Amherst Court

Palmerston Road, Chatham ME4 6LU
Submit a Review
9.7 73 Reviews
  • Amherst Court, Chatham
Amherst Court is a modern, purpose-built care home located in Chatham, providing well equipped, bright en suite bedrooms to support person-centred care.

On the ground floor the cafe provides a meeting place for family and friends, and the beauty salon 'Ship Shape' allows residents to treat themselves to hairstyling and beauty treatments.

Amherst Court's Philosophy of Care encourages social interaction, engagement and the eradication of boredom, helping to develop new interests and hobbies.

Amherst Court has daily activities that everyone can be a part of with song and dance, trips out to towns, museums and many other places of interest.

Amherst Court provides 24-hour care and support for people living with dementia with a team of qualified and attentive staff, focusing on the individual needs of every resident.

Show Amherst Court on the Map

Care Provided by Amherst Court

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 112 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Benhilda Shambare (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (112)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (112)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2010

Funding & Fees Guide for Amherst Court

  • 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 £1,384
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,384
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,523
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,523

  • The fee covers all dietary and hydration requirements: breakfast, lunch/dinner and evening meal with snacks and drinks offered throughout the day; laundry; medication administration/assistance; entertainment/companionship; personal care, cleaning and some outings. Hairdressing is not included although hair washing and drying is provided under personal care. Newspapers and some outings are also not included. Top up fees are considered.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Amherst Court to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Residents may have visitors at any time, although it is requested that meal times are avoided if possible as it is aimed to make this a relaxing and positive experience


  • Parking

  • Parking spaces for visitors and also parking on the road adjacent to the home


Amherst Court Reviews (73)

Total of 73, showing 21-40
9.7

Amherst Court has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.716) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Amherst Court has 73 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 57
  • 11
  • 4
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

73
3
6
25
48

Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff and management are always friendly. If there are any problems they always ring me but don't always follow things up. Mum seems reasonably happy but would like to go out more.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you very much for your feedback. This is very helpful to us ensuring the needs of the residents are fully met. We have taken your comments on board and will be liaising with you and your loved one to ensure her needs are met in line with our Vision ''communities where everyone has a vibrant and fulfilling life''. We do have an open-door policy, so the deputy managers and I are always available to speak to you on your visits if needed. Kind regards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fantastic home. Very caring staff. Nothing is too much trouble. Clean and tidy areas and one staff member makes lovely cups of tea.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for such lovely compliments. I am glad you really enjoy the lovely cuppas. I will share your lovely compliments with the staff team who are providing our residents, relatives and friends with such lovely experiences. Kind regards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very helpful, always a smile. Mum and Dad enjoy the food. All the nurses are very nice to my mum. Very reliable place which is what Mum needs.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you so much Sharon for your feedback. I will pass on your compliments to the staff team who do such a wonderful job enduring the residents of Amherst are well cared for. Kind regards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R H (Husband of Resident) published on 18 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife has only been here since last Saturday, so far so good.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you very much for the feedback back. Your wife is settling in well.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C J (Wife of Resident) published on 10 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is always so well cared for in every way. The staff are always polite and very caring. I have been so pleased with the meals and how clean the home is and my husband's room is lovely. I have nothing but praise for all of the staff.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback. Our objective is to make sure the residents are well cared for and your feedback goes a long way to keeping us on this path to excellence. I will pass this on to the staff team. Kind regards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear Mum has been cared for in Amherst Court for just over a year now. The carers are attentive, encouraging, kind and very loving, especially now mum is getting very frail. My father was also a resident at the care home but sadly died in November. The staff couldn't have been more helpful regarding
dad's funeral and we even held the wake in their coffee shop. This allowed mum to attend, which was comforting for her and the family.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Julie for your kind comments. I will share this with the team as we continue to strive towards excellence for the benefit of our residents.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Alan M (Son of Resident) published on 24 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I walked into Amherst Court care home I became aware of the cleanliness of not only the home but also the residents. As we walked around all the staff were friendly and smiling making the whole home smile. Moving my mum and dad in was traumatic but the home helped make this transition
easier. Mum and dad soon realised how lovely the home was, from the excellent meals, activities and staff. They settled in quite quickly and made friends. Unfortunately, we lost dad in September, but again the home were so compassionate and thoughtful caring for mum. They even gave dad a guard of honour on the day of the funeral. I honestly can't praise all the staff highly enough, nothing is ever too much trouble. I call it my nest of angels. Thank You Amherst Court A+++++++.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you, Alan. I will pass on your glorious feedback to the wonderful staff team who keep ensuring we provide excellent care tailored to the needs of our residents.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lynne K (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visited for Mum's birthday. Receptionist really helpful, engaged with my mum, made her feel special. Staff had decorated her room with banners and balloons, card and cake. They treat her with respect, are patient and extremely caring. As a vistor, the staff are really accommodating. Communication is
satisfactory. Mum has settled in well and appears to be generally happy.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback, Lynne. Glad to hear Mum had a great day and that our values were evident on display. Your wonderful comments will be passed on to the team. Thanks again.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie K (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

After verbally expressing concerns after a second week of deterioration, was assured all was well and would soon settle. Then out of the blue, too challenging, he had to leave. In my opinion, this home cannot care for Alzheimer's patients and should make this clear at the onset. After finding a new
placement, now realise care was not put in place in several aspects. Not sure now if we can turn around the deterioration, a concern.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback, Julie.


