Barchester Friston House Care Home

414 City Way, Rochester ME1 2BQ
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9.8 126 Reviews
  • Barchester Friston House Care Home, Rochester
Friston House makes the most of pleasant grounds and a versatile interior to provide top quality nursing care and dementia care in a residential and nursing environment with professionals available round-the-clock.

A committed team work hard to ensure that all provision is tailored to the individual, while allowing them to make the most of a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

All staff are carefully chosen and well-qualified to achieve the best standards, with the company philosophy focusing on an attentive service that also supports an active lifestyle. Personal interests are encouraged and there is much to enjoy within the life of the home.

The aim is to meet all residents’ needs over the long-term, living up to a reputation for quality that Barchester homes have earned.

Care Provided by Barchester Friston House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 81 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Stroke
  • 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
  • Sandra Verrell (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (81)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2019

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Friston House Care 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 Residential Care from £1,624
  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Friston House Care Home 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
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Free parking on site


Barchester Friston House Care Home Reviews (126)

Total of 126, showing 61-80
9.8

Barchester Friston House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.819) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Friston House Care Home has 126 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We continue to be delighted with the compassion and care our mother receives, and she herself is genuinely happy in the home. She has made many friendships with staff and other residents and is clearly enjoying fulfilling days.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you so much for your continued support of the home, Peter. We are so pleased that you continue to be content with the care that your mum is receiving here at Friston House. It is a pleasure to care for your mum, she is a lovely lady and deserves the best.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my mum to Friston House in Rochester back in June 2021 as her previous care home were unable to care for her due to her decline with her dementia. Since she has moved there she has improved so much as all of the staff are absolutely amazing. They have sorted out her medication which has done
wonders for her wellbeing. Before she would not wash her hair, get dressed or shower, and now they have built up so much trust and care that she showers, washes her hair and gets dressed every day. She is also eating really well as the food is to a very high standard, and she has lots of tea throughout the day with the occasional cake and biscuits, which she loves. When I was able to visit my mum I can see what great care they take of her as well as the other residents and have so much patience. I just can't thank them all enough for what they have accomplished with her and I can now sleep well and breathe a sigh of relief to know that she is being looked after so fantastically.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Karen, thank you for the fantastic review regarding your mum; she is a pleasure to look after. The team will be so pleased with your wonderful words of praise for the holistic care that she has received. You are right; she has settled in really well and definitely loves her cup of tea throughout the day.
I am so pleased that she is part of our extended family here at Friston House.
Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife was there from November 2019 to July 2021. The manager there certainly went the extra mile. She prevented a nuisance caller from reaching my wife by insisting on a secret password before any connection. Although this caller was known to my wife, the manager insisted on helping and even told
the caller that this was my wife's decision.
Such attention to detail prepared to protect her residents by any means.
One nurse, in particular, helped more than I can say.
Kind Regards

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I returned home stronger than I went in. Generally speaking, the food menu was suitable but often the food offered differed from that published for the meal. The staff, especially the nurses, are friendly and helpful though I felt that some of the care workers were unsympathetic. Activities were suitably
planned though card games eg cribbage or chess would have been welcome. Beds were not made every day and rooms were not cleaned every day.

Reply from Feedback Team, The Feedback Team at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. Firstly we would like to thank you for your kind words regarding certain aspects of your stay and I am sorry to hear your experiences with Friston House did not always meet your expectations. I’m aware you had raised particular preferences when you first moved in and we had made a concerted effort to fulfil your requests during your stay with us and it was my understanding the concern you raised was looked into, discussed and resolved with yourself at the time. If you did have any outstanding concerns you would like to raise with us we would welcome the opportunity to have your feedback and where possible, implement any improvements to our services going forward. Please feel free to contact me or a member of our team via phone 01634 403556 or email: Friston@barchester.com.


