The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Castle Hill, Hartley, Longfield DA3 7BH
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9.5 49 Reviews
  • The Old Downs Residential Care Centre, Longfield
Situated in the pretty village of Hartley, near Dartford, The Old Downs is a residential and dementia care home caring for up to 41 residents. Nestled in beautiful surroundings and gardens, the character home has been at the heart of the local community since its beginnings in 1887.

Beautifully retained period features complement the modern facilities at The Old Downs and the spacious home has been tastefully extended to provide a light and airy conservatory that boasts beautiful views across the valley. The onsite hair salon and beauty room is perfect for a bit of pampering, while the various lounges offer different places to sit and relax.

Residents enjoy regular outings to nearby garden centres, a variety of arts and crafts, live music and professional entertainers. Residents are also encouraged to remain active and pursue hobbies and interests, both old and new.

One of the first care providers to champion the importance of nutrition for the elderly and those with dementia, Nellsar employ a nutrition and wellness manager for their homes. The Old Downs 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.

The Old Downs also benefits from a well-being team of fully-qualified holistic therapists who use nurturing touch, complementary therapies and relaxing treatments to improve residents’ quality of life and sense of well-being.

Employing high-tech care planning technology, The Old Downs 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 The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Saxby (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (7)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for The Old Downs Residential 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 Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,400

  • Fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody or occupational therapists.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Old Downs Residential 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 maintain an open-hours visiting policy, which means relatives and friends are welcome to drop by and see loved ones at any time. Families are always welcome to join relatives for afternoon tea or lunch.


The Old Downs Residential Care Centre Reviews (49)

Total of 49, showing 1-20
9.5

The Old Downs Residential Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.467) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old Downs Residential Care Centre has 49 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Margaret R (Wife of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear husband deserves the best care and that is what he gets. The carers are so very kind, not only to my hubby but me as well. His face lights up when they hold out their hands. The residents are treated with the utmost care, dignity and patience. The cleaners and the staff do their utmost to ensure
that the home is clean, not an easy job. I believe that me and my sons have found the best place for my darling hubby to spend his life there.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such a beautiful review. I am so happy to know that the team at The Old Downs are trying their best to support with lots of love and care our residents. Your opinion will mean the world to all staff.


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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff know me and my husband very well and are very happy to update me on my mum. We can wander anywhere in the care home, with no restrictions. There are well-organised activities for the residents, with well-motivated staff taking active involvement in them. The home was beautifully decorated
at Christmas. I genuinely know that they understand my mum well and are happy to share hugs and cuddles with her.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking your time to share such a positive review. Your opinion is so valuable to us, and always the team will do their best to improve.


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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is a care home in the true sense of the word, the care my mum has received has been truly wonderful. There are certain members of the team that show true empathy and love, not only to her but to us as her family members. Mum is very happy there, and we are very
happy with her care.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at The Old Downs. Makes me so happy to know that you feel that your mum is well cared for. Your feedback will mean a lot to our team.


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Review from Heather P (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father is very happy and well cared for. The staff are very friendly and always happy to accommodate with making my dad comfortable, going above and beyond. They are always very helpful and tear my dad with fondness and respect.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such a positive review. Your opinion is very important to us, helping to improve our standards.


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Review from Jackie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at the Old Downs Residential Care Centre since December 2022. The staff are absolutely brilliant with her, caring for her every need, as they do with all the residents. She always looks well presented and her smiles tell me she is very happy there. Her room is lovely and always
kept clean. I've had some lunches with mum so I know the food is lovely and delicious too. They have a good selection of activities every day so the residents get involved if they choose to. I really can't fault The Old Downs and it's so reassuring to know mum is getting the best care she needs. My family and I enjoy visiting her as the staff are so welcoming. Such a lovely place.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at The Old Downs. I will pass your beautiful review to the team. It would mean the world to them.


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Review from Jean B (Wife of Resident) published on 2 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident since May 22nd 2023. I couldn't have chosen a better place for him. The care and attention he gets is wonderful. My husband, as well as his vascular dementia, he is almost blind. I can't thank the staff of The Old Downs enough. My family and friends all enjoy visiting
and staff are always welcoming.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for sharing such a positive feedback. Your opinion is so important to the team and they will be very happy to hear that you are valuing them.


