Barchester Friston House Care Home

414 City Way, Rochester ME1 2BQ
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9.8 122 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.

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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 (122)

Total of 122, showing 81-100
9.8

Barchester Friston House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) out of 10, based on 46 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Friston House Care Home has 122 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Derek W (Resident) published on 12 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff who provide the services are dedicated in their work.
Meals provided are sometimes undercooked.
Due to the various degrees of illness, it is a problem to provide activities to accommodate all residents.

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Review from R C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff were brilliant and patient with my mother who had dementia. They did their very best to ensure my mother was happy, healthy and safe. When my mother's time came they not only monitored her to ensure great end of life care but also ensured we were and all our family were cared for as well,
including tea and sandwiches. They were marvellous and amazing to our mother and all our family.

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Review from Jennifer J (Resident) published on 9 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I find the activity team to be very friendly and always ready to keep one's spirits high. They are always finding activities to stimulate people's imaginations - whether it is craftwork cookery, general knowledge quizzes and entertainment. Everything is within people's capabilities and to boost their
confidence. I would say this is an important part of folks living in Barchester Friston House Care Centre and os enjoyed by many. Keep up the good work! Support them, please.

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Review from Wendy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

From what we have seen, the staff do their best to look after all the residents and are very friendly and helpful.

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Review from Derrick C (Husband of Resident) published on 27 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and compassion received were exemplary. The staff both medical and care staff were absolutely wonderful cannot praise the care home enough. The management and all the staff were so helpful.

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Review from Pauline J (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I found the home to be very accommodating to my husband's needs. Sadly my husband passed away and was treated with dignity. The staff at Friston are kind, caring, loving and work so hard to keep the resident's comfortable and happy. I would recommend Friston House.

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Review from R A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother had been resident at Friston House for almost two years, during which time her care had been very good. Sadly she reached the end of her life at the beginning of September and was treated with the utmost care and consideration during her final days.

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Review from Patricia W (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into the home (Friston House) on 11th April 2018 and died on 22nd June 2018.
Although it was a short time, it was a comfort to know she was treated so well and with respect. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, I always felt calm when I visited, knowing she was in such safe hands.

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Review from Carol P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I had to make the sad decision to place my mother in a care home, as she was suffering from dementia at the age of 90, the first time I visited Friston House care Home I was very pleasantly surprised. Everybody was extremely helpful and assuring in the care that my mother would get in the home.
Staff were wonderful from the cleaners up to the top management.
A great atmosphere here from the off.

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Review from Sharon O (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad was placed in Friston House in Dec 17 from hospital. I was apprehensive but very quickly had my fears put to rest. Everyone was very friendly and caring. It didn't matter what time of the day I was visiting, someone was always popping in to check on Dad. His room was clean and pleasant. His personal
hygiene was good and the medical care was available when needed.

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Review from Theresa S (Wife of Resident) published on 11 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband, now deceased, was very well cared for and with the utmost respect. The family could visit without restriction and the care home became an extension of our home. My husband was a resident for 9 months May 2017 to Feb 2018.

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Review from M D (Mother of Resident) published on 2 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son was transferred to Friston House in January and is receiving excellent nursing care. We pray that he will remain there until such time he can return home to his wife. We have nothing but praise for Friston House and the staff.

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Review from Laurie S (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whilst dad has been a resident here @Friston House, his care and well being has never been questioned. The staff, who I believe do a fabulous job, are always courteous and friendly. I can't sing the praises of Friston House enough.

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Review from C F (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 31 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father in law is very happy here. The staff are warm and welcoming when we visit. As someone in the care profession, I am very impressed with how my father in law is looked after. The rooms are clean and bright. We have stayed for lunch a few times and it has always been well received by guests and
residents.

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Review from Cheryl D (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been living at Friston House for over 2 years, she has made friends and has an excellent relationship with staff. The menu choice is good and varied and caters for all.
My mum especially enjoys the activities available and the live entertainment.
Since living at Friston House my mum
regularly visits the hairdressers on site and the staff ensure she has a manicure regularly which is something she particularly enjoys.
Very satisfied.

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Review from Elizabeth S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I write to express my huge appreciation and gratitude to all the care workers and administrative staff at Barchester Friston Care Home in Rochester Kent. My 92 yr old father has settled here under their care in just a short amount of time. A reserved and shy gentleman with advancing dementia - my father
needed gently nurturing into starting a new phase of his life away from his property and previous highly independent lifestyle; The staff have been phenomenal in their understanding, patience and friendliness and without exception have ensured he feels valued, secure and content. His room is extremely clean and attractive and comfortable; the catering is excellent and the whole environment is well designed, spacious and relaxing. We are so fortunate to have found a vacancy here, the care is exceptional.

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Review from P M (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 22 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

On the first view, the home appears clean. After 2 years I find it has a lack of staff who struggle with a number of residents under their care, they try very hard to meet their needs. Any issues I have I have discussed with the care managers and many problems have been resolved, however, I feel dental
care seems to be a problem with residents waiting up to six weeks before seeing the dentist. More attention needs to be implemented with checking feet, toenails etc.

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Review from J S (Son of Resident) published on 5 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has been here for about a month. It's the happiest I've seen him. He loves the food. The staff are very friendly and professional and help with any queries myself, family and dad have. With my dad, being happy and having such a good relationship with the staff takes a lot of weight off of mine
and my family's shoulders. Thank you very much for making him feel like he is home.

Reply from Val Batten, Administrator at Barchester Friston House Care Home

Thank you for your kind response and we are so glad Dad has settled so well. It's good to see both him and the family members happy.


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Review from David S (Son of Resident) published on 1 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family and I cannot thank the staff at both the residential and nursing parts of the home enough.
They were all very loving, caring and friendly. They always welcomed us with a smile and they gave my mother the best care possible. I will be forever grateful to them all.

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Review from M T (Wife of Resident) published on 18 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was in Friston House for six months. The nursing care he received was excellent, all the staff: cleaners, nurses etc were friendly and always had a kind word to me. There was a friendly/pleasant atmosphere amongst the staff/residents/visitors in the home. I thank you all.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.794)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) 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 46 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 46 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 4.794 for Barchester Friston House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (443 Excellents x 5) + (90 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 543 Ratings = 4.794

  • 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 46 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 46 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.

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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.