Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

10 High Road, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7EG
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9.9 75 Reviews
  • Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre, Dartford
Located in the quiet Kentish village of Wilmington, Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre is a residential home, providing specialist care for elderly people who have been diagnosed with dementia. The Home has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and enjoys secure, private accommodation with modern amenities. They pride themselves on having an excellent care team, highly trained to care for residents with respect, patience and compassion.

Sonya Lodge has a capacity of up to 37 residents, with single room accommodation. The majority of bedrooms have ensuite facilities. The Home has five comfortable lounges, one of which opens onto a peaceful garden with flowerbeds and outdoor seating; Another doubles up as a movie-screening room.

Other amenities include a spacious dining area, an old-fashioned shop selling treats and toiletries, an onsite hair salon and a ‘Forget Me Not’ café in the garden.?

Socialising is a key part of daily life at Sonya Lodge and there is always plenty going on, including visits from entertainers, group sing-a-longs and summer BBQs. They also arrange regular trips out to local garden centres and places of interest.

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. Sonya Lodge 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.

Sonya Lodge 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, Sonya Lodge 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 Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 37 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
  • John Hudson-Beddows (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (37)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (29)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Sonya Lodge 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 Care £1,100 – £1,300
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,100 – £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,450

  • Excluded in fees: Hairdressing, Chiropodist, Newspapers, Toiletries and Clothing.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • 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.


Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre Reviews (75)

Total of 75, showing 1-20
9.9

Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.867) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Linda W (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our dad moved into Sonya Lodge a few months ago and the staff at the care home have been fantastic, including the manager and everyone working there. They clearly work hard at knowing all their residents and go out of their way to accommodate any suggestions from us, his family. The atmosphere is positive
and constructive and residents are treated with dignity. All of the staff are happy to talk to us and answer questions, letting us know how Dad is. We were really worried about putting Dad in a care home but he has settled as well as we ever thought possible.

Reply from Torie Sabbarton, Operations Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for your review of Sonya Lodge and the care your Dad is receiving. It is always good to hear that people are comfortable in their surroundings and I am glad you feel able to talk to the team about his health and well-being. Again, thank you for your positive review.


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Review from Rita W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had a lovely afternoon at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre on 14th December at their Christmas Party for the residents and their families. Great entertainment was put on with a wonderful singer that everyone enjoyed. Lovely food was provided for the residents and their guests and everyone enjoyed
the afternoon. There was lots of dancing with the residents being helped by all the lovely staff and there were lots of smiles and laughter. A fab afternoon had by all. Thank you Sonya Lodge.

Reply from Torie Sabbarton, Operations Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

We are so glad you had such a good time. It is so important that families and friends join us for celebrations with their loved ones, it is a great way to spend time together and I am really pleased that you were able to join in. The home team do like a party and work hard to ensure we cater for everyone. I hope the New Year is treating you well and we look forward to seeing you again soon.


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Review from Anne K (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

2 years ago we unfortunately had to put our dear dad into care, after a lot of research we were lucky to find Sonya Lodge. It was a tough start for my dad but the staff never gave up on him, they treated him so kindly and got to know his triggers to disruptive behaviour. Sadly he had skin cancer which
they dealt with brilliantly and always got him to hospital appointments on time, they supported us as a family with the difficult decisions and outcomes, sadly Dad passed away in March but the love and care shown to our dad and to us was so special at that time especially, it's a huge comfort that he was able to die in his home surrounded by the absolutely wonderful staff, whether it's senior staff, housekeeping or dining room staff they're the kindest most caring people. Their love helped us through such a sad time, I so miss seeing the online photos of what my dad had been up to with the many activities. I send everyone there my hugest love and best wishes, I miss you all. Thank you.

Reply from Torie Sabbarton, Operations Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review for the team and the home. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. The team will be very proud to hear that you valued their kindness each day and that they were able to support your dad and your family in his final days. The team work hard every day to support people in our care and I know they miss your dad and your family too. We will pass on your lovely words to the team. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family well in the future. With kind regards and best wishes.


