The Old Downs Care Centre

Logo of The Old Downs Care Centre, a care home in Dartford, Kent, offering older person care and dementia care.

The Old Downs Care Centre is a residential care home in Dartford, Kent (DA3 7BH). It holds a CQC rating of Good.

About The Old Downs Care Centre

We are The Old Downs Care Centre, a care home in Dartford in Kent. We provide residential care for older people, including people living with dementia, and we offer respite stays for those who need care for a short while or whose regular carer needs a break. Moving into a care home is a considerable thing, and the first few weeks matter more than any brochure. We spend that time learning about a person rather than settling them into our routine. What they did for a living, what they cannot be doing with, whether they like the door open or shut at night, what time they have always had their breakfast. These are small facts and they are what makes somewhere feel like home rather than somewhere you are staying. Dementia care is largely a matter of consistency and patience. We keep the day recognisable, we avoid surprising people, and we take the time to work out what someone is trying to tell us when the words will not come. Distress usually has a reason, and finding it is more useful than managing it. Families are part of this too. We keep you informed, we welcome you at whatever time suits, and we would rather hear a concern early and plainly than have it saved up. At our most recent inspection the Care Quality Commission rated us good overall. We are glad of that, and we go on asking residents and relatives where we fall short.

Care provided at The Old Downs Care Centre

Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.

Common questions about The Old Downs Care Centre

Where is The Old Downs Care Centre located?

The Old Downs Care Centre is a residential care home in Dartford, Kent, DA3 7BH. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.

What type of care does The Old Downs Care Centre provide?

The Old Downs Care Centre is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Older person care, Dementia care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.

What is The Old Downs Care Centre's CQC rating?

The Old Downs Care Centre is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 16 September 2017. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.

Does The Old Downs Care Centre provide dementia care?

Yes. The Old Downs Care Centre supports people living with dementia. We recommend contacting the home directly to discuss your individual situation.

Does The Old Downs Care Centre offer respite or short-term care?

Yes. The Old Downs Care Centre offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.

Questions families ask about The Old Downs Care Centre

Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?

Yes. The Old Downs Care Centre is registered for dementia care, so someone whose needs increase can usually stay rather than move.

Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?

No. The Old Downs Care Centre 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. The Old Downs Care Centre 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?

No. The Old Downs Care Centre is registered for older people. Younger adults are not listed.

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

The Old Downs Care Centre 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.

Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from The Old Downs Care Centre. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.

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