What types of Care is Eleighwater House Retirement Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What are the Facilities & Services at Eleighwater House Retirement Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Minibus or other transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Eleighwater House Retirement Home to the centre of Chard?

1.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Eleighwater House Retirement Home, Combe St Nicholas, Chard, Somerset TA20 3AG

Review from Shani P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum moved to Eleighwater in June 2024 after it was highly recommended to us. It is clean and homely with a lovely atmosphere. The food is home cooked and individual tastes like mum's are catered for. Mum's en-suite room is spacious and sunny and mum was happy to stay permanently
after her month's trial.

The managers and all the staff are attentive and caring and spend time with the residents. Mum loves the afternoon singing and musical sessions and particularly likes the visits from the birdman. Extra special things are laid on too like the llamas before Christmas.
What we thought would be a difficult process in moving mum into care has turned out to be the opposite. Mum is thriving there and as, at 93, she is getting frail, the staff are automatically lifting their level of care as needed. Mum is so happy there she calls it home and when we leave we know she is being well looked after and they contact us straight away if there are any issues.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

I love chatting with your mum while watching the birds outside her window. She is an absolute pleasure to care for, and to hear her singing in her bedroom while she is pottering around makes us all…read more

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Review from T G (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The standard of care my mum receives has been great for the 19 months that she has been there, and she has always been treated as a human rather than just a number. The home puts on entertainment for residents, and the food is home-cooked to a great standard. All in all, I would say it is more like

a home away from home than a residential home.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for your review. Mums always so happy and loves seeing her family especially the latest edition. Mums love of sports is great as my husband always goes to your mum for the football results.…read more

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Review from S B (Son of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum, who is now 104 joined the family at Eleighwater some three years ago. Frailty and Dementia finally made me realise that mum needed specialist care in a loving family orientated setting.
The Manager came to my home to meet mum, asses her needs, and yes, hold my hand and support me in the guilt

I felt of not being able to cope with mum. I can sleep easy at night in the knowledge that mum is receiving the best possible care. It is also so important for the loved ones of those in their care to know that their nearest and dearest are being treated as individuals with love, respect and the dignity they rightly deserve.

The home it's self is a lovely large house with all the facilities you would expect, set within beautiful grounds complete with Mr and Mrs Peacock. The environment and feel of this establishment is non clinical, it is a family home where all are welcomed with open arms, be it an extra seat for Christmas lunch, a cuppa, and a chat or the Llamas that visited recently.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for your lovely, honest review. Your mum is an absolute treasure; she constantly surprises us with her determination and her dry humour, never quite sure what she is going to say. It's been…read more

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Review from V H (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 26 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My grandmother was at Eleighwater House for 2 months (Dec 2024-Feb 2025) and it was nothing short of a nightmare. I would not recommend for anyone who doesn't sleep through the night, who has early onset dementia or anyone who is frail. All of these things proved too difficult for the staff to manage

- all things that you'd expect from a care home.
I would hate for a family to go through what we have gone through, having to move a frail 98 year old after only 2 months of moving to Eleighwater.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

After taking advice regarding this review, I feel I do need to defend the reputation of this amazing care home. 98% of clients who come to Eleighwater House Retirement Home on a 4 week trial are still…read more

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Review from R F (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

When our two elderly neighbours became too frail to be able to look after themselves, they each found a place in this wonderful home. Though very different in character and needs, both were treated throughout with the utmost loving-kindness and respect. For one of them in particular it was not such

an easy transition having to leave her home and adjust to the inevitable changes in her life. However, the owners and staff were extremely flexible, patient and tolerant in helping her to come to terms with these; and at all times we were kept fully in the picture. Eight months apart, they both died in the home and, in each case, their end-of-life care was exemplary. The home itself is beautifully managed, the staff wonderful, the food excellent, the fabric well maintained and very clean. There is a happy and open atmosphere where residents are encouraged to take part in activities. We have been hugely impressed with the care they both received in their final months.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure looking after the husband who adapted so well and thoroughly enjoyed his stay with us, and made us laugh every day. Understandably the…read more

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Review from David N (Son of Resident) published on 24 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Absolutely outstanding. Eleighwater House has restored my faith in the beauty of human compassion and caring. Every member of staff is caring and compassionate and their relationships with every resident are a joy to behold. My mother died at Eleighwater House having found laughter and joy for over

17 months. Prior to that, she had tried to live at home aided by loving carers, and in her late 80s, she thought a residential home would be a backward step. A few trial days later her view changed and the final 17 months were such a happy time. Her family too were made to feel welcome. So much so that we chose to hold my mother's celebration of life at Eleighwater House. It was emotional and wonderful and we all feel so grateful. 5 stars is so inadequate.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for a very touching review, as you know your dear mum was someone so special to all of the carers, she lit up the room with her beautiful smile. Holding her celebration of life here was…read more

