Amherst Court

Palmerston Road, Chatham ME4 6LU
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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.

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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 41-60
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 Adrian S (Son of Resident) published on 1 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum moved in just over a month ago, from her old place in Norfolk. This in itself can be very worrying for dementia sufferers. However, she has felt right at home since the first few days. Rooms are spacious and clean and the staff are great. She is getting used to some different aspects, but she
is really enjoying being here. Lots of outdoor space to enjoy.
Would recommend.

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Review from Patrice C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has now been in the care of Amherst Court for 2 years - so pleased with the care and compassion afforded here. Staff are fabulous and treat her as one of the family which is so reassuring. Loved the fact that they took her on a holiday before the pandemic - this did her the world of good. Activities
are wonderful too and so lovely to see happy residents' photos on Facebook.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Patrice for your feedback. We aim to get relatives' involvement and activities back to normal once the lockdown restrictions allow.


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Review from Maria O (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been so happy at Amherst Court. Sadly, dad's dementia has deteriorated so it is in his best interest to move care homes. If it was up to us we would like dad to stay because the care at Amherst is exemplary. Due to Covid we haven't been able to see dad's room and all the facilities.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Maria for your kind and encouraging words.


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Review from H B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found the staff welcoming and cheerful, they treat my Mum with love and dignity and she is very happy here. I have no concerns for her happiness and care.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you Hilary. The team is encouraged by your kind words and Amherst Court will continue to provide quality care to our residents.


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Review from David G (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am happy to place my mother into the care of the staff at Amherst Court, they have done so well to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. The reception staff are highly efficient and friendly. It's good that key care staff have been retained over the years. They have developed strong bonds with the
residents. My mother is happy and content at Amherst Court

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you David for your feedback and support. Thanks to the team at Amherst Court.


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Review from Billy A (Son of Resident) published on 28 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amherst Care Home has provided excellent care to Dad during the lockdown. All the staff are efficient, approachable and friendly. One staff member has been a great asset to the team when we come to visit Dad. the visits have been well thought-out and Covid friendly.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback Billy. I will share this with the team and particularly the staff member that has contributed to having a great experience during your visits.


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Review from Alistair M (Son of Resident) published on 9 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Through the love, care and professionalism of the staff, my mother was able to have 2 years of quality living that I'm not sure she would have had anywhere else. I cannot put strongly enough how much we rate the home and the ethos of the staff. They treated us like family and made something that was
very difficult bearable, even enjoyable.

Reply from John Ogbe, Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback, Alistair. We are grateful for the opportunity to care for your mother and glad she had 2 great years at Amherst.


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Review from S B (Niece of Resident) published on 4 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle has been at Amherst Court for over 2 years, and has always had excellent care and attention from all the staff. We have both loved spending time in the cafe and talking to other residents, their families and any passing staff members who had time to stop for a quick chat.
Since the lockdown,
whilst I have not been able to visit him, I speak to him and the staff regularly and I cannot over state how much we both appreciate how much everyone at Amherst has gone above and beyond "the call of duty".

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Review from Norma C (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 12 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son was visiting from Australia and said he would bring us to Amherst Court to visit his Aunt. This was very much on the spur of the moment. We were received by all staff in a very pleasant and friendly way. Our relative was very happy to see us and was extremely happy being there. She looks so much
better since the last time we went. Thank you all so much.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback and we are pleased you enjoyed your visit. Please let us know if there is any way we can facilitate contact in the future if this is causing problems. We would be happy to facilitate calls to ensure everyone stays in touch.


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Review from David C (Son of Resident) published on 16 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This home is not outstanding it is remarkable, amazing, extraordinary and a one-off. So much going on every day. Residents working on reception and decorating. The recent falls week had football competitions, yoga, basketball etc. The staff are so positive and engaged. This is the best home and my mum's
life is so rich now. Thank you to everyone.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you so much for your feedback. We love trying new things and have a lot of plans for the new year. This feedback is so positive to share with the staff that make it all possible in our home.


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Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent caring staff on Valiant. Quick to let me know if there is a problem with Mum.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback, I'm pleased that things are going well and the team on Valiant are communicating well.


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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot express enough of the wonderful my mother received. All staff were very caring, dignity was respected, food was excellent plenty of choice. Her final days were caring checked every 10 mins, we were given time and support with mum, communication was excellent. What a wonderful place and am
singing praises already. They all deserve a pat on the back or pay rise.

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Review from Joan A (Wife of Resident) published on 17 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has now been a resident of Amherst Court for ten months. I cannot fault his treatment. He is really well looked after, well fed always clean and tidy. The staff go out of their way to make sure the residents are involved in activities whenever possible. They also offer support to me when
times are difficult. There is plenty of humour and all residents appear to be very happy most of the time.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for this positive feedback. I am so pleased to hear that the staff have met your expectations and that you have been warmly welcomed to our home.


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Review from D Y (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 30 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As their motto says "Everyone matters" has been my experience of Amherst Court since my mother-in-law moved in 3 months ago. She and her family have been treated with care and respect. The staff really listen and do their best to facilitate any requests. Quality of life has improved. She now has the
care she needs but she is also able to access so many activities and outings.
Management get to know the residents so they can express their views.
Everyone seems to be working as a team to provide the best possible care.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback. we are so pleased that your relative has settled in and that they are involved with all that is happening in the home.


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Review from Jo P (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are kind, caring and compassionate. My father was reluctant to stay but with encouragement from staff he engaged in activities and the daily routine.
Cannot recommend the care and support shown enough.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback. It is a privilege to welcome new residents to our home and I am pleased we are meeting your expectations.


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Review from D W (Son of Resident) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely home which is making positive changes and developing in all areas. New staff have improved things and existing staff continue with the great care that has been present. Could not ask for any more from the lovely team.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback and observations. We are constantly working to improve and develop the home for our residents and staff and your feedback is received with gratitude.


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Review from Brian H (Nephew of Resident) published on 27 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good residential home, good caring staff. Housekeeping very clean, varied menu for meals. The residents are very clean and presentable. In all a well deserved 'Outstanding' by CQC.

Reply from Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court

Thank you for your feedback and observations, we are constantly looking to motive and develop our home and we are pleased you are happy with the care and environment at Amherst Court.


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Review from Martyn B (Son of Resident) published on 21 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

It was a nightmare to enter the home serious safety issues need attention, big issues with reception had to pay a pound to enter the wards refundable on leaving , then they would say you never paid the pound in the first place when you entered, 80% of the staff on the ward were very unhelpful, arrogant,
and uncaring my mother’s stay was terrible I only hope none of my family or myself ever end up in this home

Reply from Judith Knight, Head of Care Homes at Amherst Court

We are sorry that you have found any inconvenience in accessing the home. It is not our intention to complicate matters.
Thank you for taking the time to report your concerns to us, all feedback received, helps us to improve the quality of the service we provide.
If you have any further issues relating to the team please can you address your concerns to the management at the home who would be happy to help.


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Review from Anne W (Cousin of Resident) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very good care - only grumble is that personal effects do go missing i.e., 3 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of slippers, books, various clothes, but then odd clothes have appeared so 'swings and roundabouts'!!
Personal dignity is kept throughout - never feel that my cousin is treated badly.

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Review from Helen R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We visit every week. Very good.

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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.

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Meet the Team (1)

Benhilda

Benhilda Shambare

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

Belinda is the Home Manager