Loose Valley Care Centre

15 Linton Road, Loose, Maidstone ME15 0AG
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • Loose Valley Care Centre, Maidstone
Loose Valley Care Centre is situated near Maidstone in Kent. Nestled in the Loose Valley, the Home is a beautifully converted former vicarage, sitting in three acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. Their skilled staff deliver the very best person-centred care and ensure there is attention to detail in the way they offer support to all.

Loose Valley has a capacity of up to 31 residents, with single room accommodation. The majority of bedrooms have ensuite facilities. The Home has a pleasant lounge, dining room, a bright and airy conservatory and an onsite hair salon. The extensive secure gardens feature two patio areas with wheelchair access around the perimeter.

The Home is passionate about keeping their residents stimulated and active, through a range of tailored daily activities including music therapy, painting lessons, seated exercise classes, pet therapy, gardening, live music and external outings. Using essential oils, they also hold regular Namaste sessions where residents can receive relaxing massage treatments in a calm, tranquil environment, while enjoying delicious fruits, treats and drinks.

One of the first care providers to champion the importance of nutrition for the elderly and those with Dementia, Nellsar employ a Nutrition & Wellness Manager for their Homes. Loose Valley acknowledges that nutrition and hydration are an integral part of good health and well-being, delivering well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks to residents every day.

Employing high-tech care planning technology, care staff use the ®Nourish system, spending less time on paperwork and more time caring for their residents.

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Care Provided by Loose Valley Care Centre

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 39 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Diana Serban (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (29)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Loose Valley Care Centre

  • 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 £1,500 – £1,600
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,600 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,550 – £1,648
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,650 – £1,750

  • The Self-Funded Nursing Care weekly fee does not include the NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) fee. The weekly fees do not include personal expenditures such as hairdressing, chiropody, physiotherapy, opticians, dentist, transportation, cost of outings, newspapers subscription, escort fees etc.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Loose Valley Care Centre to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • 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
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The home maintains an open-hours visiting policy, which means relatives and friends welcome to drop by and see loved ones at any time. Families always welcome to join relatives for afternoon tea or lunch.


Loose Valley Care Centre Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 21-40
9.9

Loose Valley Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.882) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Loose Valley Care Centre has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 46
  • 14
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Date Published

61
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Review from Ralph S (Resident) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In October 2021 I was transferred to Loose Valley needing mobility support after sustaining a Vancouver fracture to my right hip. I had seven joints replaced previously. The aim was to achieve pain-free walking using one walking stick and carer support. There were exercise classes for general fitness.
We had three cooked meals daily with a choice of two served in our rooms or the conservatory. I had a single, double aspect room with an adjacent toilet and shower. I had care support with showering. My previous important information of care homes was that they were to be avoided at all costs. More than four months later the care and attention I have received at Loose Valley has softened my impression a bit and am worried that I soon will have to do without:- someone to cook and serve my meals, provide a 2 - 3 hour laundry service, give me my medication, then amuse and entertain me etc. Also what was important to my recovery was the time I spent swapping life stories with my carers considering how we all ended up at the same place and time.
It will be nice to see my wife though!

Reply from Diana Serban, Registered Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you so much for your kind words, you will be missed! All the best to you and your family and we are always here if you will be needing us.


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Review from Graham R (Son of Resident) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad arrived at Loose Valley in a poor physical and mental condition following a major operation and long hospital stay. Through the diligent care and generosity of spirit of all the staff, he has now recovered to his pre-op condition. The home is superbly led by the Home Manager and her team, and they
remain positive and cheerful through the challenges posed by covid.

Reply from Diana Serban, Registered Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to send such a lovely review on reflection of the service your father received during his stay at Loose Valley. We will miss his kindness, friendly chats and sense of humor, all the best for future from all team at Loose Valley.


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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum had to go to Loose Valley for respite care in August 2021 due to a broken shoulder. We couldn't be happier with all the staff and the exceptional care that has been consistently provided during mum's stay! We honestly cannot thank them all enough! They are all fabulous!

Reply from Diana Serban, Registered Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you for your lovely review, is our pleasure to look after mum, and hope she is feeling at home here with us at Loose Valley!!


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Review from Christine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased to give this review of the care my father is receiving at Loose Valley (since 4th November 2021) as the care is excellent. I am a retired registered nurse so can appreciate
the excellent care being given to my father. My father who is bedridden is given very regular position changes
and always well-groomed, and has nutrition, fluid intake, and output closely monitored. There is a lovely friendly atmosphere in the home and all the staff is very helpful, kind and patient. My brother and I are very pleased with the care my father is receiving.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you so much for your positive review. Your opinion is very important to us and will mean a lot to the team.


