Submit a Review for Friars Lodge
18 - 20 Priory Road, Dunstable, LU5 4HR
View full details of Friars LodgeLatest Reviews for Friars Lodge
29 December 2025
Dad has been at Friar's Lodge for over 8 years now. I cared for him at home for 7 years prior so it was a very difficult decision to have to make when vascular dementia took hold. Yet, I could not have been luckier than to find Lucy and her team. They know him well and his needs are not just met,
but often anticipated. They are welcoming and friendly to visitors even when clearly busy.
19 November 2025
Patricia has been a resident at Friars Lodge from 2019 until last month. Its extraordinary that the support and service provided has been so consistently good over such a long period of time. This is primarily due to the qualities of the staff and their retention so that throughout this long stay
they have been able to understand Patricia and care for her so very well. We are so very pleased to have found such an excellent care home for my sister in such a difficult time of our lives.
Linda and Dave C
07 November 2025
Wonderful staff who care deeply for the residents. It feels like they are part of our family in a way. Rooms are cosy, warm and ours set out with family artifacts.. My mother-in-law lived there for 6 years and she was very happy there, making many friends with the carers and management. Thank you
from the bottom of our hearts for looking after mum.
15 August 2025
The staff are always welcoming when I visit Dad, and the home itself is small enough that everyone feels like one big family. All the staff treat Dad with so much care, compassion, patience and dignity - nothing is too much trouble. There is an excellent staff to resident ratio, and always members
of staff to assist if needed. The manager is amazing - so lovely, calm and approachable. She always keeps us informed and is very proactive at ensuring all of Dad's needs are catered for. Dad is very happy and settled at Friars Lodge, and we honestly believe he couldn't be at a better place.
14 April 2025
My mother has been in Friars Lodge since June 2022, and we are so pleased we chose this home. We chat with the managers and staff whenever we're there. The continuity of staff is excellent - reflective of a stable, happy team. Mum is really well cared for. I get regular updates on even little
things. They do craft, keep fit, take trips to the glorious park 2 minutes away and even Elvis comes every now and again! Their own rooms are lovely. The main room is light and sunny. The staff do their admin in the same room, so the residents are continually looked after. They work really well with the local surgery and other care staff. My brother and I are really pleased mum is being so well looked after.
14 April 2025
Our Mum has been a resident at Friars Lodge for over 8 years. Despite the challenges that old age and dementia bring, we are confident as a family that she is well supported by staff who care for her and have been with her for many years.
26 September 2024
Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken
down. We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.
16 September 2024
Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one
into Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.
18 September 2023
The staff are caring and communicative. I know my mum is warm, well fed and safe.
I feel they have Mum's best interest as a priority. The carers all know me and who I’m coming to visit.
She always has good things to say about the staff.
28 August 2023
Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.
16 August 2023
Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.
13 December 2021
Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.
17 May 2021
My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel
so welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
05 May 2021
My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable
regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.
05 May 2021
2 years ago I suddenly found myself having to find a care home within a few days as my aunt, who has Alzheimer's, had started to wonder outside her own home.
Friars Lodge was the only home available. With trepidation I went to look at Friars Lodge - it was a very emotional time for me and I was
unsure if we were doing the right thing putting my aunt into a home, but I had no choice.
I can honestly say that it is the best decision I made! Friars Lodge is just right for my aunt. It is a small home and very friendly. My aunt is looked after by kind, considerate and caring staff who have her best interests at the forefront of their thinking. My aunt is well nourished and usually has a menu choice. There is always a jug of drink on her table and she can ask for a hot drink at any time. I am always welcomed when I visit too!
From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!
18 November 2019
My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It
appears well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.
17 September 2019
We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.
11 June 2019
The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.
04 June 2019
The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.
04 June 2019
My mother has been living in Friars Lodge for more than 2 1/2 years. The review I attended recently was very thorough and I am impressed with the care that my mother receives at Friars Lodge. I commend, very highly, the manager and her staff.
