Birch House
Birch House is a residential care home in Ashford, Kent (TN26 2AF). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Birch House
We at Birch House are proud to offer a welcoming residential care home in the heart of Ashford, Kent, where adults with learning disabilities and autism, including younger adults, can truly feel at home. Our setting has been thoughtfully shaped to support independence, dignity, and meaningful daily living. Nestled within the TN postcode area of Ashford, our home benefits from the calm, community focused atmosphere of this well connected Kent town. The local surroundings offer easy access to shops, parks, and amenities, allowing residents to remain engaged with the wider community whilst enjoying the comfort and security of a place that feels genuinely like home. Our specialism in supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism sits at the very centre of everything we do. We understand that each person we welcome brings their own story, preferences, and aspirations, and our approach is built around recognising and celebrating that individuality. For younger adults in particular, this means a setting that nurtures growth, confidence, and personal development, whilst also providing the consistent, attentive residential care that families rely upon. In practice, this looks like personalised support plans, encouragement to develop life skills, opportunities for social connection, and a daily rhythm shaped around what matters most to each resident. Families can take comfort in knowing that their loved one is supported by a team committed to understanding the small details that make a big difference, from communication preferences to favourite routines and interests. We are pleased that the Care Quality Commission rated our home Good overall following its inspection in January 2025, with Good ratings across all five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well led. For families, this independent assessment offers reassurance that the care provided here is safe, that outcomes for residents are positive, that our team treats people with kindness and respect, that support is tailored and responsive, and that the home is thoughtfully managed. We see this rating not as a destination but as a foundation we continue to build upon every day. Choosing a care home for someone you love is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we recognise the weight of that choice. If you are exploring options for a relative who would benefit from specialist residential support in Ashford, we warmly invite you to get in touch, learn more about life at Birch House, and discover whether our home might be the right next chapter. Whatever stage you are at in your search, we are here to listen, to answer your questions, and to offer guidance with compassion and care.
Care provided at Birch House
- Learning disability and autism support
- Younger adults care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 8 January 2025
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
How Birch House compares in Ashford
Measured against the 43 care homes registered in Ashford. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 5 places. Smaller than 33 of the 43 homes. The local average is 26 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 39 of the 43 homes (91%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Kent the figure is 73%.
- Latest report
- 8 January 2025. 2 of the 43 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- October 2013. One of the newer homes in the area. Only 10 of the 43 have registered more recently.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes in Ashford.
The local picture: Ashford
What the numbers say about care for older people in Ashford, in Kent.
What care costs in Kent, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | £1,187 | £1,409 to £1,600 (Middle half of prices from 22 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing care | £1,378 | £1,550 to £1,865 (Middle half of prices from 11 Kent homes. Median £1,605.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,500 to £1,619 (Middle half of prices from 18 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,975 to £2,226 (South East figure, because too few Kent homes publish this price. 37 homes. Median £2,050.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 15,000. Rising to 17,600 by 2035, up 18%
- People aged 85 and over: 3,700. Rising to 6,000 by 2035, up 61%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 1,900. Rising to 2,500 by 2035, up 30%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 58%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Kent as a whole is 62%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 60. Kent average is 77.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 0 closed. 2 changed owner, covering 29 beds.
- Care home beds filled across Kent: 88%. The 12 month average is 88%.
- Who pays, across Kent (estimate): 35% council, 43% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about Birch House
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 25 October 2013, so 13 years.
- Run by
- Nexus Programme Limited, which runs 3 adult social care services in England. All 3 that have a rating are rated Good or Outstanding.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near Birch House
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, 9.4 miles away
It is about 9.4 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
- Woodchurch Surgery, 3 miles away
- Hamstreet Surgery, 3.8 miles away
- Ivy Court Surgery, 4.9 miles away
Nearest dentists
- Hamstreet Dental Clinic, 3.6 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Easy Smile (the Cellars), 5 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Woodbury Dental and Laser Clinic, 5.1 miles away (NHS.uk details)
Nearest pharmacies
- Boots, 5 miles away
- Paydens Pharmacy, 5.1 miles away
- Jempson's Pharmacy, 5.9 miles away
Nearest railway stations
- Appledore (Kent) Station, 1.2 miles away
- Ham Street Station, 3.8 miles away
- Rye Station, 6.1 miles away
Around Birch House
- H: Birch House
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Common questions about Birch House
Where is Birch House located?
Birch House is a residential care home in Ashford, Kent, TN26 2AF. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Birch House provide?
Birch House is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Learning disability and autism support, Younger adults care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Birch House's CQC rating?
Birch House is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 8 January 2025. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Birch House offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Birch House offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Birch House
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
No. Birch House is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. Birch House is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Birch House offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
Yes. Yes. Birch House supports younger adults as well as older people.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the South East
Birch House has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from Birch House. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
Explore more
More care homes in Ashford
- The Autistic Trust - 118 Beaver Lane — CQC Outstanding
- Anderida — CQC Good
- Ashlea House — CQC Good
- Belmont — CQC Good
- Boldshaves Oast — CQC Good
- Brambles Care Home — CQC Good
Browse all care homes in Ashford.