Highland House Care Home

Littlebourne Road, Canterbury CT3 4AE
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9.8 35 Reviews
  • Highland House Care Home, Canterbury
A small, independent home owned and run by the same managers for over 10 years and set in over an acre of grounds, Highland House is passionate about its service.

Visitors most often describe the home as 'light and airy' and Staff and Residents 'cheerful'. Highland House provides a high standard of accommodation and daily activities to allow the 27 residents the best of care.

Because the service is small and the owners are highly attentive to the needs of Residents, families and staff, the team at Highland House is very flexible in how they care for Residents. Personalised service is at the core of the service. Over the years they have accommodated many special requests - pets, a raised patio and late night dinners to name a few. Staffing levels are very high because they prioritise smooth, consistent care for Residents - as well as visiting experiences for friends and family!

Please get in touch with the team if you are thinking about care for your loved ones for a no-obligation discussion. They'd be more than happy to help.

Care Provided by Highland House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 30 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Independent Living Training
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Highland House Residential Home Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Susan Johnson (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Please speak to Susan about a pre-admission assessment.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (24)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (9)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2008
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Highland House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,225 – £1,475
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,225 – £1,475
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,225 – £1,475
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,225 – £1,475
  • Fees do not include items of a Sundry nature.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Highland House Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Visitors welcome anytime. If you wish to view the home, please do phone them in advance so they can ensure the manager is available to spend time with you.


  • Parking
  • Ample parking. Parking space by the door reserved for picking up and dropping of anyone who needs assistance.


Highland House Care Home Reviews (35)

