along the seaside with my loyal companion or indulging in the tranquillity of assembling jigsaw puzzles, I relish every moment spent unwinding. Oh, and you might catch me enthusiastically tuning into daytime television, particularly captivated by the heart-warming tales of restoration on "The Repair Shop."
I'm thrilled to be part of the Barchester family, dedicated to enriching the lives of those we care for with warmth, respect, and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Barchester Iris Court
What types of Care is Barchester Iris Court registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Barchester Iris Court have?
There are 56 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Barchester Iris Court?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Barchester Iris Court to the centre of Hitchin?
1.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Barchester Iris Court to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Barchester Iris Court has an Enhanced Service -more info.