Care Homes Owned by Kent County Council in Kent

Our experience of the Yellow dementia unit at Westbrook House, Margate, was deeply distressing and fell far below acceptable standards of care.

My mum, who had dementia and advanced cancer, was repeatedly left in unclean clothes, allowed to change herself, and on several visits was found sitting naked. She went days without washing, was not helped to dress, and often appeared exhausted, dirty, and undignified.

Staff failed to recognise her cancer-related pain, repeatedly labelling it as "behaviour," despite GP and palliative nurse involvement. She was left in constant pain and given incorrect medication doses, causing dizziness. On one occasion, after being given the wrong medication, medical assistance was not sought for over 24 hours.

She was frequently left alone despite needing supervision, leading to distress, self-harm behaviours, and unsafe situations. Medication records were inaccurate, staff made highly inappropriate comments, and communication with management deteriorated.

Really lovely place, my mum recently stayed here whilst a care package was put in place at her home. The staff are all extremely kind and caring, the facilities are great, cannot praise the care highly enough. Thank you lovely staff on Wittersham for your kindness to my mum.

I shan’t name names but I honestly feel that this is a caring environment with committed staff.

Having to book appointments to ensure the home is not overwhelmed with visitors is sensible, as is the fact that the staff recognise we all come from quite a long distance to visit and accommodate us with a nice visiting area and a cup of tea. Overall, we are very happy with the service, the home and the staff.

Sadly, my mother passed away.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks on behalf of both myself and my wife (for the wonderful care we both received from everyone at West View), during my stay at the Step-Down unit in the Benenden East Ward. The staff are both totally professional and compassionate. Our needs were not only met, but exceeded with nothing less than kindness dignity and respect. Nothing was too much trouble and all of the staff were kind and caring towards myself and my wife at all times.

Many thanks to all the staff.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of myself and my family for the wonderful care my mother received in The Lindens Unit. The staff are both professional and compassionate. Mums needs were met with nothing but kindness and respect for her dignity. Nothing was too much trouble and the staff were kind and caring towards myself and my family.

Many, many thanks to all the staff.