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Review from C M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very caring and friendly staff.
Very well looked after.

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this review. All feedback is most welcome, and the manager will make sure she shares this with the staff team, who will be very pleased with your positive comments. Thank you.


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Review from David C (Son of Resident) published on 13 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are among the best and always care about the welfare of my mother, especially during the difficult times caused by the Covid pandemic.
Everyone is genuinely helpful and show they really care about looking after the residents.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Many thanks for taking the time to leave your review; your feedback is a great help in showing us where to improve and develop our service to you. Take care, and thank you once again.


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Review from Sonia B (Wife of Resident) published on 8 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have never visited when food was being served, so I cannot have an opinion or rate. My husband is on fast track.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Many thanks for completing the care home survey and your grading scores. If there are any specific suggestions you can make for how we could achieve higher marks we would welcome your comments and would be happy to discuss with you when you next visit.
Thank you once again and best wishes to you and your husband.


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Review from Janet B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was in Loose Valley for nearly eight years, her care was exceptional.
The staff were amazing, always was mum treated with the utmost care and compassion.
The home was always clean and smelt lovely.
The activities were always great, the food amazing. I always visited and was made to feel welcome,
as was the rest of the family.
Loose Valley became my mum's home, and I felt it's my second home. I thank you all for the care and respect you gave Mum till the end.
Thank you all from the bottom of my and my family's heart.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Many thanks for this almost perfect review. I am so pleased that the care received has been so positive, and hopefully, this helped you through the difficult experience of losing your dear mum. For the benefit of others in the future, it would be very helpful if you could elaborate on your experience with the management side of the service. If you are able to contact me please do on alison.ruddock@nellsar.com.
Wishing you well, and thanks again for your feedback.
Kind regards.


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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff enough. They were wonderful with my father, nothing was too much trouble. They sat and talked to him and really made his stay special.
Thanks to them his final weeks were much better than they could have been.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

I am so pleased the staff at Loose Valley made your fathers nursing care experience as positive as could be, and in turn, made a difficult period a little easier for the family. I will ensure the staff receive your feedback. I would appreciate it if you could give further comment as to what we could do to improve our activities, our food and drink service and our security if you have the time.
Kindest regards.


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Review from A F (Resident) published on 28 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In my six weeks at Loose Valley Care Centre, I found the atmosphere comfortable and relaxed. There are opportunities for privacy, also for meeting others. Everyone is cared for appropriately and special attention is unobtrusive. The food is excellent with a delicious menu attractively presented and
well suited to the range of residents.
Staff are always polite and helpful. Their special kindness and warm friendliness are greatly appreciated and enjoyed. The management maintain a high level of efficient care for individuals in an exceptionally welcoming home.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

I am so pleased that you are happy with the service you have received.
If you could give me any suggestions for how we could improve the facilities, I would appreciate your further comments on our continued development. Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback.
Kind regards.


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Review from Joe G (Brother of Resident) published on 19 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister came here just before Christmas four years ago, thanks to your manager making a room available for her. During her time here, she has enjoyed the contact with the staff who are friendly and kind. She loved gardening and the manager made an area available for her to plant up and enjoy. Her
room was comfortable with a TV and room for some of her own furniture, which she liked.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Many thanks for taking the time to give us feedback on the service we provide. It is invaluable in measuring our effectiveness and directs us for future improvements. If you have any suggestion for how we could improve the safety and security or activities, we would welcome your comments. Kind regards.


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Review from L B (Cousin of Resident) published on 29 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visitors are always welcomed with a smile and chat. Patients are treated with great care and respect. In the case of my cousin, the family thanks everyone for their care in her last days and, indeed, her entire stay.

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Many thanks for taking the time to send a review on reflection of the service your cousin and her family received during her stay. It is information that we can feedback to the staff, with a thank you! to show how much comfort and care they give and the impact it has on so many people. Please accept my personal condolences and thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide her care.
Kind regards
Alison


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Review from Lynda H (Niece of Resident) published on 21 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt entered the home as a very poorly, recently widowed 98-year-old. Under their sensitive, compassionate care she found a reason to smile again and eventually began to enjoy life again. We will have happy memories of the time she spent at the care home.

Reply from Jodie Currey, Marketing & Branding Manager at Loose Valley Care Centre

Thank you for your review of Loose Valley Care Home. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and we are so pleased that the time your Aunt spent with us made her smile.