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Review from C R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum experienced the most amazing level of love and care whilst being part of the Sonya Lodge Family, in a cosy and clean "home from home" environment. Sadly our mum passed away at the end of March but we will always be so grateful that she had the most caring, kind and dedicated team looking after
her with compassion, patience and understanding. My sister and I have always felt welcomed by all the staff at Sonya Lodge and have always been kept informed of any issues regarding our mum. Every time we visited, we saw first-hand how she was treated with dignity and respect. A huge thank you from all our family, to all the Sonya Lodge team she could not have been in a better place.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you. It is touching, and we are grateful, that you have taken the time to write this lovely review having just recently lost your dear Mum. We are so happy that you were able to leave your Mum in our care and be confident in the knowledge that she was well cared for. The team at the home treat residents with the same love and care they would as members of their own families, and I feel that your kind words confirm that this was the case for your Mum. We are sorry she had to leave us and she will be deeply missed in the home. We send very best wishes to you from our home to yours, and we will pass on your lovely comments to the team. With kindest regards.


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Review from Rita W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the care and attention given to my mum by all the wonderful staff at Sonya Lodge. Mum settled into the home very quickly. She was given a lovely room overlooking the garden and is very happy there. They organise lots of brilliant activities for the residents which I’ve also enjoyed
taking part in. As a relative of a resident, I’ve always been made to feel very welcome and am kept up-to-date with my mum’s care. They provide excellent food which Mum enjoys and I am always asked if I want to stay and eat with her. All the staff treat my soon-to-be 97-year-old mum with the utmost care and respect and my family is so happy that she is spending her final years in a happy, caring environment. Thank you to everyone who works at Sonya Lodge.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

I would like to thank you for taking the time to write this wonderfully positive review regarding your experience of having your dear Mum living at Sonya Lodge. It is lovely to hear that you are able to take such an active part in the activities and events that the team at the home arrange while spending quality time with your Mum. The team here take great pride in offering a family-orientated environment and including relatives and visitors in the life of the home, including the opportunity to stay and eat with relatives and we are thrilled that you have been able to take us up on this offer, as I'm sure your Mum benefits greatly from her time with you. We look forward to welcoming you for a long time to come. With kind regards.


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Review from A G (Son of Resident) published on 6 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot fault the care and attention that the staff at Sonya Lodge have given my father, and us.
We are only in the early days of our experience (nearly 6 weeks) but after a difficult start (he was very obstructive about moving in) they have worked hard to settle him and learn about him and engage
him.
His very poor memory means that any amount of explaining the dangers of him living alone at home are very quickly forgotten.
They suggested that we bring him in as a 'day visitor' for a week so they could get to know each other, and he could learn they layout and make friends before we then left him for overnight stays, and he has now been there for a month.
The communication has been good - letting us know how he is and when things have gone well, or if they have not then what they are doing to help him.
He has been enjoying the food and the activities.
We are welcome to visit any time of the day, and all the staff are very friendly to all the residents and to all the guests.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely and positive review for the team at Sonya Lodge. I know they will be thrilled to know you feel this way about the care they offer your dear father. I am aware of the process that has been employed to help your father settle into life at the home, and I know that the manager is very happy that this has been able to be achieved. We look forward to welcoming you at the home when you visit your father in the future. The team strive to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment to our visitors and it is good to know you feel this when you visit. With kindest regards.


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Review from A B (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Care Home is excellent in meeting the needs of my parents. Facilities, rooms, and activities are all clean and gauged toward the individual needs of my parents. The management and staff are knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and nothing is too much trouble. The positive atmosphere is excellent
and Mum and Dad are able to enjoy their final years as it is their own home.

Reply from John Hudson-Beddows, Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for your review. I am happy you are confident in our care and its a pleasure to be able to care for your Mum and Dad.