Kind Regards,
The General Manager, Friston House


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well, Mum transferred into Friston House on Tuesday, (it's now Thursday) from another care home in the area. The staff have been so friendly, in particular the Nurse. There have been others but I didn't catch your names, sorry. Mum has been moved because she now requires nursing care for advancing Dementia
and part of our worries is her declining weight and refusal to eat sometimes. Staff were lovely and took time to listen to the things we thought Mum might like, (Mum no longer has speech so couldn't answer for herself). Within 5 minutes a whole range of food was bought in on a tray! Bright, airy and very clean room and a comfy mattress on the bed. When I spoke with staff on Wednesday she had already been in contact with Mum's GP and received her full medical history. Overall, very organised, efficient and knowledgeable. Staff seem happy and I think Mum will be happy here too.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our Memory Lane community and your first impression of your mum moving into the home. I know it can be a worrying time when your loved one moves to care homes. Staff really do appreciate it when relatives take the time to send in such a wonderful review. Thank you once again. Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all the team who take care of my Dad. They do a fantastic job and we are extremely grateful for all that they do. It really means so much to us as a family to know that Dad is in such safe, caring hands. You truly are all amazing people! The home is always
so welcoming and clean with happy and caring staff. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friston House if you are looking for nursing care for your loved one.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Michelle
Thank you for the lovely review, it is great they you have taken the time to write this review for us. The staff and myself really appriciate you taking the time to do this. It is such an honour to be able to care for your dad, he is part of our extended family here.
Kind Regards
Sandra


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Friston House from hospital following an illness in June 20, which meant that he could no longer be cared for at home. I cannot recommend the home enough. The staff were wonderful, he settled in very quickly, the food and accommodation were fantastic. Every member of staff
including carers, nurses, domestic, maintenance and administration went above and beyond during what has been difficult times for all. My heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone there for their wonderful caring and exemplary service.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Noreen,
Thank you so much for your kind words, your father will be truly missed her at Friston House.
I am so glad your father's last months that were spent with us were so enjoyable for him. He very quickly settled with us and became part of our community.
The staff here are fully dedicated to all our residents and making sure they get the best of care. I will ensure that the team will see this wonderful review.
Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Friston since 2020, Friston House is very clean, well kept, welcoming and friendly with wonderful food from the chef!
Receptionists are friendly, knew mine and mums name very quickly and were very welcoming and helpful every time I rang.
The head of residential and
his team are amazing! The head of residential was very reassuring and easy to talk to if I had any concerns and would always ask if I and my family are ok as he understands the emotional roller coaster that we all go through as a family when our loved one is in a care home at this unsettling time during covid. The residential team are kind, caring, reassuring, friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them, they went out of their way to make sure my mum was happy and gave her a great deal of comfort when she was feeling sad, she was treated with dignity and respect and became very fond of the team I cannot thank all staff at Friston enough for looking after my mum so well! THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Dannielle,
Thank you so much for your review, it means so much to the staff to receive such lovely reviews. I will ensure that Peter and his team see your review.
It has been a pleasure to have your mum here with us at Friston. We will really miss her and wish her all the best in her new care home, that is nearer to you and her family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in Friston House for approx one and a half years. The nurses/carers/activity girls etc have been really good to Mum, always doing that extra bit, especially during lockdown to keep her happy and her spirits up.
Would highly recommend this care home. I feel happy knowing she is in good
and caring hands.
Friston House has been made to look like a home from home with its cosy lounges, which are kept clean.
We have lots of experience with care homes, and I can honestly say we have been lucky to have Mum here.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Sue,
Thank you so much for your lovely review; it means a lot when relatives take the time to leave a review. I know the staff have worked so hard over these difficult months looking after our residents. It is a pleasure looking after your mum.
Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been in Friston House for nearly three years now and I have seen quite a few changes during this period, including the revamp, which was carried out to the highest level. The staff here are all excellent. They are all very caring and compassionate and treat residents with respect. Unfortunately,
my Mum deteriorated during the lockdown and was moved from residential to memory lane. To start with, I was worried about the move and the effect it might have on her, leaving behind all the fabulous staff who had lovingly cared for her over the years. My mind was soon put at rest, as the staff on memory lane are all brilliant too. The head of the unit provides me with regular updates on Mum, such as what she has eaten and drunk. Friston House should be very proud of the team they have in place. They have also been very proactive re COVID and have put in place a COVID safe visiting room.
The only little moan I may have is the activities for the residents could be better.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Karen
Thank you so much for your lovely review. I know the staff will be so pleased to read your review. It has indeed been very difficult for us all during the Covid pandemic. I am glad that you felt the move to Memory Lane was successful for your mum and the good care that she received on out Residential unit was continued onto our Memory Lane nursing unit.
Best Wishes
Sandra


