Dover House

57 Coombe Valley Road, Dover CT17 0EX
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9.7 68 Reviews
  • Dover House, Dover
Willow Park Lodge in Dover provides nursing care including support for people with dementia.

The care home maintains contact details for all residents’ children and grand-children to be used for party invitations, newsletters etc. Staff focus on building relationships with residents’ grandchildren because residents like to keep in contact with them.

At the care home, each care companion is allocated a number of residents each day (usually 6-8 people) to support in all aspects of their daily life.

Companions meet the needs of these residents all day, including at meal times, during activities and night time routines. Staff are encouraged to spend time having a chat with residents as part of their daily routine.

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Care Provided by Dover House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 86 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Independent Living Training
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nomusa Muhlwa (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Private, NHS and Local authorities
    • Ages from 18 to 120
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (68)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (9)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (68)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (9)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2016
    • Last Refurbishment: 2017
    • Number of floors: 4

Funding & Fees Guide for Dover House

  • 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 £1,995 – £1,995
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,995 – £1,995
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,995 – £1,995

  • Within this fee, all residents have access to the input of our highly qualified physiotherapist and exception nursing input. The fee also includes access to an array of exciting activities such as Cinema room afternoons, a snack trolley with all the resident favourites that cater for all residents from gluten free and diabetic diet choices. These are at no additional cost unless indicated (e.g. Mini vacations and caravan holidays). A consultation with our highly passionate head chef who comes with a wealth of experience within the care sector to help create a personalised diet plan to ensure that resident health is always optimised. She does this in conjunction with the nursing team and clinical management to ensure that resident weight goals be it for gaining or losing are well supported. Also included within the fee is access to the new resident manager who will be happy to support with any financial advise and signposting as well as practical assistance to access all that one is entitled to for their period in care.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Dover House 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)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The home is open 24/7 but would advise that visits take place outside of protected meal times unless already in the home prior. These times are as follows: Breakfast 8am to 10.30am, Lunch 12.30pm to 13.30pm, Tea 1700 to 1800hrs and Supper 1900-2100hrs.


  • Parking

  • Visitors may park at the back of the building by following directions or along the single yellow lines outside the home on Randolph Rd for free. Parking is also available along Coombe Valley Rd but this is chargeable by council run pay meters. Please look out for signage and instructions.


Dover House Reviews (68)

Total of 68, showing 41-60
9.7

Dover House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dover House has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 62
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

68
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14
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Review from P N (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother in law has been living at Willow Park Lodge for approx 18 months having previously stayed for rehab in another care home. My perception of the care, the staff and general running of Willow Park Lodge is that it is excellent. My mother in law seems well cared for, stimulated by activities and
is in good health as a result.

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Review from Arthur C (Resident) published on 20 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy as Larry in this care home, everyone is so good with us at all times. The food is excellent and staff very good. What more can I say? Everything, and I mean this, is of the best.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

We are thrilled that you have made the decision to stay with us on a permanent basis and look forward to hearing more of your wonderful stories and memories.


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Review from Isabella B (Resident) published on 20 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think it is absolutely wonderful.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you for your kind review, we know you have only been with us a short while, but it has been a pleasure to welcome you into the Willow Park Lodge family.


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Review from G V (Resident) published on 20 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love living here.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoy living at Willow Park Lodge and it is you, our lovely residents, that make coming into work such a pleasure.


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Review from A N (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in the home for 18 months now - she is happy and contented which is very reassuring for us. The staff are very friendly and caring. Mum is involved in lots of activities enjoying the cooking classes and bingo.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you for your kind words, it is nice to hear that Mum has shared with you how well she has settled. I will be sure to pass on your positive comments to the team.


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Review from Allen B (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 6 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mother-in-law initially into Willow Park for two weeks respite after having a fall. Being a widow and only us to visit her, life was lonely. She enjoyed her stay so much with all the activity’s going on she decided to stay on permanently. She has now been there for well over a year and has never
looked back. She finds the staff very kind and attentive to the recreation great. The ensuite room, the cinema, hairdressers, a lovely garden and home cooked food excellent. All in all, we could not have put her into better hands. Thank you

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are all delighted that you are satisfied with the services that we deliver, to ensure our residents receive a great service and enjoy their time with us. I will be sure to pass your comments onto the staff teams at Willow Park Lodge. Once again, thank you for your kindness.


