The Poplars Care Centre

158 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SU
Submit a Review
9.3 90 Reviews
  • The Poplars Care Centre, Maidstone
Welcome to The Poplars Care Centre in Maidstone, Kent. Within easy reach of the town centre, this delightful friendly home offers 24-hour care for those over the age of 65. The home is blessed with a long-serving team of nursing and support staff that provide high-quality, person-centred care within a homely environment. They offer flexible long-term, respite and post-operative care.

The Poplars is a large detached house, comprising 56 bedrooms, 15 of which are companion bedrooms for couples who wish to share. Most of these bedrooms come equipped with an en-suite as standard. The team encourage residents to furnish their new surroundings with familiar pieces of furniture and personal possessions to make them feel truly at home. While the bedrooms provide a tranquil area to rest and relax, the light and airy dayrooms offer residents the opportunity to catch up with friends over a pot of tea, enjoy one of the guest entertainers or simply recline in front of their favourite films.

At The Poplars, they encourage residents to take part in a range of engaging activities based on their lifestyle needs and preferences. Many activities take place within the home environment and include garden parties, barbecues, flower arranging, arts/crafts and quiz nights. They empower individuals to enjoy those everyday routines they cherish, whether that’s having a salon blow-dry and manicure or keeping up to date with their favourite sports team. All are encouraged and available. As well as being encouraged to enjoy the home's magnificent landscaped gardens, residents also enjoy regular days out to Canterbury and seasonal trips to the seaside.

The professional catering team deliver nutritionally balanced meals that are appealing to residents. Their professional food suppliers specialise in delivering high-quality food designed specifically for the healthcare sector.

Show The Poplars Care Centre on the Map

Care Provided by The Poplars Care Centre

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 71 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Dorcas Mukuzwazwa (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (15)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (4)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2007

Funding & Fees Guide for The Poplars 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 from £1,200
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,200
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,200
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,200
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Poplars Care Centre to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

The Poplars Care Centre Reviews (90)

Total of 90, showing 21-40
9.3

The Poplars Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.280) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Poplars Care Centre has 90 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 65
  • 18
  • 2
  • 1
  • 4

Date Published

90
8
20
33
57

Review from A B (Son of Resident) published on 4 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was a resident for two years. She was bed-bound with dementia. Due to her being fragile, she could not be moved, so was unable to join in with any activities. But I would say that all her needs were met. The nurses and carers were available at all times. Communication was also met by phone or email.
The cleaners were also very friendly. I would recommend this care home to anyone I know.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D R (Niece of Resident) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My aunt was accepted into The Poplars a warm welcome, a lovely bright warm room overlooking the front. This was the first experience for her but the staff were caring and managed her well. The only downside was the dinners supplied by a private catering company. It is a pity there wasn't home-cooked
food as for some it is the highlight of their day. Well done staff, nurses, laundry ladies and maintenance men. Thank you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from N C (Wife of Resident) published on 24 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone is immensely welcoming, kind and thoughtful. The staff and carers are very attentive to my hubby’s needs and comfort.
Mostly, I found they have concern and care and safety well-being of everyone. I’m pretty sure that my hubby is comfortable and well looked after. Everyone is awesome. Thank
you very much.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kevin M (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I'm very happy with the quality of services received from nurses, care and support workers.
My mum's very happy with the staff, and it makes me happy to see that as a family member.
Keep it up!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nigel B (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Poplars Care Centre cared for my mum from February 2023 until she was moved to residential care in November 2023. The nursing care was exceptional and made her stay there very comfortable and very, very caring.
She wanted for nothing and was loved and looked after so well by all members of staff.
Mum was so happy while she was there and was very sad when she had to leave. The Poplars Care Centre is a lovely place.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J A (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the time my mother arrived, right up to her final moments, I found she received excellent care. She was regularly checked, and I was always updated with any issues. The staff were, without exception, helpful, caring and very friendly. I can't fault anything. They even sent me e-mail updates, rang
me to reassure me she was ok while I was abroad and even sent me a photo of her new haircut. A good experience all-round.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J M (Partner of Resident) published on 17 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always nice to see the staff give my partner a smile and ask if she is okay and she smiles back. Always reassuring that she seems to be happy and being cared for. I find the staff are more than caring, helpful and couldn't be better. Nothing is too much trouble.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John C (Brother of Resident) published on 27 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursing home has provided quality care for my sister over the 18 months that she has been there. Staffing levels are good and she has been very happy.
Unfortunately, she died recently from her mental condition and general health, but the care home have been very understanding and helpful.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John P (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have waited a while to complete this review to ensure that my opinions were not clouded by the immediate grief at the loss of my mother. The care my mother had during the last few weeks of her life was amazing. All the staff went above and beyond to ensure her safety and relative comfort. I can not
think of a single criticism of the level at this care home. When and if the time comes I would like to go here.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Cheryl B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Poplars Care Centre in February this year (2023), but very little care was provided. We asked for a doctor to see my father for several reasons, but particularly in the last 10 days; he didn't see a doctor in the 5 months he was there. The staff called an out of hours doctor
when my father started having seizures, but the meds recommended never arrived. A family member had to go to the pharmacy to collect them a day later, even though staff kept promising they'd arrive. We we got them, they were going to take up to 6 weeks to work. My family and I had to stay with my father at night because the seizures got worse, and he wasn't checked as regularly as he should have been. One member of my family left in the early hours of the morning and found the night staff asleep in the foyer. The day my father died, he'd had a seizure that lasted over 3 hours, and it was only after that time, they got him some meds that stopped the seizure. We'd not been offered them before.