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Review from Dawn F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can not praise The Old Downs enough. The staff are brilliant with my mum. Always discuss any concerns I have. I feel they really know mum well which is really reassuring. I know my mum is happy there and I can see the care to others. Truly amazing staff.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for such a lovely review. I am so happy to hear that your Mum is well looked after and the staff are involving you in her care and decision making. I will pass your feedback to the staff.


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Review from Dave H (Resident) published on 21 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very nice experience. Well done to all who made it a lovely day. With thanks.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such positive feedback. Your opinion is very important to us.


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Review from Patricia L (Wife of Resident) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having spent respite care at The Old Downs I feel fortunate my husband was accepted to remain in residential Alzheimer's care. He settled in so well and this is due to the ambience of the home, the professional care he receives and all the staff who go above and beyond to socialise with every resident.
I
am always made so welcome when I visit my husband and when we sit together in the conservatory or weather permitting the garden overlooking The Downs, we both feel content. Thank you to all concerned for making this possible after what has been a stressful 10 years plus on my husband's Alzheimer's journey.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write these lovely comments for us. Having spent some time recently with your dear husband, I can honestly say it is a pleasure for us to offer him a home with us at The Old Downs. We believe in supporting families to remain close and to be able to enjoy being in each other's company, and I am so pleased that this is what is happening for you and your husband when you visit him. 10 years of living with and caring for a person living with this disease can be so difficult and we are only too pleased to be able to take some of the stress out of the caring role you have been undertaking for so long and to give you some peace, happiness and contentment back as a devoted wife and companion. We look forward to offering you this calm and contented time with your lovely husband for as long as possible. With best regards.


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Review from Robert P (Son of Resident) published on 22 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has only been at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre for 2 weeks. In that time the staff have really been making sure Mum is settling in her new home. She loves all the activities and has already been out on a trip. The food looks lovely and I had lunch with Mum, really good. I am looking forward
to Mum settling into her new home.

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your positive review of The Old Downs. We are so pleased to hear that Mum is settling in well, we really do understand what a difficult fraught time this is for families and the resident. So, it is really good to hear that Mum is settling, and that she is participating in the activities and the outings that the home offers but most importantly that the staff are making her feel welcome. The staff will be informed of your positive review and the chef regarding your compliments about the catering. Staff really do appreciate the feedback - thank you.


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Review from Janice W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has been in your care home for the last seven years, during which time she has been well cared for and loved by your long-standing staff, which is why I was shocked when visiting Mum to see one of her key workers who has been with her for years limping very badly when I asked her why she was
working in such a bad way, she replied that she has to as she doesn't get sick pay? If you have members of staff who are loyal to you and your clients why do you not look after them?

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write your review and I am pleased that you are happy with the services provided to your Mum. I will be sure to pass the positive comments onto the staff team.
Because of GDPR I am not at liberty to discuss individual staff members or their personal circumstances but what I would say is that Nellsar do care very much about their staff, they are truly valued which we believe is why so many of them are long standing, and we do look after them in many different ways. Every staff member is entitled to receive statutory sick pay and it is personal choice if they choose to claim this or continue working, I am sure this would have been discussed with the person concerned as well as other options to support them whilst working. I do thank you for taking the time and being caring enough to put pen to paper to raise your concerns. Thank you.


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Review from M D (Son of Resident) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Do not allow your loved one to become a resident of The Old Downs care home. They take the Goldilocks approach to dementia and will evict your loved one without any warning or consultation as they did to our Father. Our Father was admitted to the hospital with a UTI (water infection) in mid-March and
when it came time to discharge him back to the home, they refused to accept him back stating "his dementia has worsened". Coming from so-called dementia specialists this made and still does not make any sense to us.
They did not even have the decency to contact us to inform us of their decision. Instead, they left it to the hospital to tell us and refused to elaborate on their decision when we contacted them for answers. Now our Father is unintentionally bed-blocking in the hospital as another home has to be found for him. Utterly disgraceful!

