Care Homes
The Old Vicarage
The Vicarage,Parsonage Lane,Hungerford, Hungerford RG17 0JB
Overview
The Old Vicarage is a historic property located on Parsonage Lane in Hungerford, Berkshire. Based on its name and location, it appears to be a converted period residence that was once an official vicarage associated with the local parish church. The building likely dates back several centuries, as many vicarages in English market towns like Hungerford were constructed during the Victorian era or earlier.
This property is situated in the charming market town of Hungerford, known for its historic high street and riverside setting along the River Kennet. The location on Parsonage Lane reflects the traditional association between religious buildings and residential properties in established communities. The Old Vicarage represents an important piece of local heritage architecture and contributes to the character of this Berkshire town.
Hungerford itself is a well-established community with good access to local amenities, transport links, and neighbouring areas. The postcode RG17 0JB places the property within easy reach of Hungerford's town centre and its various services, shops, and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Old Vicarage in Hungerford may provide residential care (help with daily activities like washing, dressing, meals, and companionship), nursing care (24-hour care from registered nurses for complex medical needs), dementia care (specialist support for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia), and respite care (short-term stays to give regular carers a break). Contact 01488 683634 to find out exactly which services are available.
Care home fees vary depending on the type of care needed. In the UK, the average cost is approximately £700-1,000 per week for residential care and £900-1,400 per week for nursing care, though this varies by region and provider. Your local council will carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you qualify for council funding. If your assets (including property) are above the capital threshold, you may need to self-fund. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding may be available for those with a primary health need. Contact 01488 683634 for current fees at The Old Vicarage.
The Old Vicarage is inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC rates care homes as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate across five domains: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led. You can view the full inspection report for The Old Vicarage on the CQC website at cqc.org.uk. Ask The Old Vicarage about their most recent inspection outcome.
Yes, The Old Vicarage welcomes prospective residents and their families to visit and see the home before making a decision. A visit allows you to see the rooms, communal areas, and gardens, meet staff and current residents, ask questions about care, activities, and daily routine, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Call 01488 683634 to arrange a visit. It is recommended to visit at different times of day and more than once.
The Old Vicarage can provide compassionate end-of-life (palliative) care in partnership with the resident's GP, district nurses, and specialist palliative care teams. Care focuses on comfort, dignity, pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and involving family members. Many residents prefer to remain in the familiar surroundings of the care home rather than transfer to hospital. Advance care planning helps ensure the resident's wishes are respected.
Yes, The Old Vicarage encourages residents to personalise their rooms with familiar items from home. You can bring photographs, ornaments, a favourite chair, bedding, small pieces of furniture, a radio or TV, and personal toiletries. This helps create a comfortable, homely environment. Large items should be discussed with the care home in advance. Valuables should be kept to a minimum — ask about secure storage.
If a resident's needs change, The Old Vicarage will review and update their care plan. If the home can accommodate increased needs (for example, by arranging additional nursing support), the resident can stay. If needs exceed what the home can safely provide, staff will work with the family, GP, and local authority to find a suitable alternative, such as a nursing home or hospital. Regular care plan reviews (at least every 6 months) ensure care remains appropriate.
If you have a concern, raise it with the care home manager at The Old Vicarage first. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact the local authority adult social care team, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if you believe care standards are not being met, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for complaints about council-funded care, or an independent advocacy service for support with making a complaint.
The Old Vicarage may have a specialist dementia care unit or provide dementia-friendly care throughout the home. Dementia care includes trained staff who understand the condition, a safe and secure environment to prevent wandering, memory-stimulating activities, person-centred care plans, and close liaison with families. Ask 01488 683634 about dementia care provision, staff training, and how they support residents with memory loss.
The Old Vicarage encourages family and friends to visit regularly. Many care homes now offer flexible visiting with no set hours, though some may ask visitors to avoid mealtimes. Contact 01488 683634 for current visiting arrangements. Visitors are always welcome and play an important role in residents' wellbeing.
Staff at The Old Vicarage hold relevant qualifications including the Care Certificate (minimum standard for new care workers), NVQs/diplomas in Health and Social Care, registered nurse qualifications (for nursing homes), dementia awareness training, safeguarding training, first aid, and moving and handling. The CQC inspects staffing levels and training as part of their assessment. Ask The Old Vicarage about their staff-to-resident ratios and training programmes.
The Old Vicarage provides a programme of activities designed to promote wellbeing, social interaction, and enjoyment. Activities may include arts and crafts, music and singing, gentle exercise and chair yoga, gardening, games and quizzes, film screenings, outings and trips, visiting entertainers, pet therapy, reminiscence sessions, and celebration of birthdays and cultural events. Activity coordinators tailor programmes to residents' interests and abilities.
Before moving into The Old Vicarage, you will need a care needs assessment from your local council. Contact your council's adult social care team to request an assessment — they will evaluate your physical, mental, and emotional needs and determine what level of care you require. The council will also carry out a financial assessment. You can also ask your GP, hospital, or social worker to refer you. The Old Vicarage will conduct their own pre-admission assessment to ensure they can meet your needs.
Some care homes allow small pets such as budgies or fish, though this varies. The Old Vicarage may also welcome visiting pets and organise pet therapy sessions with animals. Having animals around can boost mood and reduce loneliness. Contact 01488 683634 to discuss pet policies.