Reply from Kate Kay, Operations Manager at The Poplars Care Centre

The health, safety and happiness of our residents is our priority. We encourage families to share any concerns as soon as they are experiencing them, to allow us to address them. When we received this feedback via this review we conducted a thorough investigation. We would welcome the opportunity to share our findings.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Donna S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My father came in Feb 2023. At first, they seemed like they cared, after a month things all went wrong. The care was rubbish, the food was awful and the place wasn’t very clean. They would leave food uncovered by the windows in the heat and expect people to eat it in the evening. We were told that it
wasn’t very good by the hospital but never thought it would be that bad because we always made sure someone in the family was with my Dad. They didn’t like that, especially the night staff. They just kept trying to send us home all the time. My Dad was in an upstairs room and it seems when you are in those rooms you get forgotten about. The amount of times I would go in and find him soaked through because he had dropped a drink over, even found him hanging out his bed. He would never use the buzzer for help as he was too scared to as one of the staff had a moan at him for using it. I wouldn’t recommend this horrible place to anyone.

Reply from Kate Kay, Operations Manager at The Poplars Care Centre

The health, safety and happiness of our residents is our priority. We encourage families to share any concerns as soon as they are experiencing them, to allow us to address them. When we received this feedback via this review we conducted a thorough investigation. We would welcome the opportunity to share our findings.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carol W (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wonderful husband went to The Poplars Care Centre on the 11th of May which broke my heart but I could no longer manage him at home. I found the staff lovely and caring people, made me and my family always feel welcome. The home is always clean and tidy. My husband passed away on the 11th of September,
we stayed in his room for the day where we were all treated with care and dignity. My family and I have no problem with The Poplars and I thank them for the care they gave my husband.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M F (Mother of Resident) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son was admitted to The Poplars Care Centre just over a year ago and stayed there until his death. He was very well cared for and was so well treated by all of the staff. He was always clean and tidy when we visited and the staff were always cheerful and happy as they went about their work. I couldn't
have wished for a better place for him to end his days. The food was very good and clothes always ironed.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 20 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with the care my dad has received since being a full-time resident. The nurses and carers are very caring and compassionate and always approachable and available for chats and updates when visiting. It's a very friendly atmosphere and nothing is too much trouble.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from K J (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff have been amazing in looking after my mum - cannot fault the care she has received. Thank you, from us all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Veronica A (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has recently arrived at The Poplars Care Centre from the hospital, she has felt very welcome. The surroundings are clean and fresh and the staff are very friendly. The dining room is just the right size and the staff make it feel homely. The nursing staff are on top of their job which I find
reassuring.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Marina P (Friend of Resident) published on 13 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are friendly and very attentive when it comes to residents. Always welcoming from the person who does the tea, reception, care workers and all who work here.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Hazel F (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 12 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every time I visit my brother-in-law, his room is so clean. Also, the care home I've found is very clean, no complaints. The staff who work there are so friendly and caring.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Clare C (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are always welcoming, smiling and willing to help. He seems so happy where he is, the most important thing we wanted was interaction as he loves a chat and a bit of humour. He seems to enjoy the food too. My only gripe would be, staff should read clients' notes better. I've seen him have a cup
of tea delivered with no lid when they should know, and no straw. I hope this has now been corrected with all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Anthony A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 18 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very friendly and helpful and although my friend has only been here a short time, he feels happy at The Poplars. He says he does not want to move anywhere else.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.280)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.280) out of 10 for The Poplars Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.280 for The Poplars Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (259 Excellents x 5) + (76 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (12 Poors x 2) + (37 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 397 Ratings = 4.28

  • 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 Poplars Care Centre is based on 29 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 71 registered maximum number of service users is 14.2, which has been reached with 29 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: 15 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (8)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Dorcas

Dorcas Dorcas

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2021

I have been in the Care industry for almost 20 years. I have worked in residential, nursing and dementia care homes in various capacities. My passion is to ensure that care is a positive experience for our residents and ensure they live a meaningful life. I am passionate about what l do and my outlook is to ensure that our residents create memories and the relatives get peace of mind. My team and l have a shared dedication to enhance the quality of life of our residents and ensure that they live a fulfilled life. I am dedicated to ensuring that l lead my team to be the best they can be.