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.

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 121-122
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

  • 92
  • 29
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

122
5
23
46
76
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother in law was moved from London to Rochester to be close to her daughter. We found the home to be a modern building, well maintained and clean, on two floors. The amenities viewed were excellent. The dining room open to all, was more like a well appointed restaurant. The food looks good and well
presented, catering for individual requirements. We found the management and staff very helpful and attentive and made my mother in law very comfortable in her final year.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been here for a few years now,she is on memory lane and is very well cared for, all the staff are so caring and helpful, the cleaning is perfect and housekeeping staff on memory lane are wonderful. I would also like to thank everybody who has been there for my aunt.

Facilities

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Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

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Management

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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.