Friends Place is part of Friends of the Elderly, a charity that has been making life better for older people since 1905.
Friends Place is a brand-new purpose-built care home. Every room is light, airy and spacious and offers ensuite bathrooms.
Facilities include:
• Cinema - Enjoy movie nights in a private theatre.
• Salon - Relax with professional pampering.
• Bar - Socialise and unwind in a lively hub.
Set in a peaceful residential area,...
Friends Place is part of Friends of the Elderly, a charity that has been making life better for older people since 1905.
Friends Place is a brand-new purpose-built care home. Every room is light, airy and spacious and offers ensuite bathrooms.
Facilities include:
• Cinema - Enjoy movie nights in a private theatre.
• Salon - Relax with professional pampering.
• Bar - Socialise and unwind in a lively hub.
Set in a peaceful residential area, Friends Place is a warm, modern care home designed for comfort, dignity and independence, providing residential care, specialist dementia support, respite care and a day care service.
The team specialise in residential and specialist dementia care. Some have been with Friends of the Elderly for many years and have earned long service awards, including the General Manager. Relaxed visiting hours mean that you can enjoy the company of family and friends whenever you like.
Friends Place also offers respite care and a day care service. The home has high standards of cleanliness and always looks its very best.
A wide, varied and inclusive activities programme is available to enjoy. These include film nights, arts & crafts, entertainment and exercise groups. You can expect regular visits from a variety of guests, including pet therapy teams and professional manicurists. With full Wi-Fi access throughout the home, residents can also stay connected with loved ones online.
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Care Provided by Friends Place
Primary Care Categories
Older Person Care
Dementia
Learning Disability / Autism
Mental Health Condition
Physical Disability
Visual / Hearing Impairment
Eating Disorders
Alcohol / Drug Misuse
Length of Stay
Permanent Care
Respite Care
Care Types Provided
Residential Care
Dementia Residential Care
For a maximum of 66 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
Convalescent Care
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Day Care
Facilities
Own Furniture if required
Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
Close to Local shops
Near Public 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
Type of care
Permanent
Respite
Residential Care
£1,665 - £1,870
£1,832 - £2,057
Contact Friends Place to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Friends Place for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Review from R M (Friend of Resident) published on 22 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My friend went into Friend's Place, Calcot for respite and loved it so much she has decided to stay longer. She is even considering the option of moving permanently. All her previous anxieties have been alleviated by the kind and professional staff, excellent activities provided and the new...
My friend went into Friend's Place, Calcot for respite and loved it so much she has decided to stay longer. She is even considering the option of moving permanently. All her previous anxieties have been alleviated by the kind and professional staff, excellent activities provided and the new friends she has made here. It has been amazing to witness the transformation. Thank you so much.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It is wonderful to hear how happy and settled your friend has become during her stay with us. Knowing that she has made new friends, enjoys the activities, and feels supported by our team is exactly what we strive for every day. We are delighted to have played a part in her journey and look forward to continuing to support her.
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Review from Sheila G (Wife of Resident) published on 14 September 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My husband went into respite care for two weeks. He was well looked after and cared for, in a safe and pleasant surroundings. He enjoyed lovely food and care whilst in the care home.
My husband went into respite care for two weeks. He was well looked after and cared for, in a safe and pleasant surroundings. He enjoyed lovely food and care whilst in the care home.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that your husband enjoyed his respite stay with us and felt safe, comfortable, and well cared for. It is wonderful to know he enjoyed both the food and the support provided by our team. We truly appreciate your feedback and thank you for trusting us with his care.
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Review from A S (Wife of Resident) published on 21 May 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Friends Place is outstanding in every way. After an impressive visit when it first opened, my husband and I spent two wonderful nights there. We were well looked after in lovely surroundings. He then began to go for day care and short respite periods. When it became impossible for me to meet his...
Friends Place is outstanding in every way. After an impressive visit when it first opened, my husband and I spent two wonderful nights there. We were well looked after in lovely surroundings. He then began to go for day care and short respite periods. When it became impossible for me to meet his needs at home, we didn't have to start looking for somewhere suitable. He went to Friends Place for a month's respite, followed by a review. He is now a permanent resident and the staff are doing their utmost to give him personalised care, including creating a growing area for him outside his patio door. He is very well fed and encouraged to join in all the activities. The atmosphere is vibrant, with lots of laughter. Well-trained staff - such a caring team.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you for such a thoughtful and generous review. We are delighted to hear that the experience-from the initial visit through respite and now as a permanent resident-has been so positive. It is especially pleasing to know that the team's commitment to personalised care, including creating...
Thank you for such a thoughtful and generous review. We are delighted to hear that the experience-from the initial visit through respite and now as a permanent resident-has been so positive. It is especially pleasing to know that the team's commitment to personalised care, including creating outdoor space for gardening, has made a meaningful difference.