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum unfortunately had to go into care during Covid which has been even harder for her and our family. All the staff in Friston House Care Centre have been fantastic. Such caring and friendly people who treat our mum with love and dignity. They have supported us as a family through this difficult time.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review and your support during this difficult time during covid. It is a pleasure to look after your mum and the staff will be over the moon to receive such a lovely review. Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband received excellent care in the residential and memory units. All staff treated with respect at all times especially the difficult times. The support and care given to me, his wife, was excellent.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We can’t thank Friston enough for the care they gave our brother in the last few months of his life. The team showed such care and compassion towards him, especially when the home was closed during the lockdown. My sister and I were able to be with him and hold his hand when he passed away, and that
will always be priceless to us both, something denied to so many over the last few awful months.
So with love and gratitude to all at Friston House.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words; it was a pleasure to have been able to look after your brother. In this difficult time, I am so pleased that you were able to have this precious time with him.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is an excellent care home.
My father has been a resident for over a year and has been very well cared for. All the staff are very friendly, and nothing is too much bother. This has been very evident in the latest crisis where we have been unable to visit. It is very reassuring to know that he
is safe and well.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Dear Trish,
Thank you very much for your fantastic review, all the staff work hard here to give the residents the best care and happiest lives, especially as you say in these challenging times. Your kind comments mean so much to the staff here.
Kind regards,
Sandra.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very big thank you to the head of residential and his team. You have not only cared for my mum through what is a very difficult time, but you have also reassured myself and my family that she is happy and safe. We have phoned her everyday and she has sounded extremely happy. Thank you to the head
chef and his team for the wonderful and nutritious food, you still maintain a high standard. I haven’t met the new manager yet. I have always been reassured at Christmas by the deputy/acting manager that the standards will continue to be maintained at a high level and this has proven to be the case. Thank you all again.

Reply from Sandra Verrell, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words; it is very much appreciated in these challenging times.
I will pass on your thanks to all the staff here.
May I return the good wishes to you and the rest of your family and stay safe and I hope to meet you soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot say thank you enough for the care given to our uncle during his stay at Friston House Care Centre until his passing.
Anna and her team were amazing and caring. They always had time for us as well as our uncle.
We would highly recommend this home. Thank you doesn't seem enough!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care and support from extremely professional and efficient staff. Individual staff members treated my Mum with dignity and sensitivity. The property is modern, purpose-built and has recently been redecorated to a high standard. No one really wants to be here but the arrangements make it as
bearable as possible. No hesitation to recommend.

Reply from Mary Oyefeso, Acting General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you very much for the lovely feedback.
The staff would be so happy to read this.
It was a pleasure to look after mum.
Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff were good and caring and put the resident's interest at heart. During this time, decorating was going on and areas were sometimes dusty but to be expected. Thank you, everyone.

Reply from Mary Oyefeso, Acting General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind word, we really appreciate it.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely, caring staff. Communication is lovely. Beautiful surroundings, the food looked out of this world.

Reply from Sharon Meaney, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We really appreciate your kind words and the staff love knowing you are happy with the care and support given.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum was bedridden during the 18 months she was at Friston House. The carers and nurses all showed her compassion and support. Mum enjoyed the meals. During mum's last two weeks of life, both mum and the family were given practical and emotional support. Thank you.

Reply from Sharon Meaney, General Manager at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, we very much appreciate you taking the time to review us. Our staff are always happy to have their hard work acknowledged.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.819)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.819) out of 10 for Barchester Friston House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 47 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 47 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 4.819 for Barchester Friston House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (468 Excellents x 5) + (79 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 557 Ratings = 4.819

  • 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 Barchester Friston House Care Home is based on 47 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 81 registered maximum number of service users is 16.2, which has been reached with 47 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: 5 Sep 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Requires improvement
  • 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 (66)

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Meet the Team (11)

Sandra

Sandra Verrell

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2017

Hi, my name is Sandra Verrell and I am the General Manager at Friston House.


I have been a Registered Nurse since 1983 and have over 30 years of experience working in the care home environment, including more than 20 years as a General Manager.


I am a passionate nurse and a leader who is dedicated to delivering excellent care to our residents through well-supported, skilled and supported teams. My role as General Manager is to support the team in providing person-centred care and to make sure our residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes.


Ana

Ana Pasoi

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2019

I am the Deputy Manager here at Friston House. I graduated as a nurse back in Romania in 2015 and arrived in the UK in the same year when I started my nursing career.


I joined Friston House in May 2019. I have a passion for caring for the elderly, and that makes my job so interesting and fulfilling. My aim is to ensure that the residents in my care enjoy the highest standard of care and that they are always comfortable and safe.


Becky

Becky Farrell

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2025

My name is Becky, I’m the Home Administrator at Friston House Care Home I have a strong background in healthcare administration with over 25 years of experience.


Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles, including managing teams and supporting services within the NHS and private sector. My focus has always been on ensuring smooth operations, supporting staff, and maintaining high standards of service delivery. Now, I’m at Friston House, where I’m dedicated to supporting my colleagues, and most importantly, helping residents, families, and friends navigate life in the care home.


I’m here to offer support and guidance to those who are living in or considering care with us.


Adela

Adela Lupu

Job Title: Unit Manager

Joined: 2019

Hi, I am the Unit Manager on Nightingale Walk.
I have a passion for nursing and it was always my aim to qualify as a registered nurse which I achieved in 2015.


I have worked here at Friston House since 2019 as a Senior Nurse and in 2022 went on to become the head of unit in Memory Lane.


I enjoy caring for others, promoting their comfort and wellbeing. I am enthusiastic about implementing a new dementia care approach, supporting residents to have a good quality of life in a safe environment and ensuring a high standard of care is provided at all times.


Ewa

Ewa Adamska

Job Title: Unit Manager/Care Practitioner

Joined: 2020

My name is Ewa and I am a Care Practitioner who is currently undertaking a Degree as an Assistant Practitioner. I am also acting as a Unit Manager on the Phoenix Rise Unit. I have long experience in Health and Social Care supported by national qualifications. I am passionate about my role and residents wellbeing.


I am progressing in my career and developing knowledge and skills. I am dedicated to my residents and aim to improve their quality of life and provide a safe environment. I want to maintain a friendly atmosphere for all residents and their families and support them to feel comfortable at Friston House.


I have been with Barchester since December 2020 and enjoy working with an experienced and excellent team of nurses and care staff.


I look forward to welcoming you at Friston House and feeling here at home.


Nicol

Nicol Nasturas

Job Title: Acting Unit Manager

Joined: 2019

I am a Care Practitioner and also Acting Head of Unit on the Phoenix Rise Community. I have worked here in Friston House since 2019 and was employed as a carer. In 2024 I went on to become Head of Unit in Phoenix Rise .


I have previous experience in health and social care supported by internal qualifications in the home as well as independent external qualifications. I am passionate about my role and thrive to provide quality care for all residents. I am advancing in my career and continue to develop my knowledge and skills, which I have been able to do whilst actively working.


I am dedicated to the residents and aim to improve quality of life and provide a safe environment. I am motivated to ensure all residents receive a high standard of person centred care, safety and dignity.


Janine

Janine Payne

Job Title: Administration Assistant

Joined: 2020

Hi, I’m Janine, Admin Assistant and the homes Wellbeing Champion, I am the first point of call for enquiries and often will be the one to help guide you if your loved one is coming into our home. As Wellbeing Champion I am responsible for helping staff with any concerns they may have regarding their work, mental health or anything they may need guidance with. If you have any questions, I am the friendly face to help you at the Reception Desk.


Abin

Abin Babu

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2019

I am Abin, the Head Chef here at Friston House. I have enjoyed working as a professional chef for over 10 years and find the care industry a very rewarding environment. I am passionate about cooking with my specialist skill being desserts and pastries.


David

David Johnson

Job Title: Head of Activities

Joined: 2023

I’m David, I have been working at Friston House since December of 2023.


I have a background in the visitor attraction sector as an events and activities manager, working with families to create engaging, fun activities that result in long-lasting memories. I believe that care home activities should be just as fun, engaging, inclusive to all and worthwhile. Either as a group, self-led or on a one-to-one basis.


Colin

Colin Porter

Job Title: Head of Maintenance

Joined: 2024

My Name is Colin. I have just taken on the role as the New Head of Maintenance

A role I am dedicated to doing the best within my role.


My experience began at college where I undertook an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. I achieved City and Guilds and advanced City and Guilds.


I have helped build B&Q stores and travelled the world Working in five-star Hotels, for the last two years in the care industry as a maintenance operative.


You will always see me with a smile and be happy to help the residents and staff feel safe in the home.
If you have a leaky tap or need a picture hanging…..
I‘m your man.


Denise

Denise Spencer

Job Title: Senior Head Housekeeper

Joined: 2024

Hi, I'm Denise


I started working at Friston House on December 24 as the head housekeeper. I have many years of cleaning and supervising behind me.


I love to work with my Team and support them so we can all provide a high standard of service to our residents. A clean, welcoming home is my priority. I also enjoy interacting with our residents and their families.