Aquarius Lodge
Aquarius Lodge is a residential care home in Margate, Kent (CT9 2AN). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Aquarius Lodge
We are Aquarius Lodge, a residential care home in Margate, Kent, supporting older people who need help with everyday living, including people living with dementia. This is somebody's home rather than a facility, and we try to keep that true in how the day actually runs rather than only in how we describe it. People bring their own furniture, pictures and belongings, and keep as much of their own routine as they wish. Some enjoy company and the busier parts of the day, others prefer quiet and their own room, and nobody is expected to join in with anything simply because it is on the calendar. Help with washing, dressing, medication and getting about is offered at the person's pace, because being helped should not mean being hurried. Being by the coast, a trip out to the seafront is an easy part of the week for those who enjoy it. For people living with dementia we pay close attention to familiar objects, familiar faces and a steady rhythm to the day, and we take time to learn about a person's work, family and interests so that reassurance rests on something they recognise. We also provide respite stays, which give a family carer a planned break or help someone regain confidence after illness before going home. Our most recent Care Quality Commission inspection rated us good overall. Relatives and friends are welcome. If you are looking at homes in the Margate area, please come and visit us.
Care provided at Aquarius Lodge
- Older person care
- Dementia care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 22 February 2019
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of Aquarius Lodge. Report published 22 February 2019.
- 7 January 2019
- 17 places, 15 people were using the service at the time
Safe
Rated Good. Inspectors found that people were kept safe from harm and abuse. Staff had appropriate training, risks to people were assessed and reduced, and there were enough staff. People received their medicines on time. The building had been refurbished and was clean and well maintained. After the last inspection, the provider acted on its plan and was no longer in breach.
Effective
Rated Good. Inspectors found that people were supported to have as much choice and control as possible, in the least restrictive way. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. When people were unwell or their behaviour changed, staff noticed and acted quickly.
Caring
Rated Good. People told inspectors that staff respected their decisions and dignity. Inspectors saw staff knock on people's doors before going in and explain what they were doing and why.
Responsive
Rated Good. Care plans were up to date and included people's life histories and preferences. People told inspectors that staff were quick to respond when they rang their call bell. Care records were often confusing to read. The registered manager accepted this as an area for improvement, which CQC will follow up at the next inspection.
Well-led
Rated Requires improvement. The provider had put new quality checks in place, and these were finding some shortfalls. However, the registered manager did not record their own checks, and the provider had not identified this as a shortfall. Inspectors said this was an area for improvement. Staff said they felt supported and valued by the registered manager.
What people told the inspectors
Every person inspectors spoke to said they enjoyed living at the home. People said they felt safe and that staff were respectful.
Since the last inspection
Rated Good in February 2019, up from Requires improvement.
Safe moved from Requires improvement to Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Responsive is still Good; Well-led is still Requires improvement.
- 9 March 2021: Inspection looking at part of the service
- 22 February 2019: Routine inspection, rated Good. This inspection gave the current rating.
- 17 January 2018: Routine inspection, rated Requires improvement
- 14 June 2017: Routine inspection, rated Inadequate
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How Aquarius Lodge compares in Thanet
Measured against the 42 care homes for older people registered in Thanet. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 17 places. Smaller than 35 of the 42 homes. The local average is 37 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 28 of the 42 homes (67%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Kent the figure is 68%.
- Latest report
- 22 February 2019. 34 of the 42 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- August 2016. 17 of the 42 homes registered more recently.
- Care offered
- Dementia care. Of the 42 homes, 24 offer dementia care.
- Food hygiene
- 5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 37 of the 39 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes for older people in Thanet.
The local picture: Thanet
What the numbers say about care for older people in Thanet, 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: 18,100. Rising to 20,300 by 2035, up 12%
- People aged 85 and over: 4,400. Rising to 6,600 by 2035, up 48%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 2,300. Rising to 2,800 by 2035, up 22%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 58%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Kent as a whole is 62%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 86. Kent average is 77.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 1 opened, 1 closed
- 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 Aquarius Lodge
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 15 August 2016, so 10 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 22 July 2025.
- Run by
- Aquarius Lodge, which runs this service only.
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 Aquarius Lodge
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
- Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, 0.6 miles away
It is about 0.6 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
- Northdown & Dashwood Surgery, 0.5 miles away
- The Limes Medical Centre, 0.6 miles away
- Bethesda Medical Centre, 0.9 miles away
Nearest dentists
- Northdown Road Dental Practice, 0.2 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Northdown Road Dental Surgery, 0.2 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Portman Smile Clinic Margate, 0.7 miles away (NHS.uk details)
Nearest pharmacies
- Northdown Pharmacy, 0.3 miles away
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, 0.5 miles away
- Hawley Street Pharmacy, 0.6 miles away
Nearest railway stations
- Margate Station, 1.1 miles away
- Broadstairs Station, 2.4 miles away
- Westgate-on-Sea Station, 2.5 miles away
Around Aquarius Lodge
- H: Aquarius Lodge
- 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 Aquarius Lodge
Where is Aquarius Lodge located?
Aquarius Lodge is a residential care home in Margate, Kent, CT9 2AN. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Aquarius Lodge provide?
Aquarius Lodge 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 Aquarius Lodge's CQC rating?
Aquarius Lodge is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 22 February 2019. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Aquarius Lodge provide dementia care?
Yes. Aquarius Lodge supports people living with dementia. We recommend contacting the home directly to discuss your individual situation.
Does Aquarius Lodge offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Aquarius Lodge offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Aquarius Lodge
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
Yes. Aquarius Lodge 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. Aquarius Lodge 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. Aquarius Lodge 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. Aquarius Lodge 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
Aquarius Lodge 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
- Dementia care: £1,200 to £1,550 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from Aquarius Lodge. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
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