Latest Reviews for Friars Lodge
29 December 2025
Dad has been at Friar's Lodge for over 8 years now. I cared for him at home for 7 years prior so it was a very difficult decision to have to make when vascular dementia took hold. Yet, I could not have been luckier than to find Lucy and her team. They know him well and his needs are not just met,
but often anticipated. They are welcoming and friendly to visitors even when clearly busy.
19 November 2025
Patricia has been a resident at Friars Lodge from 2019 until last month. Its extraordinary that the support and service provided has been so consistently good over such a long period of time. This is primarily due to the qualities of the staff and their retention so that throughout this long stay
they have been able to understand Patricia and care for her so very well. We are so very pleased to have found such an excellent care home for my sister in such a difficult time of our lives.
Linda and Dave C
07 November 2025
Wonderful staff who care deeply for the residents. It feels like they are part of our family in a way. Rooms are cosy, warm and ours set out with family artifacts.. My mother-in-law lived there for 6 years and she was very happy there, making many friends with the carers and management. Thank you
from the bottom of our hearts for looking after mum.
15 August 2025
The staff are always welcoming when I visit Dad, and the home itself is small enough that everyone feels like one big family. All the staff treat Dad with so much care, compassion, patience and dignity - nothing is too much trouble. There is an excellent staff to resident ratio, and always members
of staff to assist if needed. The manager is amazing - so lovely, calm and approachable. She always keeps us informed and is very proactive at ensuring all of Dad's needs are catered for. Dad is very happy and settled at Friars Lodge, and we honestly believe he couldn't be at a better place.
14 April 2025
My mother has been in Friars Lodge since June 2022, and we are so pleased we chose this home. We chat with the managers and staff whenever we're there. The continuity of staff is excellent - reflective of a stable, happy team. Mum is really well cared for. I get regular updates on even little
things. They do craft, keep fit, take trips to the glorious park 2 minutes away and even Elvis comes every now and again! Their own rooms are lovely. The main room is light and sunny. The staff do their admin in the same room, so the residents are continually looked after. They work really well with the local surgery and other care staff. My brother and I are really pleased mum is being so well looked after.
14 April 2025
Our Mum has been a resident at Friars Lodge for over 8 years. Despite the challenges that old age and dementia bring, we are confident as a family that she is well supported by staff who care for her and have been with her for many years.
26 September 2024
Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken
down. We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.
16 September 2024
Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one
into Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.
18 September 2023
The staff are caring and communicative. I know my mum is warm, well fed and safe.
I feel they have Mum's best interest as a priority. The carers all know me and who I’m coming to visit.
She always has good things to say about the staff.
28 August 2023
Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.
16 August 2023
Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.
13 December 2021
Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.
17 May 2021
My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel
so welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
05 May 2021
My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable
regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.
05 May 2021
2 years ago I suddenly found myself having to find a care home within a few days as my aunt, who has Alzheimer's, had started to wonder outside her own home.
Friars Lodge was the only home available. With trepidation I went to look at Friars Lodge - it was a very emotional time for me and I was
unsure if we were doing the right thing putting my aunt into a home, but I had no choice.
I can honestly say that it is the best decision I made! Friars Lodge is just right for my aunt. It is a small home and very friendly. My aunt is looked after by kind, considerate and caring staff who have her best interests at the forefront of their thinking. My aunt is well nourished and usually has a menu choice. There is always a jug of drink on her table and she can ask for a hot drink at any time. I am always welcomed when I visit too!
From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!
18 November 2019
My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It
appears well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.
17 September 2019
We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.
11 June 2019
The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.
04 June 2019
The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.
04 June 2019
My mother has been living in Friars Lodge for more than 2 1/2 years. The review I attended recently was very thorough and I am impressed with the care that my mother receives at Friars Lodge. I commend, very highly, the manager and her staff.