London's local gems for later living
Nella Guagenti on the best later living choices in London
The minute we become parents, the great research race begins. What magic must we conjure up to get our child into the most popular school? And yet, when it comes to those in the evening of life – our elderly parents in need of a care home – information is somewhat scarce. Aside from the differences between nursing, residential and dementia care, care homes come in all shapes and sizes: some specialise in physical disability, end of life care or luxury living. There are big ones, small ones, ones with fabulous gardens and others with action-packed activity calendars.
So here, to point you in the right direction, are a few local homes rated outstanding by the CQC
1. Cecil Court
📍4 Priory Road, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3DG
Best for: Dementia care
- Beds: 45
- Cost: £1,500 per week
- Type: Residential, specialist dementia, respite care
This splendid Victorian building has been converted into a practical modern care home. The front garden is often used as an outdoor lounge, while the courtyard garden at the back provides a secure space for those who like to grow plants and vegetables. The home is managed as four separate units, each with a lounge, dining room and kitchen.
Fiona Saadat, who has extensive experience in research into living with dementia, oversees the care for those for whom the condition is more severe. Close to Kew Green, the Thames Path and Kew Gardens (wheelchair users and carers go free), Cecil Court offers plenty of beautiful walks nearby. If necessary, staff will accompany residents.
Call 020 8940 5242.
2. Dalemead Care Home
📍10-12 Riverdale Gardens, East Twickenham, Middlesex
Best for: End-of-life life care
- Beds: 49
- Cost: £1,040 per week
- Type: Specialist dementia and mentally frail
This conversion of two adjoining Victorian homes is organised as four ‘family’ units, each with a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. A dedicated team of carers is allocated to each unit, providing consistency and familiarity for the residents and their families while making it easier for new residents to fit in. End-of-life care training is another strong point. Activities include ballroom dancing, art and musicals, and trips to nearby parks. A great plus is that many local lanes are wheelchair accessible.
Call 020 8892 2161.
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
3. Deer Lodge
📍22 Sandy Lane, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0DR
Best for: Small and intimate
- Beds: 14
- Cost: £1,300 per week
- Type: Residential, dementia, respite
This traditional double-fronted Victorian house is a place where everyone joins the day’s activities as one big group. Families love the sense of calm – a credit to the staff, many of whom have worked here for decades (there are no agency staff whatsoever). Another huge plus is the location overlooking Bushy Park. Many residents are mobile and walk over to watch the deer, and a large garden at the back also entices green-fingered residents to potter about.
Call 020 8943 3013.
4. Lynde House
📍Meadowbank, 28 Cambridge Park, Twickenham TW1 2JB
Best for: location
- Beds: 79
- Cost: £1,900 per week
- Type: Residential, nursing, moderate dementia and respite, luxury.
Lynde House has fantastic views, with some rooms overlooking the Thames and others with patio doors leading out into the big garden. This is one of a growing number of luxury care aiming to provide the whole package of comforts, freedom and respect. Chef offers a daily choice of main course, complete with wine. Waiter service operates in both dining rooms, one of which is allocated to residents who need food assistance. Also, a private party can be booked for family meals.
Call 020 8003 5299.
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
5. Greville House
📍Greville Road, Richmond, TW10 6HR
Best for: Outdoor lovers
- Beds: 59
- Cost: £1,769 per week
- Type: Residential, nursing, specialist dementia, long- and short-term respite
This purpose-built home is only a stone’s throw from Richmond Park, with carers organising regular walks to the park and town centre. Many of the staff are longstanding trained nurses or dementia specialists. Two activity organisers arrange the daily programme of events for residents.
Call 020 8334 2890.
1 of 3
unknown
2 of 3
unknown
3 of 3
6. Lyle House Care Home
📍207 Arabella Drive, Roehampton, London SW15 5LH
Best for: Modern comforts
- Beds: 70
- Cost: From £1,400 per week
- Type: Residential, dementia, respite
207 Arabella Drive, Roehampton, London SW15 5LH | 020 8878 3806 | NO OF BEDS: 70 | FROM £1400 per week
Residential, dementia, respite.
Recently renovated, the home has a dining room and lounges on each of its four floors, along with a café, pub and cinema. A serviced private dining room is available to book if you want to have family or friends over for dinner. Care coordinators also escort residents to nearby Barnes Common, Richmond Park, and Mary's Sheen.
Call 020 8878 3806.
7. St Mary’s House
📍71 Ormond Avenue, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2RT
Best for: Physical disability
- Beds: 23
- Cost: From £990 per week
- Type: Residential, dementia, physical disability
St Mary’s House is a privately run care home, owned and managed for 40 years by Mrs Warren, who is very hands-on with the daily routine. The detached property has been extended to provide a medley of rooms, a small garden and a homely environment. Many staff members have worked here for years, learning to manage the mixed-field residents. St Mary’s also spends considerable time producing autobiographical films and residents’ stories.
Call 020 8979 2847.
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
8. Coombe Hill Manor
📍190-196 Coombe Lane West, Coombe, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EQ
Best for: Luxury living
- Beds: 94 apartments
- Cost: Average fees £2,120
- Type: Residential, dementia, nursing, respite
This modern care home is designed with comfort and luxury: the lobby, restaurant, cafe, lounge, activities room, cinema and library are stylish and welcoming spaces. As at most Signature homes, there are various apartment options, each with an ensuite and kitchenette – an excellent idea for those who want more independence. A fabulous art studio provides the space to create art and display the work of local artists, and there are regular theatrical performances by residents and outside participants. Five organisers plan activities, tournaments and trips seven days a week.
Call 020 8336 4650.
9. Devonshire Dementia Care Home
📍213 Malden Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6AG
Best for: Living with dementia
- Beds: 34
- Cost: From £1,500 per week
- Type: Residential with dementia, respite minimum of three weeks.
This specialist home supports people with all levels of dementia, thanks to its highly trained staff. Unlike at many care homes, dementia patients are unrestricted regarding their movements around the house and garden. In addition, there is a dementia daycare centre on site.
Call 020 8949 0818.