Providing a warm, vibrant environment where residents feel well supported, well nourished, and encouraged to engage in activities is at the heart of what we do, and your feedback affirms this. We will be sure to share your kind words with the team.
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Review from C P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 May 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My Mum has been living at Friends Place for 4 months and we are delighted with the wonderful care and respect shown to her (and her fellow residents) on a daily basis by the staff. All staff are kind, patient and deeply committed to the wellbeing of each resident through the provision of highly...
My Mum has been living at Friends Place for 4 months and we are delighted with the wonderful care and respect shown to her (and her fellow residents) on a daily basis by the staff. All staff are kind, patient and deeply committed to the wellbeing of each resident through the provision of highly personalised support. I have visited frequently and in all visits I see first hand exceptional care provision.
In addition, the facilities are superb. The rooms are spacious and modern providing plenty of storage and shelves to display photos, books, etc which means the rooms can be personalised for each resident. The open plan dining room/lounge on each floor provides a lovely social/dining area which is superbly used for meals, events, entertainment and activities. Residents are well supported to participate in activities whilst also having the freedom to choose how much/little they engage depending on how they feel each day.
Mum describes Friends Place as a big family. We are delighted.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review.
We are truly delighted to hear how happy you and your mum are with her experience at Friends Place. It means a great deal to our entire team to know that the care, respect and personalised support we strive to provide every day are making such...
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are truly delighted to hear how happy you and your mum are with her experience at Friends Place. It means a great deal to our entire team to know that the care, respect and personalised support we strive to provide every day are making such a positive difference. Your recognition of our staff's kindness, patience and dedication is especially appreciated-we are incredibly proud of the compassionate culture they create. It's also wonderful to hear your feedback on the facilities and environment, as we aim to make every space both comfortable and homely, allowing residents to truly make it their own.
Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to us.
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Review from E B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Fantastic care home!! Within 2 weeks the staff asked if it was ok for my mother to "help" by doing small chores. This is absolutely what my mum loves to do and I was very impressed that the staff had got to know her so well so quickly!
Communication has been consistently excellent and the nurses...
Fantastic care home!! Within 2 weeks the staff asked if it was ok for my mother to "help" by doing small chores. This is absolutely what my mum loves to do and I was very impressed that the staff had got to know her so well so quickly! Communication has been consistently excellent and the nurses have spotted mum was unwell very quickly indeed and arranged GP visit/medication pick up. The care home is kep immaculately clean, the food is delicious and the staff all make everyone feel like part of the family.
It's wonderful to know how well my mum is being taken care of, a massive thank you to Friends Place for everything. Highly recommended!!
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to our entire team.
We're delighted to hear how quickly your mum has settled in and how much she's enjoying being involved in day-to-day activities-keeping that sense of purpose is so important, and we're glad we could support her...
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to our entire team. We're delighted to hear how quickly your mum has settled in and how much she's enjoying being involved in day-to-day activities-keeping that sense of purpose is so important, and we're glad we could support her in a way that feels natural and meaningful to her. Your kind words about our team's attentiveness, communication, and care are greatly appreciated. We always strive to get to know each resident as an individual and to respond promptly to any changes in their wellbeing, so it's reassuring to hear this has made a positive difference for your mum. We're also very pleased that you've noticed the cleanliness of the home and enjoyed the food-we take great pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and cared for.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. It's a privilege to care for your mum and to have her as part of our Friends Place family.
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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Friends Place is a beautifully designed care home with lovely bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms for each resident. I visit mum often and am appreciative of the warm, friendly welcome. There are some very engaging activities every day, which my mum enjoys. I've seen how brilliant the staff and...
Friends Place is a beautifully designed care home with lovely bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms for each resident. I visit mum often and am appreciative of the warm, friendly welcome. There are some very engaging activities every day, which my mum enjoys. I've seen how brilliant the staff and management are; nothing is too much trouble, and they go above and beyond to ensure each resident receives the care and support needed to live a full and rewarding life.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience.
It truly means a lot to us to hear that you find Friends Place beautifully designed and that your mum feels comfortable and supported here. We work hard to create a homely, welcoming environment, and it's...
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience. It truly means a lot to us to hear that you find Friends Place beautifully designed and that your mum feels comfortable and supported here. We work hard to create a homely, welcoming environment, and it's lovely to know this is coming through. I'm especially pleased to hear that you feel welcomed during your visits and that your mum enjoys the daily activities. Our team is passionate about providing meaningful engagement and personalised care, and your kind words about their dedication will mean the world to them.
Thank you again for your trust, your feedback, and for being part of our Friends Place community. It is a privilege to care for your mum, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure she enjoys a full and rewarding life here.
