People, not patients
This is Elizabeth Hancock's home. Her father, Raymond, founded Fulford Nursing Home in 1990 with a simple conviction: that the people who live here deserve to be treated as exactly that. People. With histories, preferences, senses of humour and strong opinions about how they take their tea.
Elizabeth is the Managing Director, but you won't find her in a corner office. She walks the corridors every day, knows every resident by name, and carries the out-of-hours mobile herself. When you call at midnight because you're worried, it's Elizabeth who answers. As she puts it: “Every member of our staff has input… because what the handyman might notice, the nurse might not.”
Her leadership has earned recognition beyond York — she's presented at the NICE Annual Conference, partnered with the NHS on patient safety initiatives, and been shortlisted for Caring UK's Management Team of the Year. But ask Elizabeth what matters most and the answer is always the same: the people under this roof.
Working alongside her is Angela Sellers, the Registered Manager, who brings the same family values to the day-to-day running of the home. Together, they lead a team built on respect, honesty and trust — the kind of team where one staff member says, simply, “Best boss I've ever worked for.”
In an age of corporate care chains, Fulford remains the last standing family-run nursing home in York. That's not a marketing line. It's a point of pride.
Out of hours, call Elizabeth directly: 07740 071535. Because when you need reassurance, you shouldn't be speaking to an answering service.
A home, not a hospital
Whether your loved one needs round-the-clock nursing or support with daily living, our qualified team delivers personalised care with warmth, dignity and a genuine smile.
Nursing care
24-hour care from qualified nurses for those with complex or changing health needs. Clinical expertise delivered with the personal touch of a family home.
- Qualified nursing staff on-site around the clock
- Complex and continuing care needs
- Medication management and clinical monitoring
- Personalised care plans reviewed regularly
- Treatment of disease, disorder and injury
Residential care
Supportive care that helps residents maintain independence and enjoy life fully. The everyday help that makes the difference between existing and truly living.
- Personal care and daily living support
- Companionship and social engagement
- Maintaining independence and dignity
- Nutritious home-cooked meals
- Activities and community life
We also provide
“We work with each resident and their loved ones to create a care plan that captures everything — from the little quirks to the important necessities. And our door is always open. Visitors can feel free to join us for a cuppa and some cake.”
Together, always
For most families, the hardest part isn't the care itself. It's the thought of being separated. After decades of waking up beside the same person, sharing meals, finishing each other's sentences — the idea of living apart can feel worse than the diagnosis that brought you here.
At Fulford, couples don't have to choose between the care they need and the person they love. We have eight double rooms where partners can continue to share their lives, their space and their mornings together. Just as they always have.
One partner might need nursing care while the other doesn't. That's fine. They can share a room — bringing their own furniture, their own photos, their own sense of home — without one becoming responsible for the other's care. That burden lifts. The partnership stays.
Or, if they prefer, they can choose separate but nearby rooms. Close enough for a morning visit. Close enough that neither feels alone.
Throughout our time running Fulford, we've helped countless couples transition from home to nursing home, continuing to live happily together in later life.
couples who refuse
to be apart
Life at Fulford
In a community of 28, everyone knows everyone. There are no anonymous corridors here — just familiar faces, genuine conversations and days that feel like they belong to you.
A community of 28
Small enough that staff know every preference and quirk. Each resident has a dedicated key worker. Staff don't wear uniforms — because this is a home, not an institution.
Open visiting
No restricted hours. No appointment needed. Come whenever you like and join us for a cuppa and some cake. This is your family's home too.
Activities and clubs
Monday arts and crafts, Tuesday community singing, Wednesday flower arranging, Friday painting. Plus day trips, swimming, pet therapy, and The Residents Arms bar opens at 11.
12 en-suite rooms
Single rooms with en-suite bathrooms for privacy and comfort. Plus 8 double rooms for couples. Every room is a personal space, not a clinical one.
Two full-time chefs
Three meal choices daily including vegetarian, cooked on-site by two dedicated chefs. Fortified milkshakes, 24/7 pantry access, and a gin or sherry with dinner if you fancy one.
Beautiful grounds
Set in the heart of historic Fulford, with beautiful gardens to enjoy. A peaceful setting just a short distance from the centre of York.
Care Quality Commission
Independently inspected and rated by the CQC. Outstanding in leadership reflects what families already know — this home is run by people who truly care.
“Service was exceptionally well-led” — CQC Inspector, 2019
“Everyone we spoke with told us they were happy with the care” — CQC Inspector, 2013
What people say
Real words from families, residents and the people who work here. They capture what it feels like to find Fulford — and the relief that comes with it.
Within a few days my sister was looking much better, less agitated and more relaxed. Staff are all very friendly and will do anything to help.
A warm, friendly welcome to both residents and visitors. Extremely helpful and caring staff who seek to provide the best possible service. Nothing is too much trouble. A very homely place where residents and visitors are treated like family.
Mum had a short stay to recover from a fall. All the staff and residents made her feel very welcome. The food was excellent and she was very well looked after.
Very homely and caring. Over six months they provided for all our father-in-law's needs, built his confidence and increased his weight. We couldn't have asked for more.
Residents are happy, content, stimulated, feeling safe and loved, being treated as individuals with a say in their own care needs.
I've been at Fulford just over 3 years now. I've enjoyed every minute. Meeting lots of residents and putting a smile on their face is most enjoyable. I'm so proud to work here.
See Fulford for yourself
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions families most often ask us. If you need to know anything else, please call us on 01904 654269.
We'd love to hear from you
Whether you're looking for a place for a loved one, or simply want to learn more, we're here. Send us a message and we'll get back to you personally.
Fulford Nursing Home
Fulford, York
YO10 4HN
A brochure is available on request. Call us or send a message and we'll post one out to you.