The Old Downs Care Centre

The Old Downs Dementia Residential Care Home in Hartley, Kent, provides accommodation and support for up to 41 people living with dementia, with 35 residents living there at the time of the inspection in August 2017. Led by a new registered manager who started in May 2017, the home successfully addressed previous regulatory concerns regarding medication management and nutritional screening records. The home is set within its own grounds and offers a supportive environment where residents and their families feel secure and well cared for.

Residents are protected by safe medication handling practices and comprehensive risk assessments, while previous issues with nutritional monitoring records have been fully resolved through completed screening tools and new roles like a nutrition champion.

Staff receive regular supervision and relevant training suited to their roles, and residents' rights are appropriately protected under mental capacity legislation.

The management and care team demonstrate a kind, patient, and compassionate attitude, ensuring residents' privacy, dignity, and independence are respected.

Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated monthly, and residents enjoy a variety of meals tailored to their dietary needs while participating in chosen activities.

The service benefits from an open, approachable management team with clear values, a robust staffing structure, and effective quality monitoring systems in place.