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Review from Kimberley S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 January 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Deciding that it's time to find a home for a loved one is incredibly difficult. You want absolute reassurance that they will be safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Friends Place delivers all of that and more.
It is a modern, beautifully maintained facility with excellent amenities, something...
Deciding that it's time to find a home for a loved one is incredibly difficult. You want absolute reassurance that they will be safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Friends Place delivers all of that and more.
It is a modern, beautifully maintained facility with excellent amenities, something that is increasingly hard to find. What truly sets Friends Place apart, however, is the staff. They are exceptional: compassionate, professional, and genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcomes for the residents.
They have been incredibly accommodating of my mum's individual needs, giving me both peace of mind and the much-needed respite I was struggling to find. Most importantly, they have created an environment where my mum genuinely feels at home.
I am deeply grateful to have found Friends Place and cannot recommend it highly enough.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. We know how difficult it can be to make the decision to find a home for a loved one, and it means a great deal to us that you felt supported and reassured throughout that process.
We're delighted to hear that...
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. We know how difficult it can be to make the decision to find a home for a loved one, and it means a great deal to us that you felt supported and reassured throughout that process. We're delighted to hear that your mum feels safe, comfortable, and truly at home at Friends Place. Your kind words about our staff are especially appreciated - our team is deeply committed to providing compassionate, personalised care, and feedback like yours reinforces why we do what we do.
Thank you for trusting us with your mum's care and for recommending Friends Place so highly. It's a privilege to support both our residents and their families, and we're grateful to be part of your journey.
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Review from Ian E (Son of Resident) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Since my Mum first visited Friends Place for day care visits, the management & staff have been absolutely wonderful! They are empathetic, professional, knowledgeable, accommodating & friendly, truly exceptional! The care home is of the highest standard from décor to the layout and overall...
Since my Mum first visited Friends Place for day care visits, the management & staff have been absolutely wonderful! They are empathetic, professional, knowledgeable, accommodating & friendly, truly exceptional! The care home is of the highest standard from décor to the layout and overall construction of the building. The Friends Place "Team" are so welcoming and have already become an integral part of the local community and in such a short time which is testament to their dedication to ensure that residents & service users benefit and enjoy the support and services available. Special mention for Roz & Alina for being so attentive & caring at all times. My Mum enjoys her day care visits immensely and they have provided both me & my wife with much needed "break time" to recharge during her visits. Many thanks to all the Team for your support help & assistance, it's greatly appreciated. Highly recommended!!
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear how much your mum enjoys her day care visits, and we're glad they give you and your wife some well-deserved time to recharge. Your kind words about our team and our facility mean a great deal to us.
We truly appreciate your support and your recommendation.
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Review from Richard L (Son of Resident) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Professional staff treated my mum (and I) exceptionally well. All help was provided with the admission and settling in process. Many thanks.
Professional staff treated my mum (and I) exceptionally well. All help was provided with the admission and settling in process. Many thanks.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that our team was able to make the admission and settling-in process smooth for you and your mum. Providing exceptional care and support is always our priority, and your feedback means a lot to us.
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Review from Phillip M (Son of Resident) published on 21 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My initial impression was that it felt like a 5 star hotel with exceptional staff. My father has been a different person since his day visits, so much so that he has decided to move there permanently. As a family, we feel so lucky to have this care home nearby.
My initial impression was that it felt like a 5 star hotel with exceptional staff. My father has been a different person since his day visits, so much so that he has decided to move there permanently. As a family, we feel so lucky to have this care home nearby.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We're truly delighted to hear that your father has settled in so well and that our team has made such a positive difference for him. It means a great deal to us to know that you and your family feel confident and supported. We're so grateful you chose us, and we'll continue doing everything we can to make your father feel right at home.
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Review from Rachel D (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 October 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Wow where do I begin !! Honestly we cannot fault this beautiful care home. It's like a 5 star hotel, but more importantly the staff are just incredible! My mum and dad went in on respite two weeks ago with the intention of my dad staying permanently, although we'd all decided in the family that it...
Wow where do I begin !! Honestly we cannot fault this beautiful care home. It's like a 5 star hotel, but more importantly the staff are just incredible! My mum and dad went in on respite two weeks ago with the intention of my dad staying permanently, although we'd all decided in the family that it was never going to work due to the severity of his late stage Alzheimer's. How wrong we were !! We have tirelessly tried to get him to eat but to no avail, we struggled to get him to engage or interact with anything, but literally within days they had him doing both! They are simply brilliant at knowing just how to handle him. It is such a relief for us all that he is now in a secure, safe and beautiful environment surrounded by people that genuinely care. My dad deserves the best and that's exactly what he has at Friends Place. Roz and Alina you have been amazing from the word 'go'! A huge thanks to each and every one of you for taking care of him and making us all feel so welcome. X
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. We are truly delighted to hear how well your dad has settled in and that you can already see such positive changes. It means the world to us to know that both your mum and dad felt welcomed and cared for from the very start.Our team works hard to create a...