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Review from Jayne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved to Sonya Lodge just before Christmas 2022 following the home she was in closing down. When we were looking for a good care home we were very lucky to find Sonya Lodge. All of the staff are very kind to our whole family and they understand how hard it is to leave a loved one with strangers.
Mum is now part of the Sonya Lodge family. Mum gets lots of attention from the staff who are always ready to chat and spend time with her. The food I am told is very good. When it was Mum's birthday we celebrated in the 'Forget Me Not' room in the garden at the care home where tea, coffee making and biscuits were provided. Recently, Mum had a spell in hospital and she was very down, however, as soon as she returned to Sonya Lodge she immediately started to perk up and soon returned to her old self. Overall, we have had a very positive experience with Sonya Lodge.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so very much for this lovely and positive review for our home Sonya Lodge. The team here aim to ensure relatives know they understand the difficulties faced when making the decision to place their most precious person in the hands of not just one, but in Mum's case, a second care environment, and also how hard it would have been for Mum to leave a home she was comfortable and safe in to join a new care home family. Our team do their very best to ensure that each of our residents get as much love and attention from them as possible and birthdays and special occasions are always an opportunity to include families and I am so pleased you were able to enjoy this time with your dear mum. Our catering team also strive to provide favourite meals, which I am so glad you feel are good. I am also pleased that Mum has settled so well and recognises Sonya Lodge to be her home and that your experience with us, and that of Mum, has been such a positive one. With kind regards.


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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The decision to leave my mum, who has Lewy Body dementia, in a care home was one of the hardest things I have ever done. On the day that I took her to Sonya Lodge, I sat in the office and just kept on talking, spilling out everything that was and had been whirling in my mind. The manager just let me
talk, never interrupting, totally understanding and fully engaged in my feelings. From that day on, I've never doubted that decision.
I wanted kindness, patience, caring, respect and fun for my mum and it's there in bucketloads at Sonya Lodge. All the staff are friendly, cheerful and welcoming. The garden is beautifully kept, full of colour and places to sit. The Forget-me-Not Tea Room is perfect for some quiet private time and a cup of tea and biscuits. There's always something going on and I like the monthly timetable explaining the activities of each day - it's a good prompt for conversation when Mum forgets.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for submitting this positive and heartwarming review. We understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to entrust the care of your much-loved Mum to a group of strangers and who you know little about. It is one of the hardest decisions anybody will ever have to make, and feeling that it is the right thing to do is so difficult for family members. I am just so pleased that we have been able to repay the trust you had in our team and management at Sonya Lodge by making you happy you made the right choice. I am thrilled that your dear Mum has settled and that she has all the things she needs to be happy. The team pride themselves on offering fun and meaningful things for our residents to enjoy each day, and any reason to throw a party or celebrate is taken. I will pass your lovely comments on to the team at the home, and they will be so happy that you feel this way about the care they give to your Mum. With kind regards.


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Review from Nigel R (Son of Resident) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel exceptionally fortunate to have found a care home that delivers such a high performance for a service that is so important to me, and that worried me so much before we moved Mum in. I'll keep this as formal as I can to help others quickly assimilate.
1) Warmth and love - Sonya Lodge has this
in abundance, and it's consistent across staff members.
2) Communication - the staff are very good at keeping you informed at the right level. They will let you know the important stuff by phone straight away (e.g. the need for some medical attention). The activities the residents are undertaking are there for you to browse, and they do a lot of consultation.
3) Organisation - they deliver an abundance of activities.
4) Professionalism - always, but with a human and humane touch.
5) Confidence - I have total trust in them.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review of the service you and your mum receive at Sonya Lodge. The team at the home are committed to providing the very best service they can to ensure that relatives do not have to worry about their loved ones when they are away from them. They do genuinely feel and show the kind of affection they would have for their own loved ones, which is what makes Sonya Lodge such a special environment for our residents. It is so good to hear you trust our team to care effectively and kindly for your mum after worrying about whether this would be right for her. We know how difficult it is to entrust the care of a loved one into the hands of strangers and the worry this causes. I will pass your kind comments on to the team who will be happy that they have been able to give you this confidence in their ability to care for your mum well. With kindest regards.


