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09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Relaxing Colouring On Riverview 2
14:301:1 Walks In The Garden
The Close Care Home
A sanctuary in the heart of Oxfordshire
CQC
Overall Rating
'Outstanding'
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 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 delivers compassionate, personalised care that supports people to live with purpose, dignity and independence.
Our commitment to exceptional dementia care has also been recognised through Gold Level Dementia Care Accreditation for 2026–2027, awarded following a comprehensive assessment of the care and engagement provided within our dementia community. The team introduced the Personal Engagement Planner for Purposeful Activity (PEPPA) and strengthened personalised life story profiles to ensure every resident receives meaningful engagement, tailored support and opportunities to remain connected with their identity and community.
Our 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
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.
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
Wi-Fi
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.
2026
- Gold Level Dementia Care Accreditation – National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS) Recognised for delivering outstanding dementia care, meaningful engagement programmes and a whole-home approach to supporting residents’ wellbeing.
2025
- Named one of the UK's Top 100 Care Homes – Lottie Awards
2023
- Winner, Outstanding Independent Care Provider – National Care Awards
- Finalist, Care Home Leader – Social Care Leadership Awards
- Winner, Workforce Development – National Care Awards
- Winner, Excellence in Small Residential Care – LaingBuisson Awards
- Highly Commended, Care Home Manager – Great British Care Awards
2022
- Winner, Dignity and Respect Care Home of the Year – National Care Awards
- Winner, Regional Care Home of the Year (South England) – Caring UK Awards
- Multiple commendations for leadership and team excellence across Oxfordshire
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
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
June 2026
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Under The Sea Crafting
14:30Cody Singalong Session
3
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Name That Tune In The Cinema
14:30Making Decorations For Sharons Baby Shower
4
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Zumba With Stu In RV2
14:00Film Showing In The Cinema
14:301:1 Sensory Sessions
5
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Making Sausage Rolls For National Sausage Roll Day
14:30Coffee Afternoon Enjoying Our Morning Bakes
6
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Making Father’s Day Cards In RV2
14:30Word Games Sheet In The Bistro
7
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Sensory Sunday – Name That Texture
14:30Making Bunting For The World Cup In The Bistro
8
09:301:1 Room Visits
14:30Manicures In The Salon
9
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00DIY Sun Catchers With Tissue Paper And Laminating Sheets
14:30Gentle Fitness With Jo In RV2
10
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Making Sweet Treats For The Cinema This Evening
14:30Messy Hand Painting In RV2
18:00Film Showing In The Cinema
11
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Decorating The Takeaway Bags In Dorchester Dining Room
14:30Bingo In The Bistro
12
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Board Games In Dorchester Dining Room
14:30Beer Tasting In The Bistro Choosing Which Beer To Have On Father’s Day Next Week
13
09:301:1's On Willows
10:30Watching Trooping The Colour In The Boathouse Lounge
14:30Boules In The Middle Garden
14
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Sensory Sunday – DIY Moon Sand
14:30Countdown In The Boathouse Lounge
15
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Making Decorations Followed By Decorating The Boathouse Lounge And The Bistro For Care Home Open Week
14:30Creating Signs For Our Sports Day
16
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Language Session Where We Learn Basic Words From Our World Cup Opponents In The Cinema
14:30Designing Out Your Own Football Top
17
The Close Care Home 3rd Annual Sports Day!
Please Come And Support The Staff And Residents 😊
Please Come And Support The Staff And Residents 😊
18
10:30Lets Watch The England Game From Last Night
11:00Zumba With Stu
12:30Boat Trip In Henley On Thames
19
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Sports Quiz + Guess The Athlete
14:30Penalty Shootout In The Main Garden
20
11:00Sports Reminiscing Talks
14:00Film Showing United In The Cinema
21
Father’s Day
09:301:1's On Willows
Beers And Bets In The Cinema
22
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Residents Meeting In The Boathouse Lounge
14:00Trip To The Snug Café In Dorchester For Coffee And Cake
23
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Manicures In The Salon
14:30Sharons Baby Shower In The Boathouse Lounge
24
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Making Sensory Sticks
14:00Butterfly Time
15:00Coffee Afternoon In The Bistro
25
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Church Service And Communion In Fine Dining For Those That Wish To Join.
11:00Walks In The Garden
14:30Seated Exercise
26
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Under The Sea Crafting
14:00Film Showing In The Cinema
27
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Knit And Natter In RV1
14:30Flower Arranging
28
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00Sensory Sunday – Making Our Owns Sensory Boxes Using Rice, Dry Pasta, Pom Poms, Cotton Wool, Sand, Feathers, Sponges Ect
14:30Pool And Darts In Dorchester Lounge
29
09:301:1's On Willows
11:00Bingo In The Bistro
14:30Balloon Badminton
30
09:301:1 Room Visits
11:00ICE Painting
14:00Alan Plays The Saxophone In The Main Garden (Weather Permitting)
We aim to stick to this programme but due to unforeseen circumstances it may change. Any changes will be included in the daily sheets and told to the nurses and care staff.
Poll of the month
Poll closes in …
May Poll Results
Ensuring every detail is taken care of,
with attention and heart.
Eleanor for you
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Council and NHS Partners
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Million Care Visits Annually
0
+ 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.
