Eleanor Healthcare Group

  • The Close Care Home

    A sanctuary in the heart of Oxfordshire
    CQC
    Overall Rating
    'Outstanding'

    Welcome to The Close Care Home, an award-winning nursing and residential care home in Oxfordshire, now proudly part of the Eleanor Healthcare Group, a trusted name in high-quality, person-centred care.

    Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as Outstanding, The Close sets the benchmark for excellence in personalised nursing care, dementia support and luxury residential living. At The Close, we offer more than care, we offer a true sense of home.

    A Prestigious Location in Oxfordshire

    Nestled on four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the River Thames, The Close Care Home enjoys a tranquil setting within easy reach of Oxford, Abingdon and Wallingford.

    Residents enjoy picturesque countryside views, refined living and easy access to the cultural richness of the Oxford area.

    Why Choose The Close?

    We are proud to be rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a distinction achieved by fewer than 4% of care homes in England. This rating reflects our unwavering commitment to safe, effective, responsive and well-led care.

    From the moment you enter, The Close feels like home. Recent refurbishments were guided by residents’ input, making every space both elegant and meaningful.

    • Beautifully decorated, en-suite rooms with flat-screen TVs and nurse-call systems
    • Peaceful lounges and reading corners
    • Riverside views and calming garden terraces
    • The Lily Room Spa and Elthams Hair Salon for holistic well-being
    • The Boat House Bistro & Lounge – our sociable café-style dining hub
    • Private dining at The Riverside Room for family celebrations.

    We redefine nursing and personal care by placing every individual’s needs, choices and dignity at the heart of everything we do. Our multi-disciplinary team offers:

    • Outstanding nursing care tailored to clinical needs
    • Dedicated dementia care that supports memory, identity and independence
    • Comfortable residential care for those seeking community, safety and support
    • Flexible respite and convalescent stays

    Our food is a standout feature. With award-winning chefs, we provide:

    • Fresh, nutritious meals cooked on-site daily
    • Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
    • Flexible mealtimes and personalised menus
    • Specialist meals for those with dietary or cultural requirements
    • Innovative initiatives like “microwave meals” for dementia residents to encourage independence
    • Weekly themed Takeaway Nights for fun and social connection

    Led by our Life Skills Support Team, we offer a dynamic calendar of activities tailored to resident interests:

    • Arts and crafts, gardening and music therapy
    • Bingo nights, film screenings and Gin Club
    • Pool tournaments, live performances and book clubs
    • Day trips using our accessible vehicles – from garden centres to crocodile sanctuaries!


    Our Screening Room, Den and Library offer entertainment, reflection and relaxation at any time.

    We value and support every resident’s cultural and spiritual needs. Local clergy from all religions regularly visit to hold services and personal observance is respected and encouraged.

    Wellbeing

    We prioritise residents’ overall wellbeing with a range of activities and services aimed at promoting physical, emotional and social health, ensuring that they lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

    Wi-Fi

    Our facility is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing residents to stay connected with loved ones and engage in online activities, promoting social engagement and connectivity.

    Download our brochure

    To find out more about what we offer, please download our brochure

    Recent Awards & Recognition

    We are an award-winning nursing and residential care home in Oxfordshire, proudly recognised for delivering exceptional care, innovation and compassion. Our long list of accolades reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and the list goes on and on.

    2025

    2023

    2022

    Meet the Team Behind The Close

    Our compassionate, professional team is the heart of everything we do. Led by clinical and operational leaders, our team includes experienced nurses, carers, chefs, activities coordinators, therapists, hospitality staff and more.

    Each member is committed to delivering dignity, independence and joy to the daily lives of our residents.

    Leadership & Clinical Team

    Tania Kent

    Registered Home Manager

    Richard Edwards

    Home Manager, Non-Clinical

    Caroline Ramsey

    Clinical Deputy Manager

    Anna Walker

    Clinical Lead

    Gopika Hiregoudar

    Clinical Lead

    Hospitality & Lifestyle

    Callum Chapman

    Head Chef

    Selina Morris

    Hotel Services Manager

    Jill Eltham

    Bistro Dream Team

    Vanessa Morrison

    Close’s own Edward Scissorhands

    Vanessa Morrison

    Close’s own Edward Scissorhands

    Wellbeing & Activities

    Paige Hart

    Activities Lead

    Paige Hart

    Activities Lead

    Support & Admin

    Lucy Hancock

    Receptionist

    Lucy Hancock

    Receptionist

    What Families Say About Life at The Close

    Real stories. Genuine care. Heartfelt praise.

    Nothing speaks more to the quality of care we provide than the voices of our residents and their loved ones. Their words reflect the warmth, dedication and attention to detail that defines daily life at The Close.

    Lynda C (Grandmother of Resident)
    Overall Experience
    5.0 out of 5

    My Granddaughter of 23 years old has been at The Close Care Home for 2.5 years. I have never seen her so happy, content, relaxed and well cared for.