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Review from Andrea M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Sonya Lodge Care Home for almost a year. In all that time, I have found the home to be excellent. The staff are attentive, engaged and caring towards residents and their families. Communication with staff is always outstanding, queries or questions answered quickly and
sensitively. I am always kept fully up to date with Mum's well being, medications and behaviours. Activities at the home are fun, engaging, and plentiful. My mother is always encouraged to participate, but never forced. When visiting my mother, she is always clean, warm and well dressed. All the staff know her personally and I feel I can talk to any of them about Mum and they all have a personal connection with her. Her room is bright, always clean and tidy. I live 100 miles away so only visit once a fortnight, but I feel confident that Mum is receiving the best care and I have no worries about her at all. Sonya Lodge was a great decision for me and most of all for my mum.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to submit this wonderful review regarding the care your dear Mum receives at Sonya Lodge. I am so pleased that, although you live far away from the home and Mum, you can feel confident in the care she receives when you are away. I know the team give 100% to ensure the residents in the home enjoy their time with us, and this includes the activity provision that you mentioned. They also truly 'care' for the residents in the home as they would their own families, and this is what gives the home its 'warm' and friendly vibe. I will pass your comments on to the team at the home and I know they will be thrilled to hear you have such confidence in them. With kindest regards.


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Review from Hilary C (Sister of Resident) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience of Sonya Lodge and the staff members I have encountered has been a very good one. My sister entered Sonya Lodge just over a year ago now. It has been a good choice for her and also for me as I am able to see her about twice a week as it is fairly close to where I live. I am always made
very welcome and able to stay for as much time as I like. Nearly always I am offered refreshments, I have on a few occasions even had a meal with my sister. The food is always good and from what I have seen the residents enjoy it very much. There is always a choice and the new cafe effect is attractive.
The staff are very good and kind to all residents. Time is given to the residents to enrich their lives as much as possible. Activities happen often and are enjoyed by those who are able and wish to take part. Parties are fun and can be a bit noisy, there is always time for dancing if a resident wishes to. Respect is shown. Management of the home goes on quietly and efficiently from what I have seen.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for writing this positive review for the home and the team working within it. I am thrilled to hear that the experience of having your dear sister come to live at the home has been such a positive one. Sonya Lodge is renowned for its party atmosphere all year round - any excuse to celebrate and enjoy music and dancing is usually jumped at. The team take great pride in maintaining a 'home from home' family atmosphere and in encouraging the residents to live their lives to the full, and I am glad to hear you and your sister are both able to join in and spend quality time together. I will pass your comments on to the team and I am sure they will be happy to know you feel this way. Kind regards.


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Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very kind, caring staff. Supportive, using lunchboxes to help her eat. Able to visit or phone any time. Good food and plenty if needed. Activities each day - shown on the board.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write this review for Sonya Lodge. We are so happy to know that you find our team to be kind, supportive and caring to your dear Mum and that this is helping her to maintain her nutritional intake. We have always aimed to be a fully inclusive home, and we welcome relatives and visitors wherever we can. We are also very pleased that you find the food to be of a good quality. We believe that we should be able to offer good food and lots of fun to our residents, and this helps them to enjoy their time with us. With kind regards