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Review from Paul D (Son of Resident) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely without question thoroughly recommend LVCC. All the staff work above and beyond their duty.

Reply from Kirstie Newell, Marketing at Loose Valley Care Centre

Dear Paul, thank you for your kind review of Loose Valley. We kindly welcome all feedback, as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are delighted that you are so happy with the Home.


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Review from Chris T (Son of Resident) published on 6 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After viewing a number of care homes in the area it was immediately apparent that Loose Valley Care Centre was the one that I wanted my mother to go to. It is set out as a large country house with beautiful grounds and does not have the feeling of an institution. After securing a place for my mother
the staff made every effort to make sure that there was a smooth transfer from the hospital and that she was comfortably settled in. She has been there for a couple of years and the nursing care is excellent. They are very responsive to her particular care needs and she settled in very well. I would not hesitate to recommend Loose Valley to anyone looking for a safe and secure environment for a loved one to live.

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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The helpfulness during this trying time has been second to none. The manager and her team have been excellent. I would recommend this care home to anyone.

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Review from Joan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have every confidence that my 101-year-old mother is looked after very well. As we live quite a long way away and are unable to visit very often, this gives much peace of mind.
Mother is telling us all the time how good staff are to her and that they can't do enough for her. They really "went to
town" on her 100th and 101st birthdays. We are grateful to all for the fact that she seems to be so happy.

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Review from K M (Respite Resident) published on 20 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I enjoyed my two weeks respite and would be happy to go again.

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Review from Rodger S (Husband of Resident) published on 3 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife was welcomed like a family member when she arrived. The formalities were addressed without concern.
When I collected her at the end of her respite stay a number of staff members came to wish her well, not only the one dealing with her departure. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed looking after
her. She was quite happy and pleased with their concern.

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Review from David G (Regular Volunteer) published on 31 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I help as a volunteer and visit 1-2 times a week for a couple of hours and drive the mini-bus on outings. Staff are kind, caring and professional. Most of my time is spent doing 1 to 1 sessions with residents ( I bring my dog with me for pet therapy once a week). Many residents are bedbound and quite
high dependency. The model of care is quite positive and I wonder if more residents could be mobilised more often to improve their physical health. Good range of social activities.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.882)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.882) out of 10 for Loose Valley Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.882 for Loose Valley Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (157 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 178 Ratings = 4.882

  • 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 Loose Valley Care Centre is based on 15 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 39 registered maximum number of service users is 7.8, which has been reached with 15 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: 23 Jan 2019

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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (2)

Diana

Diana Serban

Job Title: Home Manager

"Hello, my name is Diana Serban and I’m the Home Manager at Loose Valley Care Home in Maidstone, Kent. We are a Nursing Home in Loose and our core values of quality, dignity and respect remains at the very heart of everything we do. We would like to invite you to pay us a visit if you are looking for a Home for your loved one, where you will be greeted by our friendly staff.


Located in a quiet area with excellent transport links to Maidstone and Staplehurst, our Care Home is a beautiful Victorian building combining 'old' character with newly refurbished facilities and many more in progress. We have 31 single rooms in our Care Home – the majority of which have en-suite facilities. Loose Valley is perfect for people who like the intimacy and homely feel of a smaller Care Home."


Paula

Paula Smy

Job Title: Recreation and Well-Being Champion

Joined: 2018

"I've worked at Loose Valley as Recreation and Well-Being Champion since October 2018, but before that, I worked in the same role at another Nellsar Home – Abbotsleigh. I also used to work as a Kitchen Assistant on Fridays for two years. I am so glad I work for Nellsar as they put everyone first and residents are top priority.


I've seen many positive changes and had opportunities to learn and progress over the years. Namely, my NVQ 2 Activity Leadership Course and the Dementia Care City and Guilds Course. Nellsar is like family and I feel like a valued member of the team; they look after their staff and operate an open door policy when needing to approach the Management Team.


My Manager at Loose Valley listens to my ideas and the whole team works together, supporting each department to make each day special. We pull together for special events and the armchair travel adventure "Around the World with Nellsar Cruises" was a great success throughout the Home. I worked with the Kitchen Team in creating fun themed menus for each destination, and it made me feel appreciated and listened to.


What I most enjoy about my job is the strong sense of teamwork and good communication. I take pride in my job and I'm always up for a challenge. I love being creative and have a passion for arts and crafts – it's where I excel. Designing backdrops out of cardboard is a fun knack I've honed over the years – give me a box and I can turn it into anything! So far I've made a pirate ship, a gondola, a caravan and a minibus!"