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

On reading this review, please let me express my apologies that you feel disappointed in The Old Downs. I am aware that we responded fully to your concerns regarding our request for your dear father to move to a more suitable care environment, but feel that you haven't fully understood our responses or reasons for this decision. We tried to explain very clearly at the time that, although we cared for your father very much, he was no longer suitable for a residential dementia care placement. We do not offer nursing care at our home and were very sad to ask for this move to a nursing environment. I also offered a move to one of our own group nursing homes. We explained that management does have to make very difficult decisions under our registration, to keep all our residents safe and well, and could no longer meet your father's increased needs safely at The Old Downs. We sincerely hope your father finds a nursing home that can meet his needs, and where he can be happy, as he so deserves.


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Review from Colin S (Husband of Resident) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with The Old Downs Residential Care Centre, my wife is well looked after and seems to be happy. My only comment is I think she should be checked more often to change her pad.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write a positive review for The Old Downs Care Home. I am very pleased that you feel your dear wife is well cared for and that you believe her to be happy in our care home. I know the team are extremely proactive in ensuring residents living in the home remain comfortable and receive all the assistance they require to promote good hygiene and prevent issues with continence, so I will go back and discuss your wife's hygiene needs with them to ensure they are doing all they can to maintain her dignity and wellbeing. Thank you for entrusting the care of your wife to our team and very best regards.


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Review from Bev B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has only just moved in (two weeks). It is obviously a hard transition for him, but the staff are so kind and supportive of him and are clearly doing all they can to help him settle in.
The Old Downs really feels like and home and not an institution.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for this positive review. Although your dear Dad has only been with us a short time, we are pleased that you feel our home is homely and not institutionalised. The team at the home dedicate their time and energies to making The Old Downs a 'home from home' as far as possible, and it is good to hear this is being achieved for you and your Dad. Hopefully, he will settle soon and feel at ease. With very kind regards.


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Review from A S (Son of Resident) published on 22 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visit my mother weekly. I am always greeted warmly and my mother always looks well cared for and dressed appropriately. Her room is immaculate and comfortable. She seems happy and wants to stay there forever. All staff seem to know her well. They nursed her through two bouts of COVID and she looks
better than ever. There are always minor issues in any setting, but I have found staff to be responsive and helpful and have put things right when mentioned. The environment is also very good, inside and out.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a positive review for the home and the team. It is wonderful to know your dear mother is happy and content with us and wishing to stay forever. The team work so hard to ensure that the experience the people living in the home have is positive, and this review fully reinforces for them that they are getting this right for you and your mother. It is also lovely to hear that your dear mother is looking better than ever after two bouts of covid. These are difficult times for everybody, with the illness still very prevalent and, again, the team are extremely vigilant with protecting the residents from contracting this wherever possible. I will pass on your lovely positive comments to our team, and I am sure they will be warmly received. Thank you again. Kind regards


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Review from C S (Husband of Resident) published on 12 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife has been a resident for just over a month and she seems to be settled and getting used to her new home. I try to visit once a week and take her for lunch. She is always well groomed and presented but I was disappointed to find her blouse and skirt very wet at 11am, probably since breakfast.
The facilities and activities are restricted due to covid regulations. Hopefully, they will soon end and everyone can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Overall, very good and most importantly, the staff are excellent.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us. I am really pleased that your dear wife has settled into the home well. You mention that she is normally well groomed and presented. I am sorry that on this one occasion we had not met the previous standard you both rightly expect. The wetness was maybe due to the drink which is offered mid-morning. However, we will look into this. You have said the team are excellent, which is lovely to hear, and would also make it unlikely that your dear wife would have been left in wet clothes for a protracted length of time. We will also look at the practices for visiting and activities post-Covid. As you say, we are now returning to some sense of normality and I would hope that you will be noticing this very soon. The team and I look forward to welcoming you to the home on your future visits and having you share in our activities and hospitality. With very kind regards.


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Review from Sally R (Husband of Resident) published on 1 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband suffered from rare early onset Dementia and Motor Neurone Disease and the lovely staff looked after him brilliantly. He spent a lot of his time walking and the layout of the home made that easy for him. It is always a difficult time when a loved one needs extra care but made so much easier
when you know the team are caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and capable of dealing with all the different personalities in a quiet relaxed manner. There was a lot of fun and smiles!

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for the glowing review for The Old Downs home and our team. It is appreciated very much and will be by all the staff team when we share this review with them. I know the staff were eager to do their very best for him, undertaking additional and specialised training to manage his rare and complex condition and to support him in the best way possible. He was truly a lovely man, a big part of The Old Downs and very much loved by all at the home, he is truly missed. Thank you.