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Review from Anthony J (Son of Resident) published on 14 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We will be forever grateful to the managers and the team at Eleighwater for their outstanding care and compassion, which Mum received in her final days. The manager kindly visited us at home to meet Mum and agreed to facilitate a move to Eleighwater House, as we were unable to give Mum the level of

care she now needed. Eleighwater House is a wonderfully happy environment; all members of staff are incredibly attentive, polite, dedicated, and gave Mum plenty of love and affection. Being such a small family-run house, and with its first class facilities, it really did feel like home from home. We could visit Mum anytime we wished, which was most appreciated by all the family. We honestly couldn't have asked for any more.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to care for your mother, such a lovely lady. She was so lucky to have a wonderful family around her.

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Review from Marcus D (Son of Resident) published on 19 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Level of Care provided by the owners and staff is well above excellent. The kindness shown has really moved our family. The activities, food and drink and level of service is well above the standard. Thank you for all your hard work!

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you it’s an absolute pleasure. Thank you for your kind words.

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Review from Jacqueline C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Before moving into Eleighwater House my mum-in-law had been cared for by her husband of over forty years despite his own failing health. When Mum moved into Eleighwater House it was a very difficult time for her but the staff were wonderful in helping her settle into her new surroundings. The manager

goes to great lengths to make the house feel like a real home for all the residents and the staff are so kind in the way they really care. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they genuinely show so much compassion and love to our dear Mum. Sadly Mum is getting very forgetful and cannot tell us what activities they have all been enjoying but by taking photos and short videos we can see how much fun and laughter they have! One day Mum had got upset when she had an accident and she was worried that we would put her in a home. We take that as a wonderful compliment to all the staff that she feels completely at home at Eleighwater House.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for your lovely review. Mum has a beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humour, she makes everyone's hearts melt. Watching her in the music sessions brings us such joy.

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Review from Sue O (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our family feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful and very special home from home for our Mum. She always said that she would know the right place for her and has quickly settled into the family atmosphere with the help of the Manager and her kind and thoughtful care and attention in addressing

individual needs and her understanding and managing of her residents and their different personalities. The staff are friendly, helpful and unobtrusive, gently encouraging and maintaining of dignity. Mum greatly appreciates these qualities, as do we. Mum loves her room, its view of the garden and where she can see people coming and going. She much enjoys the pet friendliness of the household with dogs to be petted, bantams and peacocks to be spotted in the grounds. She has made new friends, people with whom to enjoy mealtimes, a drink, a chat and a laugh. She is happy, we are delighted and thankful for all that the Eleighwater family do, above and beyond, to ensure her well-being.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for such a lovely heartfelt review. Mum is a delight to care for. She always puts a smile on my face - love her energy for life.

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Review from Dawn M (Niece of Resident) published on 20 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

It was an extremely difficult decision to place my dear aunt in a residential home. I am overwhelmed by how so very happy she is (a first in many years).
I cannot compliment Elighwater House enough. The staff and management are exemplary - they are kind, respectful and professional. I cannot thank

them enough for all they are doing for my aunt.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you so much, Dawn, for taking the time to write this lovely review. Your aunt is a lady full of lovely stories, which keep us entertained; she is a pleasure to care for.

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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our dad moved into Elighwater last year after leaving the hospital and not being able to go back to his home, this was during the pandemic, but the manager and the team made us all welcome, allowing my brother and myself to stay with Dad for the day to settle him.
Dad loves food, much to the amusement

of the staff; as long as he’s got roast potatoes, he's happy.
Just recently, the manager's father put a train board in the lounge so Dad could see his beloved trains go round.
I have to mention all of the staff, each and everyone are super, caring, and treat him with such respect.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you, Susan, for taking the time to write a review. Your dad has enjoyed seeing others enjoying his model railway. Your right, he does love his food.

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Review from Sally R (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

It's a difficult step for a person to move into a 'home' when they know they are not coping, but they want to preserve their independence and have preconceived ideas of what it means. Both parents moved here nearly 5-years ago and were made welcome, and in fact, their lives improved considerably. My

mother has vascular dementia, which has been advancing, and throughout this time, her care has been constantly adjusted. She began almost self-caring and engaging with activities, but now needs help with everything. All residents are treated as individuals, which feels very important as wishes and preferences are respected and acted upon. My father recently died here and received the best end of life care that could be hoped for. My sister and I both felt support from the staff at such a difficult time for us. The family-like atmosphere comes from the manager and team making it a "home from home", not an institution.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you, Sally; I know it has been a sad time for you both to lose a loving husband and father. I appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely review.