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. We are truly delighted to hear how well your dad has settled in and that you can already see such positive changes. It means the world to us to know that both your mum and dad felt welcomed and cared for from the very start.Our team works hard to create a safe, supportive, and homely environment, so your kind feedback really does mean a lot. Roz, myself, and the whole team feel privileged to be part of your dad's journey, and we're so pleased he is thriving here at Friends Place.Thank you again for trusting us with your dad's care.Warmest regards,Alina
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Review from Helen L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Wow ! After visiting many care homes, this one stood out the most, from the moment we walked through the doors to be shown around I knew it was the one, with a homely feel, amazing staff and management that go above and beyond, the beautiful setting and tasteful design, it even has a cinema room...
Wow ! After visiting many care homes, this one stood out the most, from the moment we walked through the doors to be shown around I knew it was the one, with a homely feel, amazing staff and management that go above and beyond, the beautiful setting and tasteful design, it even has a cinema room and bar, my in-laws deserve the best and would not want them anywhere else, would highly recommend without any hesitation , my father in-law has settled instantly which is beyond what we could of ever imagined and my mother in-law has said that she can not find a fault anywhere, this has been one of the hardest decisions we have had to make and Friends Place has made it so easy for us.
↩Reply from Alina Gutu, Care Home Manager at Friends Place
Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review! We know how big a decision this can be, and it means the world to us that you felt at home from the moment you walked through our doors. We're delighted to hear that your father-in-law has settled in so quickly and that your mother-in-law is so...
Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review! We know how big a decision this can be, and it means the world to us that you felt at home from the moment you walked through our doors. We're delighted to hear that your father-in-law has settled in so quickly and that your mother-in-law is so happy with everything. Our team takes great pride in creating a welcoming environment where residents and families feel supported, and feedback like yours reminds us why we do what we do. We're honoured to be part of your family's journey.
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Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
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.
News (22) & Events (1)
News
01 Oct 2026
The care team and residents at Friends Place, our care home in Reading, are preparing for the spookiest night of the year – getting the pumpkins, cauldrons and broomsticks ready...
28 Sep 2026
Cheryl Rothschild, our Care Homes Director, has been named a Finalist in the Care Operations / Area Manager of the Year category at the National Care Awards 2026. Cheryl has...
28 Sep 2026
We’re delighted to have been named finalists in two categories at the 2026 National Care Awards. We’ve been shortlisted for Care Home Group (Small), while our Care Homes Director, Cheryl...
There are no accreditations posted yet for Friends Place.
Meet the Team (1)
Alina GutuJob Title General ManagerJoined 2025
Hello, I’m the General Manager at Friends Place, charity Friends of the Elderly’s new care home in Reading, Berkshire.
I have worked in the Care...
Hello, I’m the General Manager at Friends Place, charity Friends of the Elderly’s new care home in Reading, Berkshire.
I have worked in the Care Sector for 12 years, eight of those as the Registered Manager at Friends of the Elderly’s Alton-based care home, The Lawn.
Caring for others runs in my family. My Mum is a Nurse and my Dad is a Paramedic, so I was very fortunate to grow up in a very kind, thoughtful and caring environment. I used to love going to work with my Mum and vividly remember feeling so proud and inspired by the difference she was making to other people; it really spurred me on to follow a career in caring.
At Friends Place, we have a very compassionate, caring and supportive culture with a happy and loving atmosphere. Friends Place is more than a care home, it is a home the residents call ‘their home’ and, together, we are all one big happy family
The Care Team and I support and work with the residents to be engaged and inspired in many ways. It could be by taking part in our daily wide and varied meaningful activities, having a chat and reminiscing over a cup of tea, taking a stroll around our landscaped gardens and peaceful patios or enjoying a movie night in our Cinema, reading a book and relaxing in the Library, enjoying a pamper session or even a glass of wine in the Bar.
Each member of Friends Place’s Care Team is devoted to supporting the residents’ independence and keeping them safe, happy, inspired and motivated, ensuring each resident is comfortable, happy and treated with dignity – every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Friends Place
How much does Friends Place cost?
The care home lists weekly fees per person between £1,665 and £1,870 for residential care (respite between £1,832 and £2,057). Funding accepted: Self-Funding (Private), Local Authority with Top-up.
What types of Care is Friends Place registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Eating Disorders, Alcohol / Drug Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Friends Place have?
There are 66 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Friends Place?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public 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 Friends Place to the centre of Reading?
3.1 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 Friends Place to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Friends Place has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