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Review from Jan (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mother has been a resident for just over a year now and I am so pleased we chose this wonderful place for her to live. The staff are first class and always keep me updated with any issues concerning my Mother.
The building is very welcoming and is kept spotlessly clean with no unpleasant smells
like most care homes. The ensuite rooms are a good size with plenty of storage space and a wall mounted flat screened TV.
There is a lovely garden area that has been put to use this hot Summer with games such as croquet and afternoon teas for the residents.
There are plenty of well-organized activities should the residents wish to participate-A PAT cat and dog visit regularly, quizzes, and organized trips to name but a few.
Monthly family meetings are held where we meet with the care manager to discuss any relevant issues and to make any suggestions. These meetings have become more like a social gathering with delicious homemade cakes and tea provided.
This is simply an amazing care home.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words. I am pleased to hear that you enjoy the regular relative meetings and the inhouse activities held within the home. All the staff work very hard to ensure that the resident's needs are catered for and it's lovely to see that this has been recognised. Thank you once again and I will be sure to pass on your comments to the staff teams at Willow Park Lodge. It's lovely that the residents have an opportunity to enjoy the garden space, I have to say that is very much down to the hard work of the volunteers within the home, that this space is as enjoyable as it is. Many thanks once again.


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Review from Yvonne F (Resident) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with everything. Could not wish for any better.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

This is so lovely, thank you so much. I will let all the staff know what lovely comments you have made.


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Review from Angela C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful atmosphere, nursing staff and beautiful building. I feel at ease knowing that my mum is so well cared for.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words. It is very nice to hear that you feel happy that mum is with us and that you have made such positive feedback. I will be sure to pass that onto the staff.


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Review from Robert V (Son of Resident) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can only add to the comments I have made via the tick boxes by saying that, from the time my mother arrived at the home to the present day she has received excellent care. The staff and management are very professional in the way they conduct themselves and always treat my mother with dignity. They
are swift in answering/dealing with any questions/problems I or my mother have regarding her care. The atmosphere at Willow Park Lodge is very relaxed created by the staff always having a smile on their faces and always making time to speak to residents on one to one bases when required. All the staff should be proud of what they have created at Willow Park Lodge.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words, I will be sure to pass on the feedback to all the staff at Willow Park Lodge.


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Review from Donna M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We came to use the services as my mother-in-law was in need of respite care.
The process was easy from the initial contact to her moving in day. The services provided helped her to recover well and to return home. There were activities to engage her but also to respect her needs and capabilities too.
A very pleasant experience for us all.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you very much for your kind words, it was a pleasure looking after mum and we are pleased she has had a nice rest and able to get back home. I will be sure to pass on your comments to the staff team at Willow Park Lodge.


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Review from Dave G (Grandson of Resident) published on 1 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nan has been a resident for 1 year. Her room is ensuite and very clean. The care she receives is of a very high standard, lots of activities to participate in to keep her occupied. She is very happy and I would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words. Nan is a pleasure to support, I will pass on your kind words to the staff team.


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Review from Jen G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nan has stayed here for a year and has settled in very well.
I have been present when some of the activities have been on (like the rock n roll dancing - which was awesome) with the residents who wish to take part doing so.
The place is always so clean and all the staff I've met have been lovely.
Couldn't
ask for a nicer place.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will pass your feedback to the staff. It's great that you enjoyed the rock n roll dancing as much as the residents did.


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Review from Andrew G (Grandson of Resident) published on 23 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan has been a resident for a year now and is very happy in her spacious, clean room. The home provides plenty of activities for the residents and has a very friendly atmosphere.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind review. It is very rewarding to hear that you are happy with the service provided, I will be sure to pass your comments onto the staff teams at Willow Park Lodge.


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Review from Jo-Anne W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Like home from home. Clean, fresh and calm. Wonderful staff who have all the time in the world for each resident. Plenty of a wide range of activities, good food, very peaceful and welcoming. So reassuring after months of searching for the right place.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Home Manager at Dover House

The manager and all the staff at Willow Park Lodge would like to thank you for your lovely comments.


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Review from Sally A (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a lovely place to live, my mother is well cared for, I have no concerns for her well being.
The staff are first class and always ready to spend time with family to keep us updated and are very caring.
It feels like a 5-star hotel, always clean, no unpleasant smells as found in other homes.
I'd
happily move in.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Dear Sally

Thank you for your kind words, I will make sure that staff are aware of your comments as your feedback is very important to us. I always say that we are the ones who should be grateful for the opportunity to support our wonderful residents, so thank you for allowing us that opportunity. We are blessed to have such wonderful residents entrusted in our care.