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Review from Ros D (Sister of Resident) published on 11 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My brother has been a resident for over 6-months. This is the best care home I could have wished for, being small and very homely. The residents form part of a large, well-loved, family, looked after by a kindly, compassionate staff. Nothing is too much trouble, and the professional team treat their

residents with dignity and kindness. The home-cooked meals are much appreciated, and individual preferences are catered for. Excellent.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you, Ros, for taking the time to write a review. It’s always a pleasure to see you, and I know your Brother loves you coming to see him.

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Review from Claire L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was discharged to Eleighwater from the hospital and was too poorly to have gone home. Eleighwater staff were wonderful and took great care of her, helping to get her well enough to eat lunch and an evening meal at the table with other residents and gently encouraging her to become more mobile

and independent.

The rooms at Eleighwater are large and well-appointed, with excellent en-suite showering facilities, and residents are encouraged to make them as homely as possible. Food is plentiful and varied, and teas and coffees (or whatever a resident or visitor would like) is always available.

My mother has settled in really quickly and is very happy with her new home at Eleighwater.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It was lovely for mum that you could have lunch together.

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Review from Jill A (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My parents came to Eleighwater house in their 90’s three and a half years ago after my mother visited and wanted to be there. Nearer the time for moving she was unsure but didn’t look back once they settled in. She loves the staff and felt immense relief that she and my father are being looked after.

He had become nocturnal, unkempt and very difficult at home. I was anxious about him being unwilling to enter the house as he had categorically refused a larger modern care home. Instantly on arrival, his personality was transformed back to how he had been some years before. He responded to staff and enjoyed them and the being in a beautiful place.
As a retired nurse, standards of care are important to me. I know they are looked after and respected by lovely people, are happy, safe and treated as individuals. I enjoy spending time there and in being in a beautiful spacious environment.
I am thankful for this unique community where everyone works together to live a happy life.

Reply from Tabitha Twidale, Manager at Eleighwater House Retirement Home

Dear Jill, it is an absolute pleasure looking after your parents, Your father has the best sense of humour and regularly has us in stitches at the dinner table. His knowledge and recall of his life as…read more

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Review from Lynn O (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother first went to this lovely family run home for day care in 2014. She moved into the home permanently in 2015, where she remained until her death in January 2020.
From the very beginning, my mother felt happy and safe here and was cared for as if she was a well-loved family member, never once

mentioning her previous home of some 26 years ever again.
She enjoyed all the activities, especially the music-themed ones and visits by animals such as donkeys, reindeer and owls! The many photos we have of her in this time are of a happy, smiling lady.
As mum's dementia progressed the home made every effort to ensure she could continue to be looked after in comfort and with dignity, introducing a hoist, a hospital air bed and special air chair, as well as a special diet, as she struggled to swallow. Staff were always so patient with her.
They also looked after me and our family, keeping us informed of Mum's condition and welcoming us whenever we visited, for which I was very grateful.

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Review from Marie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our mother has resided at Eleighwater House for just over 12-months. Although we had to wait some 3/4 months for a room to become available, our mother was prepared to wait as she insisted it was where she wanted to make it her home.
The patience and care demonstrated by the staff are abundant, and

they are always attentive to our mother's needs.
We have found the staff to be very receptive to health issues that can invariably arise from time to time, and they are very accommodating to any changing dietary needs.
Our mother has a lovely room overlooking the garden/woodlands, and she enjoys being able to see the daily comings and goings!
She feels very safe and secure, as we do in the knowledge that we will always be kept informed should the need arise.
The endearing family atmosphere is a major plus factor, and even as visitors, we always feel part of it.
We have always been made very welcome to visit, and are regularly informed of any activities taking place and encouraged to join in!

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Review from Tony W (Friend of Resident) published on 20 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

A special friend is being looked after by Eleighwater. She suffers from Parkinson's Disease and needs assistance every time she moves. The staff cope with this so cheerfully and patiently. When I visit, my friend will be in her comfortable armchair by the window, looking out on a flower bed, bird feeders,

and woodland for a backdrop. She loves life there.
Each time I visit she will say "I can't believe how lucky I am".

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Review from Julie D (Regular Volunteer) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

When you enter this care home the atmosphere is wonderful.
I was asked to sing for one of their residents voluntarily. The interactions between care staff and residents were totally person-centred. One of the residents wanted to dance, the staff ensured that she got her wish in a safe manner.
Some

others were more passive and this was acknowledged and accepted by the staff, gently stroking hands in a non-intrusive way. The food was amazing with choices for everyone. Totally inclusive. Respect and dignity shown throughout.
Wonderful to see/observe such dedication.