Total of 35, showing 1-20
9.8

Highland House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Highland House Care Home has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 34
  • 1
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care they provide make you feel so welcome. It feels like home from home. Nothing is too much trouble. Food is good and Mum has put on weight since she has been here. Her room is so clean and tidy every day.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Hello, thank you for your kind review. Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn’t have asked for anything more from Highland House for the care they gave. The first year was difficult for everyone, as we still faced Covid restrictions, though the staff did everything they could to manage the situation. As my father’s health deteriorated over the last 12 months, the home
was excellent in supporting us through this with kindness and empathy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For five years, my father was very happy and well cared for at Highland House. Now, my mother-in-law is lovingly cared for. The home's atmosphere from the moment you walk in is so warm and welcoming. Carers are so attentive and professional- they know Mum and our entire family so well.
Mum had a stroke
last year and since coming to Highland House she has gained so much of her independence back- all thanks to the supportive staff. (The hospital physio said she would never walk again- they were wrong!)
The husband/wife managers feel like an old family. They are there every day and their attention to the home is what makes it stand out. The ground and rooms are excellent. It is so fresh light and airy.
Mum's room has a patio outside her door so there is natural light and the birds squirrels and rabbits keep us all entertained. We love visiting and are so grateful she is here.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad came to Highland House for a month's respite to give Mum time to concentrate on her own health. Following his 4-week stay, we decided for him to stay permanently. He is receiving excellent care that he was not able to receive at home.
The whole place is well run by the staff.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We all very much appreciate your feedback!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my father into Highland House around six months ago, and our experience has been excellent. He had previously been in a large corporate home, and we noticed the difference immediately. I visit a couple of times a week, and the owners are often sitting at the front desk and actively running the
home. No care home is perfect, though having the owners on-site means that any niggles are quickly resolved without any issues.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your kind review! It has been a pleasure caring for your father, and it is always great to welcome you at the door.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad spent his last two years at Highland House. I am grateful for the kindness and dignity that he was shown. The staff were very supportive and caring, guiding us through the difficult process of supporting us all when help was needed.
The home made us feel like nothing was too much and we felt
the care was excellent. We chose Highland House as it is one of the few owner-run care homes left in the area and this shows in what they do.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind comments. We all miss you and your Father.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We viewed 17 homes in the area before selecting Highland House. We chose well, the home was professionally run, quick to pick up on concerns and I was kept fully informed, without fail. The online records provided constant reassurance that I frequently viewed at all hours. Mum was transformed on admission,
from staying in bed, with poor mobility and significant pain. She is now up early, far more mobile and almost pain-free. All credit to Highland House. There was a vast array of activities, cooking, crafts, gardening and superb music provision. A French chef added a real flourish which Mum loved. I never saw agency staff, such continuity was very valuable. I strongly supported the effective precautions taken during covid but the downside was that I never got to spend time with the other residents or staff, who were part of Mum’s life, that may have eased up now. 18 months on, Mum has just moved to a super home closer to me, but I would definitely recommend Highland House if searching in Canterbury.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I will pass on your feedback to our staff, they very much appreciate knowing their hard work has made a difference. We miss both you and your mum dearly and hope she has settled in well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our elderly father spent a very happy ten months at Highland House before he passed peacefully. On frequent visits, we (and many other family members) found everyone to be friendly, welcoming and skilled in their jobs. They managed Dad’s care needs professionally and treated him with dignity and respect.
Dad was full of praise for the staff and he often said how happy he was there. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for the staff, and it was evident that it was a happy place to work in and be part of. I would describe the level of care offered as outstanding.
The relative's online system, which was updated in real-time, gave us lots of information about how he was getting on. We found this very helpful. Also, there was good two-way communication with the family.
Thank you so much for looking after our lovely father so well. Following the pandemic, it was a great relief to know that he was in such a caring environment, where his needs were put first.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for providing your review, your father will be missed by all of us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My frail elderly father was so happy with the way he was looked after. He was treated with respect, kindness and dignity. He was encouraged to join in with the various social activities, he enjoyed the meals, and he so appreciated the fact that staff would make time to talk with him. I visited him every
week and he had nothing but praise for Highland House. I was kept up to date by the Team Leaders on any health issues, changes of care plans, etc. and I found it reassuring to be able to access the online portal with up-to-date daily notes on his state of play. Dad was a very contented resident for 10 months before his long innings came to a close. A big thank you to everyone at Highland House.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words and please accept our deepest condolences, your father will certainly be missed.
Best Regards
Susan.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been a resident for 17 months due to significant dementia.
Staff are kind and uplifting, they react to Dad in a way that means he remains calm and content and he responds warmly to them.
I am sure it is their approach that has meant Dad is accepting of the care and support he needs and he
feels at home.
There is always a team leader available if I have a query. Care plans are reviewed regularly but also staff respond promptly to any changes they or I feel are required and include me in discussions about options.
Special thanks for the support given around recent day surgery. Night staff getting Dad ready at dawn without stress and post-op care has been excellent. The app is appreciated.
The home is very clean, light, and spacious, the courtyard garden is a treat.
Activities vary and the organiser has taken up some things I said Dad enjoys and has tried new things with success. Also, I notice that all staff as they go about their work will greet residents and share a moment.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Dear Anne,
Thank you for your review. The staff are a real credit to Highland House and glad that you have found that too.
Best regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my father received was outstanding. The home is well managed with excellent staff. Staff really care about the residents (and their families) and do all they can. My father was at Highland House for ten months where everyone took the time to get to know him, understand his ways and ensure
