A heritage of care since 1866
Henry Nihill House continues a proud tradition of care that began with the Sisters of St Mary at the Cross, who have served the sick, the poor, and those in need in London since their foundation in 1866.
The Sisters first worked in Shoreditch, where they built a hospital and school for children, before opening a convalescent home in the countryside — Edgware Abbey — in 1873. When the Shoreditch house closed in 1932, all care moved to Edgware, and the Abbey buildings were expanded to meet growing needs.
As care requirements evolved over time, Henry Nihill House was opened in 1992 as a purpose-built nursing home within the Abbey grounds. Today, it stands as a modern continuation of the Sisters’ long-standing mission: to offer loving, dignified care to those most in need. There is an onsite chapel, and residents are welcome to attend services if they wish.
Compassionate nursing care you can trust
We specialise in 24-hour nursing care, delivered by qualified nurses and experienced care staff who know our residents well and treat them as individuals, not just patients.
Our care is:
Person-centred and holistic
Respectful of personal beliefs, culture, and life history
Focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life
Henry Nihill House operates fully in accordance with the Health & Social Care Act 2015 and is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with a current rating of Good.
Not-for-profit, values-led care
As a voluntary sector, not-for-profit care home, our focus is entirely on the wellbeing of our residents — not shareholders. Every decision we make is guided by compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to provide the best possible care.
We welcome self-funding residents and families seeking a nursing home where care is delivered with both professional excellence and heartfelt kindness.
Courtesy
Acknowledge the “person”, encourage the right of independence of all residents and to treat those supported by us and all people who work for us with respect at all times.
Hospitality
To offer warmth, acceptance and joy in welcoming others, especially the unexpected arrival. By being available to let the unexpected person in, to help them get established, respond to their most pressing needs so they experience being “at home” in this new place. A blessing accompanies both the offering and receiving of hospitality.
Integrity
Recognise the individual uniqueness of each person and act in an honest, equitable and respectful manner.
Individuality
We are committed to providing high quality, person centred care, reflecting and responding to the diversity of the persons we serve and uphold the choices, human citizenship rights of all individuals.
Adaptability
Recognise the individual need for personal fulfilment and offer individualized support and meaningful activity to satisfy that need of residents and staff. By ensuring each resident is central to all personal decisions pertinent to them to achieve/maintain their optimum state of health and well-being.
Our services
We offer 30 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, giving residents privacy while still being part of a vibrant and caring home. Our shared spaces include welcoming lounges for relaxing and socialising, a light-filled conservatory to enjoy throughout the year, and a friendly dining room where residents can come together to enjoy shared mealtimes.
Good food is an important part of daily life at Henry Nihill House. Fresh, home-style meals are cooked on site every day by Caterplus, with menus designed to be nutritious, enjoyable, and tailored to individual needs. Each floor also has a kitchenette, available to residents and visitors for hot drinks and snacks at any time.
Life at Henry Nihill House is enriched by a varied activities programme led by our dedicated activities team. Residents are encouraged to take part in social, creative, and wellbeing activities that reflect their interests, abilities, and preferences. Whether enjoying a group activity, spending quiet time with others, or relaxing outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities to feel engaged and fulfilled.
