Beechfields

Beechfields is a residential care home in Sittingbourne, Kent (ME9 9ET). It holds a CQC rating of Good.

About Beechfields

Beechfields is a residential care home in Sittingbourne, Kent. We are home to older people, both for the long term and for shorter respite stays when a family carer needs a rest. Comfort and reliability are what we work at. Good food, warm rooms, clean clothes, quick help, and the freedom to have an uneventful day. Learning who somebody is takes deliberate effort, so we make time for it. Families usually know things no assessment captures, and we ask them properly rather than in passing. Respite guests are properly welcomed rather than merely accommodated. We ask beforehand how the person likes things done, because a short stay gives us no time to learn it gradually. Residents have a say in how the place runs, and not only in theory. Where we cannot do what has been asked for, we explain why rather than letting it drift. Dignity in personal care is something we are particular about. Being washed or helped to the lavatory should not cost somebody their self respect. We keep relatives informed when health changes rather than waiting for the next visit. A short phone call is nearly always better than a surprise. The Care Quality Commission rates us good overall. Families are welcome to arrive unannounced.

Care provided at Beechfields

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 Beechfields. Report published 22 January 2019.

  • 3 January 2019. The visit was unannounced.
  • 9 places, 8 people were using the service at the time

Safe

Inspectors found that risks continued to be assessed and reduced so that people were safe. Medicines were managed safely and people received them as prescribed. Staff knew how to identify and raise safeguarding concerns.

Effective

Inspectors found that staff received training to meet people's needs. Staff also had support and supervision to do their jobs safely. People were encouraged to make their own choices and their decisions were respected. People were helped to stay healthy and to see health services when they needed to.

Caring

Inspectors found that staff were kind in their approach and had a good rapport with people. Staff had built good relationships with people. People's privacy was respected.

Responsive

Inspectors found that care plans clearly set out people's care and support needs, preferences, likes and dislikes. People were fully involved in planning their care, and care was given in line with their choices. People were given information about how to complain.

Well-led

Inspectors found that systems continued to be in place to check and improve the quality and safety of the service. Accident and incident records were closely monitored, and actions were taken in good time so that lessons were learnt. Staff were positive about the support they received from the management team and felt they could raise concerns.

What people told the inspectors

People told inspectors they were treated with dignity and respect.

Since the last inspection

Rated Good in January 2019, the same overall rating as before (Good).

Safe is still Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Responsive is still Good; Well-led is still Good.

  • 22 January 2019: Routine inspection, rated Good. This inspection gave the current rating.
  • 7 July 2016: Routine inspection, rated Good
  • 4 June 2015: Routine inspection, rated Requires improvement
  • 24 June 2014: Routine inspection
  • 3 May 2013: Routine inspection
  • 16 January 2013: Routine inspection

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 Beechfields compares in Swale

Measured against the 25 care homes for older people registered in Swale. The dark dot is this home.

Size
9 places. Smaller than 18 of the 25 homes. The local average is 36 places.
CQC rating
Good. 18 of the 25 homes (72%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Kent the figure is 68%.
Latest report
22 January 2019. 20 of the 25 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
Registered
January 2011. 17 of the 25 homes registered more recently.
Food hygiene
5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 18 of the 22 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 Swale.

The local picture: Swale

What the numbers say about care for older people in Swale, in Kent.

What care costs in Kent, per week

Type of careWhat the council paysWhat 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 careNot published separately£1,500 to £1,619 (Middle half of prices from 18 Kent homes. Median £1,500.)
Nursing dementia careNot 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: 15,500. Rising to 17,400 by 2035, up 12%
  • People aged 85 and over: 3,700. Rising to 5,600 by 2035, up 51%
  • Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 2,000. Rising to 2,400 by 2035, up 24%
  • Dementia diagnosis rate: 57%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Kent as a whole is 62%.
  • Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 58. Kent average is 77.
  • Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 0 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 Beechfields

Facts from public registers, and what is close by.

Registered with CQC
28 January 2011, so 15 years.
Food hygiene rating
5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 12 December 2025.
Run by
Mr C L Saffrey and Mrs D E Saffrey, 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 Beechfields

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

  • Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, 12.2 miles away

It is about 12.2 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

Nearest dentists

Nearest pharmacies

Nearest railway stations

  • Teynham Station, 0.6 miles away
  • Sittingbourne Station, 3.6 miles away
  • Faversham Station, 3.7 miles away

Around Beechfields

1 mile3 miles5 milesH24 hour A&E: Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, 12.2 miles awayAGP practice: The Chestnuts Surgery, 3.2 miles awayGGP practice: Faversham Medical Practice, 3.5 miles awayGGP practice: Memorial Medical Centre, 3.5 miles awayGDentist: Hilton Dentistry, 3.5 miles awayDDentist: Faversham NHS Dac, 3.5 miles awayDDentist: Hillton Dental Surgery, 3.5 miles awayDPharmacy: Green Street Pharmacy, 1.1 miles awayPPharmacy: H 2 H Pharmacy Limited, 2.5 miles awayPPharmacy: Well, 3.2 miles awayPRailway station: Teynham Station, 0.6 miles awaySRailway station: Sittingbourne Station, 3.6 miles awaySRailway station: Faversham Station, 3.7 miles awaySA&E 12.2 mi
  • H: Beechfields
  • 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 Beechfields

Where is Beechfields located?

Beechfields is a residential care home in Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 9ET. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.

What type of care does Beechfields provide?

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

What is Beechfields's CQC rating?

Beechfields is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 22 January 2019. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.

Does Beechfields offer respite or short-term care?

Yes. Beechfields offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.

Questions families ask about Beechfields

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

No. Beechfields 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. Beechfields 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. Beechfields 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. Beechfields 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

Beechfields 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 Beechfields. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.

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