The decision made by the SMT to ask you to seek an appropriate placement/home for your father was deemed to be in his best interest and that of the other residents, and it was not taken lightly. The decision had been made at the point when we had to consider the safety of all other residents and staff. I had additional communication with the MDT and had asked for professional input from this team in order to make a professional decision on what would be in your father’s best interest.


Your father’s original assessment was conducted over the phone by the SMT who advised you at the time that there would be a continuous assessment of care to meet his particular needs, as identified by yourself. We had all hoped for a different outcome and that your father would still be residing at Amherst Court as his new home. I am sorry that this placement did not prove suitable for him, and we wish him all the best in his new home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kevin S (Son of Resident) published on 16 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good all round in all departments.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Kevin for your kind comments. This will be passed on to the team as they continue to strive for excellence in the best interest of our residents.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 18 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visited my mum-in-law, was greeted with a smile in reception as usual, showed me to her room, she was waiting in her chair for her visit. She always looks well looked after, room is always tidy, staff have always been friendly. She has always had a good rapport with staff I observed when they are dealing
with any care for her. Would highly recommend Amherst to others.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you. We will continue to strive for excellence in the best interest of our residents and I am will pass on your kind compliments to the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carole G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit my father every day and always have an enjoyable experience. The reception staff are very friendly, the cafe staff make coffee with a smile and a chat for me to take to his room. The care staff are great with my dad and make time to chat with us. I always know what he's been up to and how he
is. Dad also loves being there. First-class care home. Thank you.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Carole on behalf of the staff team and management. We take pride in our Eden philosophy and your feedback is a testimony of this and the great staff team here at Amherst Court.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Michael P (Son of Resident) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been living at Amherst Court since November 2020 and appears very content.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Michael for your feedback. This encourages the team who always put out their best and I will be sharing this feedback with them.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff and management always friendly and willing to help. If my mum has any problems they will ring and keep me informed. Standard of rooms - spacious and very clean. Staff are very caring towards family and friends and look after the residents brilliantly. Only put good for activities but I'm sure
as restrictions improve re covid they will be out and about more. So happy Mum is here.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your comments on carehome.co.uk regarding your mum's care at Amherst Court. It is good to know you are pleased with the care provided by our dedicated staff. You are correct in assuming the residents will be out and about again soon, but that you are happy with the activities within the home during the COVID restrictions.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from H B (Son of Resident) published on 10 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very pleased with Amhurst Court and the way they have looked after her in these difficult times. I think my mother is happy and safe at Amhurst Court and that is important to us.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback will be passed on to the team as they continue to work hard to ensure the comfort and safety of all residents.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly and caring staff. Mum is well looked after and seems to be settling in well. Mum's well-being has improved since she has been here.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you I will pass on your feedback to the staff team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John M (Son of Resident) published on 10 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Generally, I find Amhurst Court ok. There are times when there are minor problems. My main problem is the manager. I think I know who he is but he has never introduced himself or spoken when I have visited dad.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you John for your comments. I am sorry I missed you at my introductory meetings and your visits to the home. Thank you for also taking my call and I look forward to meeting you in the coming weeks. As government restrictions ease, we will be reintroducing in-house relative meetings alongside our zoom meeting as we understand not everyone is able to access our zoom meetings. Best wishes


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Paul T (Son of Resident) published on 24 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent all round. The king on the cake is the staff - consistently outstanding!

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you very much, Paul. Your comments will be passed on to the team as they continue to ensure we provide excellent care at Amherst Court.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Murray D (Son of Resident) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father loved being at Amherst Court. We felt very happy as he was treated with respect and was shown a lot of compassion. The staff are fantastic. Nothing is a problem and the care given is of the highest quality. We as a family cannot say enough about the staff as they have given our dad a wonderful
time while he was there.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Murray to you and your family for all your encouragement and support to the team, and making it easy to care for Dad. Best Wishes.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Frances S (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very friendly people. Very helpful. Always willing to listen to you if you have any problems.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.716)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.716) out of 10 for Amherst Court is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.716 for Amherst Court is calculated as follows: ( (227 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 296 Ratings = 4.716

  • 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 Amherst Court is based on 23 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 112 registered maximum number of service users is 22.4, which has been reached with 23 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: 7 Oct 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • 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 (0)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Benhilda

Benhilda Shambare

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

Belinda is the Home Manager