    Although she is the youngest there, all the carers and other residents communicate with her which makes her smile. She has physio on a regular basis and takes part in many of the activities that they provide, including music sessions which are her favourite. She has a main carer and they have so much fun together and it is very obvious they are close. Her main carer knows all her nonverbal signs and can interpret the meaning to give her the very best care. Her other carers are also very much respected and love my granddaughter very much and it shows every day. Two other staff members are also very supportive of my granddaughter in every way and overall I couldn’t be more pleased with everything at Close Care.

    Nita B (Wife of Resident)
    Overall Experience
    5.0 out of 5

    My husband has been a resident of The Close for three years. He is totally dependent on the staff for all his needs and requires full-time specialist care from the manager and her team. The staff are his main carers who are so dedicated and kind where nothing is too much of a problem.

    A special thank you to the carer who transported my husband to our son’s wedding and accompanied him throughout the service and the photographs.

    We are always delighted to speak to the staff on reception who are very supportive with any issues or concerns that I might have.

    Finally you have all been wonderful and it’s so reassuring to know he’s in the best care home possible.

    Mary P (Respite Resident)
    Overall Experience
    5.0 out of 5

    I was a resident for 2 weeks. The staff were all pleasant. The food was excellent. The room was kept very clean and I was cared for very well. The friendship between the residents, the care staff and the senior staff was very good. My daughter reported that everyone she dealt with in the home were very friendly and helpful.

    Leigh P (Son of Resident)
    Overall Experience
    5.0 out of 5

    The staff were truly outstanding, treating my mother with incredible warmth and empathy. The entire team of carers in Willows were beyond fabulous. They were caring, professional and always attentive. I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful care they provided, ensuring my mother was looked after with the utmost kindness. Their dedication and compassion made all the difference during such a challenging time.

    Ruth S (Daughter of Resident)
    Overall Experience
    5.0 out of 5

    My mother has been living at The Close now for over seven years. The continuity of care has been amazing, adapting to her changing needs as her illness progresses. She is not only well cared for physically but truly loved and respected as well. The nursing and care staff constantly go above and beyond with cheerfulness and professionalism.

    Management is visible and supportive. Ancillary staff join in making the place feel as much like home as possible for residents and visitors. The food is freshly cooked and the option of a café where residents can eat alongside visitors is great. The activities are varied and regular and so beneficial for the more social residents like my mother. The physical environment is excellent inside and out with beautiful gardens sweeping down to the river. Everything is kept pristine. We arrived at The Close at a time of family crisis. We are grateful we found a place where my mother can live her best life.

    Enquire About Life at The Close

    Whether you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, our friendly team is here to help you explore your options. We’ll arrange a personal visit, guide you through funding options and provide support every step of the way.

    Abingdon Road, Burcot, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3DP

    Share your care experience with CQC
    Helpline: 03000 616161 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.cqc.org.uk/tellus

    2022

    2023

    2025

    Next Steps

    Get In Touch!

    One of our specialist care advisors will be in touch within 24 hours.

    Visit Our Home

    Book your visit today, our team will show you around our care home.

    Move-In Date

    Once you and your loved ones are completely happy, we will agree to a start date for you to move into your new home.

    Settling In

    Get the Close Care Home experience, featuring premium suites, a beautiful expansive garden, a beauty salon and much more.

