Applecroft Nursing Home

Sanctuary Close, River, Dover CT17 0ER
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9.4 38 Reviews
  • Applecroft Nursing Home, Dover
Applecroft Nursing Home takes prides in a service that focuses on great care, providing high quality nursing and dementia care and with their team of high quality carers doing their best to ensure residents feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.

The home opened in 1999 and is set in the village of River, close to the town of Dover. It is a modern yet homely 75-bed care home, which has direct access at the rear into the picturesque Kearsney Abbey Gardens to which the formal gardens and lake areas are easily accessible for less able visitors and there is a small café in the grounds which residents and visitors frequently visit.

The home is divided into 3 separate floors with 4 different units offering nursing care for General Nursing, Dementia and 2 units for Older Person's Dementia Challenging Behaviour.

The ground floor unit is dedicated to non-ambulatory residents with advanced dementia care needs. The first-floor units are for residents with dementia who are ambulatory with challenging behaviour, whilst the second floor is dedicated to general nursing needs of older people with and without cognitive impairment.

With 24/7 dedicated care team of experienced nurses, carers and support staff, they work to deliver a personalised care approach. This is tailored to your loved one's needs, helping them to retain their identity, independence, well-being and self-worth. The home's care staff always take time to get to know residents by listening to stories, sharing moments with them and understanding their preferences. This builds stronger relationships so that residents never feel alone or misunderstood.

The team at Applecroft Care Home are absolutely committed to providing both physical and emotional well-being for their residents in a safe, comfortable environment your loved ones can truly call their own.

Care Provided by Applecroft Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 75 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Barbara Alison (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (75)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (75)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Funding & Fees Guide for Applecroft Nursing Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,200 – £1,600
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,200 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,600
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Applecroft Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Visiting is permitted 24 hours of the day apart from at protected meal times, however will always accommodate should you be visiting your loved one. Please contact the service to ascertain times


  • Parking
  • On site parking available


Applecroft Nursing Home Reviews (38)

Total of 38, showing 1-20
9.4

Applecroft Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.372) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Applecroft Nursing Home has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 32
  • 3
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I / We cannot thank the staff in Discovery enough. The phenomenal care from the staff to my Mum meant that her last few months were comfortable & safe.
The incredible brother nurse team saved me! Their time, understanding, patience & empathy when Mum was at EOL I will never forget. They supported
us all until the very end & when Mum finally passed they continued to support along with the fantastic team of care staff who were also affected by Mums passing.
I cannot recommend Discovery enough! The level of complex need is high however the care, tolerance & kindness is insurmountable.
Thank you from us all

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words , which will be shared with the Discovery Team. Very proud of our care team who always go above and beyond to ensure families and residents receive unconditional kindness and excellent care. We hope that you and your family continue to remain "Friends of Applecroft" and visit us regularly. Our hearts are with you at the sad loss of your mum. Warmest regards


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident at Applecroft Nursing Home for approximately 20 months. There are no time restrictions for visits and I am always warmly greeted. He has been well cared for during this period and on my daily visits, I have always found him to be nicely dressed and well groomed.
The carers,
who are always very busy, try to give the residents the best care they can. If there are any problems, the staff/management are always very approachable and on the few times where there have been issues, these have been quickly resolved. The most important aspect is that my husband seems generally content with the care and attention he receives.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident of this home for nearly 5 years.
I am very pleased with the care and attention she gets.
Starting from the manager through the nursing staff, cooks maintenance people, everyone who works here.
All my mum's needs are seen to and met with care and consideration.
The
staff are always welcoming when I visit which is every week and I am always informed of any changes to my mum's care or health.
I would recommend this home to anyone looking to find a home for a family member.