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Review from John L (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When visiting my sister-in-law I am always made welcome. The staff are always helpful and friendly. She always gets involved in the activities. She loves the food at meal times, I always get good comments from her about it.

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home. It is a privilege to be caring for our lovely residents and we are so pleased to hear that your family member is happy and enjoying the care provided. We do have a wonderful, warm, kind and caring staff team at the home and they will be very pleased to hear your positive feedback - thank you.


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Review from Mark R (Son of Resident) published on 27 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been well cared for and loved over these last three years. The staff have been brilliant, especially in the extremely difficult circumstances with the pandemic, and have treated my father like their own relative. I am pleased that The Old Downs Residential Care Centre places a big emphasis
on activities and special day celebrations for the residents. The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is situated in a lovely location and the home is not laid out with long corridors like other homes I have visited which makes the Old Downs seem much more like a family home.

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this very positive review. It is important for us to know if we are doing well and that residents and families are happy with the care we provide - I will ensure that the staff team are made aware of your lovely comments - especially the activities team, who go above and beyond to ensure there is an exciting activities program to entertain, occupy and stimulate the residents. Thank you.


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Review from Debbie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff here at Old Downs, always willing to chat and listen to any concerns or worries and act on them. They put on a jubilee party last Friday, the residents had an individual named picnic box full of goodies and there was also BBQ food available for all with chilled drinks, and lovely cakes.
There was a lovely lady singer there too, who had the residents up dancing and singing, it was lovely to see the residents dancing and drifting back to their younger days, enjoying themselves with staff and partners. Their little faces were beaming. For me, it was lovely to see what our families get up to when we have not been able to see them so much, due to the pandemic. The staff went above and beyond for their residents and I hope other families appreciated the effort too. Well done to the manager and her loyal team.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I am really happy that you had a lovely time with your loved one and the other relatives and friends. Your opinion is very important to us.


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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.467)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.467) out of 10 for The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.467 for The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (106 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (10 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 150 Ratings = 4.467

  • 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 The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is based on 12 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 41 registered maximum number of service users is 8.2, which has been reached with 12 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: 29 Jul 2024

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

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (1)

Nicoleta

Nicoleta Cristescu

Job Title:

Joined: 2025

I am delighted to embrace my role as Home Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Home. When I began my journey as a Nurse in 2014, I never could have imagined the incredible path it would take me on. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in the Adult Social Care sector, with the past six years spent as Deputy Manager at one of Nellsar’s Nursing Homes –  Meyer House – in Erith.
 
I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, including completing my Level 5 in Management in Adult and Social Care and being honoured with the Queen's Nurse award in 2023. These milestones reflect my deep commitment to delivering high-quality care and continually striving to improve the experiences of our residents.
 
But even with the recognition, I have always believed that the true heart of care lies in the relationships we build with those we serve, and the team members who make that care possible.
 
This belief has guided me to an exciting new chapter at The Old Downs, a stunning, character-filled period building from 1887. From the moment I stepped into the Home, I felt its warmth and charm, and it immediately captured my heart. I experienced a sense of belonging not just in the building, but in the welcoming, family-like atmosphere fostered by our team members. It was this spirit that inspired me to take on this new challenge in a Residential Care setting.
 
While I’m no stranger to Nursing Homes, transitioning to The Old Downs feels like a fresh and exciting opportunity to build upon my experience. My goal is clear – to make The Old Downs the community's finest care provider, delivering exceptional living experiences for our residents while providing their loved ones with full peace of mind.
 
Our team at The Old Downs is truly something special. Every team member is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of our residents, and part of my role is to help keep that passion and commitment alive. Together, we can continue to improve our practices, adapt to new needs, and create a truly unique, nurturing environment for everyone here.
 
Ultimately, I want our residents to feel like part of a family and for their loved ones to know that their care is in the best hands possible. This is the heart of our mission – delivering care that goes above and beyond while focusing on each person’s individuality while upholding the values we hold dear.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

What types of Care is The Old Downs Residential Care Centre registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does The Old Downs Residential Care Centre provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Old Downs Residential Care Centre have?

There are 41 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Old Downs Residential Care Centre to the centre of Longfield?

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