    Events

    February 2026
    Sunday
    Monday
    Tuesday
    Wednesday
    Thursday
    Friday
    Saturday
    1
    11:00Making Chocolate Chip Muffins
    14:30Coffee Afternoon In The Bistro
    2
    11:00Manicure Monday
    14:30Countdown In The Boathouse Lounge
    3
    11:00Making Decorations For Our Meeting Tomorrow
    14:30Cody Sing Along In The Boathouse Lounge
    4
    11:00Valentines Crafts
    14:00Butterfly Time
    14:45Board Games In The Bistro
    18:30Friends And Family Stake Holders Meeting With Music Drinks And Nibbles In The Boathouse Lounge
    5
    11:00Zumba With Stu In RV2
    14:30Bingo In The Bistro
    6
    11:00Visit From Luna
    14:30Film Friday In The Cinema
    7
    11:00Under The Sea Crafts
    14:30Walks In The Garden Weather Permitting
    16:30Watching England Vs Wales Six Nations Game In The Boathouse Lounge
    8
    11:001-1 Room Visits
    14:30Board Games In The Bistro
    9
    11:00Manly Monday Morning In The Den Playing Pool And Darts
    14:30Balloon Volleyball In The Boathouse Lounge
    10
    11:00Valentines Card Making
    14:00Alan Plays The Saxophone In The Boathouse Lounge
    11
    11:00Valentines Reminiscing And Advice Sheets In RV2
    14:30Making Love Heart Bunting For Saturday
    12
    11:00Bingo In The Bistro
    14:00Making Valentines Cookies
    13
    11:00Decorating Our Valentines Cookies
    14:30Film Friday In The Cinema
    14
    11:00Decorating Our Valentines Cookies
    14:30Valentines Afternoon Tea And Dance
    16:30Watching The Scotland Vs England Six Nations Game In The Boathouse Lounge
    15
    11:001:1 Room Visits
    14:30Knit And Natter In RV 1 Lounge
    16
    11:00Manicure Monday
    14:30Name That Tune On RV2
    17
    11:00Word Game Sheets
    14:30Shove ‘N’ Throw Tuesday - Making Pancake In The Bistro
    18
    11:00Making Spring Rolls In The Bistro For Our Takeaway This Evening
    14:30Zoo Lab Visit With Their Creepy Crawlies In The Boathouse Lounge
    17:00Takeaway Night
    18:00Film Evening Watching The Live-Action Mulan
    19
    11:00Zumba With Stu In RV2
    14:30Under The Sea Crafting
    20
    11:00Residents Meeting
    14:301-1 Room Visits
    21
    11:00Word Searches And Activity Sheet In The Bistro
    14:00Watching The England Vs Ireland Six Nations Game In The Boathouse Lounge
    22
    11:00Higher Or Lower In The Boathouse Lounge
    14:301:1 Sensory On RV2
    23
    11:00Manly Monday Morning In The Den Playing Pool And Darts
    14:30Countdown In The Boathouse Lounge
    24
    11:00Flower Arranging – Paper Version
    14:30Gentle Exercise With Jo
    25
    11:00Walks In The Garden Weather Permitting
    14:30Bingo In The Bistro
    26
    11:00Sensory Morning On RV2
    12:00Trip To The White Hart For A Hearty Pub Lunch – Limited Spaces
    15:001-1 Room Visits
    27
    11:00Quiz Morning In Dorchester Dining Room
    14:00Film Friday In The Cinema
    28
    11:00Under The Sea Crafting In RV2
    14:30Board Games In The Bistro
    We aim to stick to this programme, but due to unforeseen circumstances it may change. Any changes will be included in the weekly programme and communicated to the nurses.

    Poll of the month

    Poll closes in …

    January Poll Results

    With 67% respondents voting 'Yes', we believe there is still room for improvement!

    Eleanor for you

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    Council and NHS Partners
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    Million Care Visits Annually
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    Employees
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    Home Care Branches
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    Care Homes
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    Hospitals We Supply Logistic
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    Day Centres
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    Supported living homes
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    Extra Care Locations
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    Learning Disability Care Homes
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    Locations across UK we deliver care

    Our Partners and accreditations

    We are regulated by CQC
    These partnerships, accreditations and recognitions affirm our resolute commitment to exceptional care at Eleanor.

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    Apply Or Find Out More About Our Open Roles.

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    The Road Less Travelled – Charting A Visionary Path Towards Success

    Despite a successful stint as one of the youngest finance directors in London, specialising in mergers and acquisitions for a prominent advertising company, Marc found his professional success to be hollow. Driven by a desire to serve the community, he left the lucrative world of finance to establish an accountancy practice and business consultancy in Lewisham. His mission was clear: guide local start-ups and small businesses toward financial transparency and profitability.

    As Marc’s consultancy flourished, he received a crucial call from Eleanor in 2005, who was struggling to keep her nursing agency afloat after 26 years. Marc took on the challenge, initiating a leap of faith that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Today, the Eleanor Healthcare Group stands as a model business in the care sector, with over 1500 dedicated members, fluent in 112 languages, supporting over 3000 clients. The senior staff, with a combined experience of over 100 years in health and social care, has been instrumental in guiding and participating in the organisation’s remarkable growth.

    Marc draws inspiration from his team of staff care workers and frontline keyworkers, acknowledging their role in preserving the life and dignity of the most vulnerable in the community. He emphasises that Eleanor is an organization with people at its core, having created a paradigm shift in the care sector with the driving principle that social care is about people, not processes. In 2009, Marc introduced the concept of person-centric care, responding to a request from Richmond Council. Eleanor Healthcare Group led the transformation, offering tailor-made services and pioneering an outcomes-based approach in collaboration with local authorities. The organisation then took a leading role in preventive care, integrating health and social care services and introducing a novel caring model to Lewisham Council based on the Buurtzorg model.

    Despite numerous achievements, Marc sees success as just the beginning. The Eleanor family remains ready to take another leap of faith, with trust in people above processes. In the face of mounting challenges to health and social care systems, Marc has been steering Eleanor to the forefront of much-needed innovation within the UK and globally. Eleanor Healthcare Group takes pride in its identity, never compromising integrity and always preserving its true essence. The commitment to taking the road less travelled is evident as it approaches the next fork in the future of healthcare, promising to continue breaking new ground and redefine possibilities.