Reply from Tina Sheldrake, Office Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to give positive feedback about the care your mum receives and responsiveness you have experienced from all our care staff team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has been a resident at Applecroft for a year now and we are really happy we chose Applecroft for him. We had heard really good reports of it from friends who had family that have been there or still are. At his previous home, we were restricted to as and when we were allowed to visit him which
we didn't like. We liked the fact that from the start we were told you can come anytime you like. I think this speaks volumes that they don't have anything to hide and are consistent in their care for everyone who lives there. Everyone is always so welcoming when you enter You can see they work well together. It is the hardest job in the world, and I admire them all so much. The carers work really hard and are always so kind to Dad. Always have a smile for him, and nothing is too much trouble. I work in the medical profession and the place is spotless, and again, anytime we needed to contact his GP or query his meds the staff have always stepped in and helped us.
Thanks again to all there.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you so much for the review! We will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My mother lived at Applecroft for just over a year. She has advanced dementia and we had to move her elsewhere for her physical and mental wellbeing. Her low mood improved within a week in her new surroundings where she now senses a caring, happy atmosphere. At Applecroft, the overall impression was
shabby, impersonal, boring and depressing. In spite of sending details of my mother's life history and personality, the staff didn't know or value her as an individual. Basic care needs were met but care plans were out of date. Diet and fluid intake were inadequate. Her drinking beaker was rarely washed with mould under the lid. Food was unappetising and stodgy. She was not assisted to feed herself, food was often spilt down her, on the floor or untouched. Fluids were left out of reach. Her room was cramped and communal rooms were unwelcoming. She was generally left in her room 24:7 with very little personal contact or conversation. She was not treated with dignity. This is appalling value for money.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

We are sorry that you felt this was your experience at Applecroft Care home. We do have many other very happy residents at Applecroft as you will see from the reviews we have. We do use all feedback though, to grow and improve and we will be carefully going through all of your concerns and ensuring that we address any areas for improvement. We wish you and Mum well in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

We have had to move my mother from Applecroft as a result of extremely poor care. She became isolated, depressed and confused. She had significant weight loss where staff would not assist her to eat. This has been completely reversed since she was moved to another provider. The home smells, the food
is appalling and the staff often bordering on rude. I have submitted a formal complaint.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

We are sorry that you felt this was your experience at Applecroft Care home. We do have many other very happy residents at Applecroft as you will see from the reviews we have. We do use all feedback though, to grow and improve and we will be carefully going through all of your concerns and ensuring that we address any areas for improvement. We wish you and Mum well in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad was a resident with dementia in the Discovery ward at Applecroft for several months at the end of his life. During that time, we felt he was cared for beautifully. The staff were very welcoming to all of our family, and even kept our Mum well fed during her frequent visits to Dad, as well as keeping
the rest of us well supplied with tea and biscuits! They were very attentive to Dad's needs, and always kept us up to date with his day-to-day health. The nurses on the wards were great, as were the rest of the carers. Especially his main carers, who looked out for him most, they almost felt like family by the end.
Even in the end, his care was faultless, his dignity was well-kept, his pain was managed and they treated him with respect.
Thank you to all the staff at Applecroft, you helped make a difficult time more bearable.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

On behalf of the Applecroft staff, thank you for your kind and caring words, especially from the Discovery Team, who looked after your dad and considered all of you as part of their extended family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always made to feel welcome upon entering the home until I leave. Staff always keep me up to date on how my mum has been. New entry system is a good idea, but a bit timely if there are a few of you. A meeting room might be a better idea instead of in tea room, as feel like you are intruding if come
before 11 am. Cannot put a rating for everything as not sure.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your feedback. The new system has taken a little time for everyone to get use to using. The tea room is used by everyone, but if a meeting is taking place and relatives/residents want to use the tea room then it is no problem to move the meeting. It is not an intrusion, residents and relatives take priority. Thank you for your ongoing support.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

New entry log in a little timely, but once in I always feel welcome and comfortable. Staff are always friendly and nothing is too much for them when asked. Mum is always as clean and presentable as can be. Communication is good and I feel very happy that Mum is in the best place for her care needs.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to give positive feedback about the care your mum receives and responsiveness you have experienced from our care staff. The new signing log has taken a little time for everyone to master but is working well. Thank you for your ongoing support.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A Valentine's tea and cake morning, nice to have another room to go to. Very well set out, staff have really made a great effort. Thank you very much, lovely idea.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