he was comfortable in his final months of life. The home is modern and well maintained. His room had a door and outlook to an attractive green space. There is a lovely communal outside area to sit in that we made much use of last summer. On a personal note, I will really miss the wonderful staff who have bought so much love and goodness into an otherwise difficult time. I would, and do, recommend this home to others without hesitation.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We will miss both you and your father.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum lived at Highland House for the last 2 years of her life.
During that time she received excellent care. Although we had been most reluctant to move her into a Care Home, her advancing dementia left us no option.
We chose Highland House because we liked the atmosphere, it was clean, spacious,
light and airy, and the manager was very sensitive to our concerns. Within weeks of the move we felt relieved and confident that it was the right thing to have done, and at no time during the 2 years was there a reason to regret it. The manager and staff were kind, patient and caring and despite all the additional challenges of the pandemic, were able to make my Mum feel part of a family when we weren’t able to visit. Eventually, Mum's condition deteriorated to the point where she had to be moved into hospital where she finally passed away. We were so touched that the manager and 2 members of the care team took time out to attend her funeral.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, it was a pleasure to care for your mum and we miss her greatly.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When it was time for my mother to move into a care home we did lots of research and visited over a dozen homes in East Kent. We must have visited Highland House at least four times during that process and in the end, our decision was unanimous. We liked the atmosphere, the way the home was run and above
all the patience of the staff. The flexibility to accommodate my mother's dietary requirements was very impressive. Some 18 months on we remain delighted with our decision and cannot recommend Highland House highly enough.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind review - it is certainly a pleasure to see your mother every day and we are thrilled you are happy too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum lived at Highland House for the last 2-3 years of her life and during that time received extremely good care. Staff were wonderfully kind and caring and despite all the additional challenges due to the pandemic, they retained consistency in making sure her needs were met in the most thoughtful
way. Like many older people she wasn't sure that living in a care home after living independently would work but she always maintained she was happy there.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highland House have been fantastic over the last 18 months. We could not have asked for anymore considering the awful times we find ourselves in. It is a credit to all the staff that managed to stay free of Covid-19 and allow my aunt to enjoy her last few years.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved into Highland House from hospital after a fall. I was told I would not walk again. The staff helped me regain my ability to walk with a frame. They have all been amazing. I could not think of anywhere else I would like to live.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into Highland House just over a year ago and we have been delighted with the care she has received. Being in her late 90's, we were particularly concerned about the impact of Covid-19, given her underlying health. The situation was made worse due to us living in Spain and we ourselves being
concerned about travelling.
We have been very impressed with the response of the home, with clear rules put in place and regular communication. They have also helped with Zoom calls to allow us to to see Mum, with staff taking a lot of time to assist her with the Ipad.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When the home is contacted to make an appointment for a garden visit they have always been accommodating. Upon arrival temperature checks are undertaken and face masks provided, if required, and hand gel before entry. In the garden, the residents and visitors are kept apart at least 2 metres. This works
well but is weather dependent. A room for inside visits during winter is going to be provided from October onward.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you for your valued feedback. Regards, Susan.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highland House Care Home have taken great care of my mother for over a year now. All the staff are great and are very helpful.
It's kept beautifully clean, tidy and well kept. The residents are entertained most days with various activities of which my mother nearly always joins in.
They have records
online which I can access at any time which shows the day she's had, what she's had for dinner, fluid intake etc. Which is very important to me personally as my mother can't communicate or speak due to her stroke. I can't praise this care home enough, they've been fantastic and especially now as they've kept the home safe during this pandemic.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our brother into Highland House from a sheltered accommodation service, as his care needs had increased over the last year. This was in January just before the outbreak of Covid.
We feel they have done an exceptional job in such challenging times. The management and staff have managed to keep
the home free from Covid, which would affect our brother more than most.
They have kept us updated of changes, and we can follow all of his care through the relative's gateway, which is important as we live about an hour from the home. We have pleased to visit in the garden over the last 6-weeks.

Reply from Susan Johnson, Owner at Highland House Care Home

Thank you, James. It is a pleasure to care for your brother and thank you for your help tending our tomatoes over the summer. We know you will enjoy our new "All Weather" Visiting Centre. All the best, Susan.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.838)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10 for Highland House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.838 for Highland House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (98 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 117 Ratings = 4.838

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Highland House Care Home is based on 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 30 registered maximum number of service users is 6, which has been reached with 10 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 14 Jan 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (2)

Susan

Susan Johnson

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2013

Susan has been the Registered Manager and owner of Highland House since 2013. She has a wide experience in the care sector, including working with residents with challenging behaviour.


Susan experience also includes having obtained the Registered Managers award for elderly care. In to addition to this, she has pursed additional training in the area of safeguarding, dementia and resident well-being.


Katrina

Katrina Murphy

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2020

Kat has endless positivity and compassion for our family at Highland House. Always able to help you out or find a solution to a problem, she is indeed very popular with our Residents!


Frequently Asked Questions about Highland House Care Home

What types of Care is Highland House Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Highland House Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, Independent Living Training, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Highland House Care Home have?

There are 24 Single Rooms and 3 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Highland House Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Highland House Care Home to the centre of Canterbury?

1.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.