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Review from Wendy W (Niece of Resident) published on 13 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My auntie was a resident in Sonya Lodge after a difficult journey in her family home - my uncle and the family needed support. I'll be honest, it took a while for her to settle, but the staff never ever gave up... they understood, they supported us, they showed her love and care and took their time
with her. We were able to decorate her bedroom with family photos, favourite teddies and cushions, and favourite colours - home-from-home, the staff said.
To eventually see photos of my auntie dancing, cuddling and taking part in activities was an absolute pleasure; she was settling, and because she was, we did.
I cannot thank the team enough for their love and support. Our only regret was that she ended up in the hospital and did not see out her last hours with the loving team at Sonya Lodge.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review for the team and the home. Sincere condolences from all of us on the loss of your dear auntie. I know the team at the home will be sorry that she is no longer with us, but they will also be so glad that you feel they have been instrumental in giving her the love and care she received before she left us. They all work very hard to try to make every day special for the residents living in the home, and it is fantastic to know that, in your auntie's case, this was achieved. We will pass on your lovely words to them. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family well in the future. Thank you for entrusting the care of your auntie to us for the time she was with us. With kind regards and best wishes.


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Review from K H (Son of Resident) published on 1 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum has been in Sonya Lodge for nine months now, and we are very pleased with how she has settled in with the care she has received. She herself has said how much she likes it there. All the members of staff are dedicated to ensuring their residents are cared for and provide a range of activities
they can participate in.

Reply from Ami Barrington-Hunt, Registered Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

I will be pleased to share your lovely feedback with the staff of Sonya Lodge. We appreciate your kind words and love to ensure we are providing a happy home for our residents. Thank you from all of us here at Sonya Lodge.


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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sonya Lodge has been a great home for Mum. The team treat her with respect and courtesy and ensure that there is dignity at all times.
They know her so well and understand when she is not coping well with her disease and know when she is having a good day and a not-so-good day.
The variety of activities
is excellent, including the trips and the excuse to celebrate an event always goes down well with the whole home! Any reason to have a little party!

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for your kind review of the services at Sonya Lodge. It is good to hear that the home has been a great place for your dear Mum to live. I know the team at the home work tirelessly to ensure that all our residents are treated in the manner you describe, and it is good to hear that the dedication they devote to understanding and caring for your Mum is helping them to meet her needs. The well-being team, as you rightly note, is always up for a celebration, event or party, to lift the spirits of the residents and to keep them actively engaged and fulfilled. I will ensure the team is made aware of your kind comments. They will be thrilled. With kindest regards.


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Review from Jackie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is very happy and so well cared for at Sonya Lodge. The staff are wonderful, and nothing is too much trouble. The communication between the staff and my family is excellent, and someone is always there to listen or help if needed. Sonya Lodge is my mum's home now, and I cannot fault it. When
I visit with my brother, we can see the love and care everyone is given by all the staff, that includes everyone from the cleaners, catering, admin and carers.

Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review for the team and the home. It is heart-warming to read the wonderful things you have said about the team at the home, who I know work to ensure that the residents are treated with love and kindness, and that family members are welcomed in the same way. We are also happy to hear that you feel the communication between yourself and the home team is good and that you are offered assistance where required. We are so glad that your dear Mum is happy living at the home, and we look forward to many more happy times with her in the future. Thank you again. With very kind regards.


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Review from Serena K (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

I was sold this home for my mum. Caring would encourage activity, walking, and social care. They lied, was the worst thing we ever did. Two weeks we had to remove her, she shut down, became stressed, and anxious, the list is endless. Thankfully we got mum out after 2 weeks of hell. The new home she
is now a different person, with better care, standards, and safety. Do not trust Sonya Lodge, they do not communicate between staff or management, basic care is not offered, and no one should be left in soiled clothing because they do not have time, staff to attend to them. Shambolic, stressful experience to say the least. No Laundry staff for 2 weeks, no notes available on check in, no covid test, short staffed continuously but want to charge too much money. Agency staff employed but no cascading of information to them about the care of your loved one! Please consider where you trust your loved ones' final care, this is not the place to go to.

Reply from Glenda Osmotherly, Director of Operations at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

We apologise that our service did not meet your expectations and we are still keen to further address issues of concern with you.
Our Team at Sonya Lodge continue to strive to achieve the very highest possible standards of care for all our Service Users


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Review from Nitty V (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very fantastic care home. A safe and warm environment with true carers. My grandmother is being well taken care of. I can't thank the staff at Sonia care home enough for their kind and empathetic attitude towards every resident. Please continue your best work.

Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to review the home with such great positivity and for giving Sonya Lodge a 5-star score in all areas. We are very pleased to know that you and your grandmother are happy with the services provided; this sincerely means a great deal to us all at the home and at Nellsar. The staff team at the home are indeed a smashing team who takes great pride in the work they do. We will be pleased to share this review with them. Thank you.


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Review from Lorraine N (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It took a while for Mum to settle in at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre, but the staff were so patient and caring with her, making changes dependent on her needs to make her feel like she belonged. I am always informed if Mum needs anything, and I am kept up to date via photos on the app of all
activities and trips out that Mum takes part in. The staff are always very approachable and easy to talk to. Mum loves her room and the lovely garden and tea room there and is always happy when I go to visit her - she couldn’t be better cared for.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for your positive review. Your opinion is so important to us and helps to improve our service.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.867)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.867) out of 10 for Sonya Lodge Residential 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 12 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 4.867 for Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (124 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 143 Ratings = 4.867

  • 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 Sonya Lodge 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 37 registered maximum number of service users is 7.4, 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: 12 Feb 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 (5)

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Meet the Team (2)

John

John Hudson-Beddows

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

John joined Nellsar as a Home Manager in February 2022. Having previously managed a medium-sized Nursing Home, John first began his care career as a Care Assistant, progressing into management over time. John’s previous role as a Metropolitan Police Officer translates to great leadership and communication skills with the Home, with a passion for Dementia care and making people feel safe. John leads a very strong, friendly, and reliable team, and together they ensure residents feel happy and content every day. As a Manager, John is caring and calm; he runs an open-door policy and enjoys empowering his team with support and professional development.


Amanda

Amanda Jones

Job Title: Business Support Officer

Joined: 2014

"When I first joined ‘The Family of Nellsar’ in March 2014, little did I know how much satisfaction I would receive daily working in a care home for people living with Dementia. It was a very personal decision choosing to work within care. After losing my husband to cancer and receiving so much support from Macmillan I wanted to give something back to the community and here I am some few years later loving the role I am in. I had very little understanding of Dementia and was thrown in the deep end from the on set and soon found that all what was needed was time, patience, and a calming voice of reassurance along with a smile.


My role initially was a little part time role of 16 hours per week – a dream position working four hours per day, four days a week. At the interview I clearly remember asking what the job expectations would be and the response was, "It is a brand-new role that has been created and it involves a little bit of typing, filing, and answering the telephone." Little did I know what the role really involved! With an increasing workload, within a year, Nellsar saw the need to increase this position and I was asked to work full time. My role as Business Support Officer entails many aspects of administration working very closely with both the Home Manager and Deputy Manager and all my colleagues.


There have been many changes and development within the group over the years – improved training and learning being offered to all personnel, improved technology and a huge amount of support being provided from my peers and colleagues, to name a few. I am still learning daily and every day here at Sonya Lodge is different. We are one big Nellsar family unit.


The team at Sonya Lodge are all amazing and working together is a crucial and integral part of the smooth running of the Home and care provided for our residents and colleagues. Working at Sonya Lodge is a privilege – after all, this Home belongs to our lovely residents first and foremost and their care is our absolute priority.


I thoroughly enjoy meeting our residents' family members and loved ones, and building a good rapport. I believe it is important to be honest, always, and to have a listening ear too, as this is probably one of the toughest decisions a family will ever make – finding a suitable Home for the care of their loved one.


For anyone that knows me well here at Sonya Lodge and Nellsar, I am lucky enough to bring my dog into work daily. Roxi is a valued member of the team here and our residents adore her. For me, having this opportunity to go to work with my best friend Roxi is simply awesome. Roxi brings smiles daily with her unconditional love."


Frequently Asked Questions about Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre

What types of Care is Sonya Lodge 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 Sonya Lodge 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 Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre have?

There are 37 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre to the centre of Dartford?

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