The Valentine's tea was a lovely event for all to enjoy. We have a number of events planned throughout the year and hope you will join us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm impressed by the care and attention the staff give the residents at Applecroft. Even on the day of admission, the staff had knowledge of my dad and his care needs. The staff introduced themselves to me and took time to have a chat. My dad's improvement in just a month means the world to me. He is
treated with warmth, kindness, dignity and respect. He smiles, dances, chats and his personality is starting to show again. People make good care. The staff here are wonderful.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and positive comments which I will feedback to the staff. It is a privilege to care for your dad and for him to be treated as we all would like to be cared for.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not have wished for a lovelier place for my dad to spend his last days in. The staff could not be faulted, they were very caring and thoughtful and always happy to help. When my dad returned from hospital, they moved him to another room which they had furnished with all his belongings as it
was in his previous room. Today, I attended Applecroft's memorial service where we sang and let balloons go and they provided a lovely spread of tea, sandwiches and cake. Even after the loss of my dad, they continue to show kindness.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. Every year we share and remember loved ones with families. Your kindness and support is very welcome and appreciated.
All of the staff at Applecroft acknowledge and respect that all residents have led important and significant lives and remembering and commemorating this is important and a mark of respect to them and their families and friends.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was well looked after during his eighteen months at Applecroft Nursing Home by all staff. They adjusted his care according to his changing needs. We always felt welcome and part of a big family. Today we attended a Remembrance service which was lovely.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. Every year friends of Applecroft are invited to join us in our Remembrance service. Thank you for being part of this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are extremely caring and very sensitive to residents' needs. The home is clean and well-maintained. Good variety of food, always hot, if applicable. Good and regular activities to keep residents entertained. Very caring of residents' family members and visitors. Family and friends are included
in things e.g. Applecroft Remembrance Day event.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you, Jill, for taking the time to provide this lovely feedback, the team will be so grateful and I am so pleased they continue to support you after the sad passing of your father.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was so happy to be in Applecroft Nursing Home. Staff were brilliant on all occasions. We felt part of the Applecroft family.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind response, the team will appreciate this lovely feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are very kind and patient. Nothing is too much trouble - even for visitors. I am confident my husband is well cared for and with kindness when I am not here.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind comments. These will be shared with the care staff who looked after your dear husband.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All of the staff at Applecroft are absolutely wonderful. My mum took a while to settle in, and we are happy to say all seems well. They all know each individual by name and always know how Mum has been whenever I visit or call.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are very helpful and kind. There is so much for the residents to do if they wish. There are small animals at this place like guinea pigs so the people may stroke them which is great. My mum and dad love it there.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your very kind feedback, we aim to provide high-quality care where our residents are at the centre of all we do.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been at Applecroft since April 2019 and I cannot fault anything in the way he has been lovingly cared for by the wonderful, kind carers and staff, now being bed-bound and having to be spoon fed. I could not wish for better care or a more friendly welcome.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

It has been our privilege to care for your husband, as you well know, a wonderful man who brings smiles and laughter to us all.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was a resident at Applecroft Nursing Home for 10 months. The care and kindness he received was exceptional. Also the support and friendship given to me and my family was so supportive.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and honest feedback and review. Applecroft care staff always try to support family as much as possible as well as our residents.


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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.372)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.372) out of 10 for Applecroft Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.372 for Applecroft Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (140 Excellents x 5) + (39 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Poors x 2) + (13 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 207 Ratings = 4.372

  • 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 Applecroft Nursing Home is based on 16 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 75 registered maximum number of service users is 15, which has been reached with 16 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 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Barbara

Barbara Alison

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2014

My name is Barbara Alison, preferred to be called Babs. I am proud to be the Registered Manager for Applecroft Nursing Home and have been in post for the last five and a half years.

I started my journey into care at the age of 16 years working as a volunteer in a Residential Home. After completing 2 years at college on a Pre nursing course I began my nurse training at the Bexley School of Nursing. I was the youngest to qualify as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 1988.


I have continued my career as a Nurse and Manager/ Director across various NHS and Private Healthcare facilities within Community, Forensic, Adolescents and Prisons.


Being part of Abbey Health Care and the Registered Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home has been one of my most loved times in working with a dedicated, caring and committed team of staff. My team have been able to lead the way forward with their creativity, ideas and enthusiasm in providing a warm and caring home for our residents. The heart of our home focuses on residents and their relatives spending quality and precious time together, whether this is in our” Blossom Tea room “or joining outings to local areas of interest or simply enjoying the daily music and singalongs.


Our VISION - At Applecroft Nursing Home, we are putting the PERSON into the centre of our care:
People / Empathy /Respect /Security / Ownership / Nourishment


Frequently Asked Questions about Applecroft Nursing Home

What types of Care is Applecroft Nursing Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Applecroft Nursing Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Applecroft Nursing Home have?

There are 75 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Applecroft Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Applecroft Nursing Home to the centre of Dover?

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