Life at Friars Mead is all about helping people to enjoy independent and fulfilling lives. We set high standards in the level of care that we provide and strive to tailor our care to individual requirements.

Home Comforts

Friars Mead is a warm and cosy home with both large and small communal spaces across two floors. There are 26 en-suite rooms which are decorated and furnished to a high standard. Residents are welcome to use the furniture and décor provided or bring their own to personalise their space. We also have some double rooms for couples. Our beautiful gardens and grounds can be viewed from our communal rooms and many of our residents’ rooms have views out onto the main garden and other green areas. There are plenty of sheltered areas to sit in the garden and on the large balcony allowing vital outside access all year round.

Enjoying Good Food

Meals are nutritious and freshly prepared, special dietary needs can also be catered for. There is always a choice of three dishes at every meal chosen by the residents the day before. Just like in a family home the meals are served in the dining room which is a lovely time for residents and staff to socialise. In between meals, drinks and snacks are provided. A kitchenette is also located on both floors in which residents can use for themselves or their guests during normal times.

We have a 5 star rating for Environmental Health and an Excellent rating with HCPA’s impartial feedback survey.

Staying Active & Challenged

Mental wellbeing and personal expression are the key to a person’s happiness, so as well as treating medical conditions and providing physical care we work equally on keeping residents active and mentally challenged. A morning and afternoon activity takes place daily with the timetable delivered to all residents at the beginning of the week. Regular sessions range from arts & crafts, quizzes, singalongs, reminiscence, trolley shop, exercises, flower arranging, bowls, gardening. Driven by the needs and interests of our residents we continually work with individuals providing time and resources to suit their current requests and interests. Regular discussions on personal challenges and experiences take place and shape our timetable. We love to involve the local community with visits in and out of the home. Regular visits from a hairdresser, chiropodist, vicar and various entertainers all form part of our monthly schedule. All staff including two dedicated activities co-ordinators play a part in keeping residents happy and entertained.

Keeping connected

Doors at Friars Mead are always open welcoming visits from family, friends, volunteers and pillars of the local community. We also encourage and assist with phone calls, video communication and letter writing from all over the world! This has especially important during the pandemic. We operate using a smart care system which helps families to stay informed with daily care and activities of their loved ones.

We are not just a Care Home but a Home that cares - we want residents and their families to look upon Friars Mead as their own

Respite stays

When residents come and stay with us, their carers can relax and have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe. Our respite stays include 24 hour care, home cooked meals and the use of all our facilities. We understand that everyone is different so personal preferences are always built into our packages.

Respite and short term stays also help build a connection between our residents, their families and our home; this can be beneficial should a more permanent stay become necessary in the future.

Friars Mead is managed by the Abbeyfield Hertfordshire Residential Care Society.