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Review from Leanne R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The layout of the building, staff and residents make Willow Park a very warm and welcoming residential home, it really is a home from home. My Grandad is a Resident here and we are so glad we found it, all the staff are fantastic from housekeeping to management. They are not only there to support the
residents but us as a family as well. The staff really do go over and above. Willow Park is always clean and the facilities are great, there are also lots of activities put on for the residents to take part in and enjoy. I would strongly recommend Willow Park Lodge, they are amazing people who genuinely care.

Reply from Amanda Odd, Registered Manager at Dover House

Thank you so much for your kind words, I will be sure to pass on your feedback to the staff at Willow Park Lodge. We all at Willow Park Lodge feel privileged to be entrusted to support such wonderful people in our care, its people like grandad that make it a pleasure to do the job that we do. Thank you once again.


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Review from Rob T (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been at Willow Park since the beginning of January 2018 and from the first time Dad came for a few hours and had lunch to see how he got on, to moving in permanently soon after, the care has been fantastic.
All the staff are very attentive and friendly, but also professional. Whenever I have
needed a chat there has been somebody available. They are always engaged with the residents with plenty of organised activities, and the ethos is that they are in the residents' home and are there to support, encourage and help. I am totally confident that dad is in good hands.
Communication has always been very good, and there is a monthly family meeting where we can meet with the Manager and discuss any matters and make suggestions. These are very open, social meetings and receptive to ideas and feedback. Everywhere is spotless and bright with plenty of space.
After a lot of searching and visiting residential homes, I am 100% confident I have made the right decision for dad.

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Review from Tony W (Son of Resident) published on 10 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no complaints or worries about Willow Park Lodge at all. It is very new and has a bright open feel to it. The bedrooms are a good size with excellent ensuite facilities. Every member of staff I have met has been cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable from the manager down.
This is the benchmark
for all care homes.

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Review from B B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willow Park Lodge is a beautiful, modern, purpose built care home with facilities that cater for both of my parents, which was previously proving difficult to find as their personal needs are so different. My Father moved in first back in July and was followed several weeks later by my Mother and both
of them are happy to be able to still be together. It has a friendly, caring atmosphere and the staff are always happy, which makes it a lovely home for all of the residents to live in and relatives to visit. As we are all getting to know one another, its beginning to feel like 'one big happy family'.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.693)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10 for Dover House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 14 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 4.879 for Dover House is calculated as follows: ( (141 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 157 Ratings = 4.879

  • 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 4.814 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dover House is based on 14 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 86 registered maximum number of service users is 17.2. 14 Positive Reviews ÷ 17.2 = 0.814

  • 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 Aug 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.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (1)

Nomusa

Nomusa Muhlwa

Job Title: Franchise Owner, Director, Registered Nurse & Home Manager

Joined: 2022

I am a registered nurse by background with experience in community and trauma and orthopaedics. These are my areas of passion and hence why I joined the care sector. It has been a dream come true to run a service of my own under the mentorship of Graham care group. As a franchisee, I knew I had found the best partnership as I share the same ethos - Patient centred care coupled with the servant leadership model. Being from a clinical background means that I will always be at the forefront of advocating for our residents. The takeover of a new business has been a journey with its ups and downs, but we continue to soldier on toward exemplary and compassionate outstanding care. We had our first CQC surprise inspection 6 months from taking over and managed to turn 3 out of the 5 Ambers to Green and it is my sole mission to guide our wonderful team to a solid Green by the next inspection. Willow Park is special to me on many different levels but the top 2 are having a supportive team built over the last few months who have bought into the vision of gold class care as well as the residents under our care who are at the heart of all we do as a team. Having a clinical background and love of technology embedded here, we at management level are also able to monitor your loved one's progress round the clock. I am easily accessible and work with two nurse registered deputies to ensure that you have someone to immediately address any concerns 7 days a week. At Willow Park Lodge, we work as a unified team. From joint care planning between the nurses and kitchen, to working closely with our own private physiotherapist, we ensure that only the best positive outcomes are planned for each individual depending on need. The staff are well trained to meet every individual's needs and this is an area of continuous heavy investment as I believe every good outcome starts from having a solid knowledgebase.