Carnalea

Mum was a resident at Carnalea from September 2019 until January 2026. She was hospitalised following a fall at home, and it was clear that her dementia meant she would not be able to continue to live alone. From the moment she was assessed in hospital by Mandy and another lady, she was made to feel welcome and that everyone genuinely cared for her. Throughout her stay, we could easily see how personal her care was. I was kept informed if anything happened, and visits were encouraged. During her early days in Carnalea, she took part in many of the activities, although in her latter years, her frailty meant that she couldn't participate as much. There were some difficult times when she couldn't recognise me, but the staff were so sympathetic towards her, and I know that the staff became very attached to her. I cannot speak more highly of Carnalea - the standard of care, the food, the activities, the attention to detail, and the beautiful gardens. There is nothing not to like about Carnalea.

Mum was a resident at Carnalea for just over two years, although she never wanted to move into residential care, she knew that she had to. She was made to feel so welcome and the home accommodated her for her little quirks without complaint. She enjoyed her early days there more than she'd admit and joined in with some of the events/activities. Unfortunately dementia set in and she became a different person, which made things trickier but I am so grateful for the care that she received, the carers were lovely, even when she wasn't. Thank you so much for making her last couple of years as good as they could be, the family and I are very grateful.

My father was discharged from hospital and unable to care for himself at home. Was quickly seen and assessed for respite care. He was given fantastic care by all. It was during a heat wave and staff were excellent at keeping residents cool & hydrated. Meals were homecooked and of a high standard. The home was clean and garden was beautiful. He had his laundry done regularly and all needs met. We couldn't rate this care home high enough. They welcomed all his many visitors too.

When my mother moved into Carnalea in October 2023 she was welcomed with kindness and consideration which is the ethos of the home. We have been happy with her care and treatment since that time and it is apparent that her health has improved since she moved in. She enjoys good food, readily available assistance and attempts to involve her in organised activities. My mother is frail and severely sight impaired coupled with dementia and we are happy with the level of care she is receiving. The staff know her, are friendly and are willing to bring any concerns to our attention. She has a comfortable room with bathroom facilities close by.

After several trips and falls, Mum decided that it wasn't safe for her at home and needed to go into a care home. She was keen to stay in Faversham and so I visited Carnalea. I was very impressed with how well the staff integrated with the residents and how happy the residents seemed to be. The Home Manager and carer came to Mum's flat to meet with her prior to her moving into the home. They were very engaged with Mum and made her feel reassured that it was the best thing for her to do. My mum's room is a good size with an ensuite toilet and basin. Her room overlooks the garden, which is absolutely beautiful and full of colour. It took a while for Mum to settle but she is now very happy. She has made friends and has high praise for the food she is given. I am delighted with the home and the staff are always very helpful whenever I call.

We are very pleased with the care Mum receives at the home, there are always various activities going on during the week which she enjoys, and the staff are always helpful and approachable. The home is always clean and tidy.

A good friend of mine went into the Carnalea in February 2024. She has now been there for 4 weeks. She went from living independently to requiring residential care. She has settled very well with the help of the kind and caring staff. I visited the Carnalea with my friend's daughter. The first thing that struck me was the high standard of cleanliness, and how efficient and organised it is. The few care homes I have visited sometimes have unpleasant odours. There is nothing like that at the Carnalea. My friend's room is a good size with an ensuite toilet and basin, with a shower room right next door. Her room overlooks the garden, which is absolutely beautiful and full of colour. One member of staff in particular is very 'hands-on'. This is lovely to see, and rare in my experience. We had one or two little issues in the beginning, but as soon as they were mentioned, they were dealt with. My friend seems very happy and relaxed, and is relieved to have no worries. The food is also excellent I'm told.

We visited Carnalea Care Home, we knew at once this was the one. Beautiful gardens, the staff are very friendly and the home itself is very clean and fresh. I'm happy as my mother loves it there and is well looked after.

Despite dementia being mentioned on their website as one of the conditions that they cater for, it turns out this is only for mild dementia and not moderate or severe dementia.

Carnalea Care Home is a very comfortable and clean home with a homely feel to it. It is set in a beautiful garden that the residents can make full use of. The staff are very friendly and interact well with the residents. Visitors are always welcome and can visit in the home or garden. My mother has been a resident for the past year and has settled in really well, she is happy and well looked after. She enjoys chatting to fellow residents and staff. Her room is comfortable and she sleeps well and is checked on regularly through the night.

My mother was in Carnalea for 2 1/2 years to her death this month. The staff were kind and patient with her and as he dementia progressed they fed her even though it took a long time each meal. They kept her to the end, which was important as a change when one is at end-stage dementia would have been stressful for all concerned. The home is clean, well kept and the rooms are nice. There is no 'old people' smell!

Mum suffers from Alzheimer's Dementia and moved to Carnalea in August 2019 following two falls and several weeks in hospital. She has made excellent progress since being in Carnalea - she can now walk well with a frame and it is clear from her appearance that she is eating well. The staff at Carnalea have a genuine interest in the residents - always addressing them by their preferred name and this is a reflection of the owner and the manager who take an active part in the resident's day-to-day care needs as well as the running of the home. The building is clean and smells good throughout and there is a beautiful garden at the rear, that the residents can access, with plenty of seating and our first impression was of an organisation that genuinely and holistically cared - and we have not been disappointed. I have since been involved in reviewing Mum's care plan, etc., but most important of all - her long-lost smile has returned - surely one of the biggest achievements. Well done.

She has made a number of new friends and has a very good relationship with the staff.

Home is well run, very much home from home, cleaning is of a very high standard, care is of a very high standard also. I have visited many homes visiting other relatives and this home is by far the better, staff care is excellent.

Good to find myself in a 'care' home where there is always help around, and in safety and comfort. Content that I shall be here for the rest of my life and any other issues will be made on my behalf.

I have found that my mother's bedroom was always clean and tidy.

At a very stressful time, when decisions have to be made about full-time care for a much loved family member, staff were extremely helpful and caring. Obviously, we had great anxiety about choosing a suitable home and whether we had made the right choice, but from the start, we were all comforted knowing that all residents are well looked after with great care and compassion by dedicated staff.

Care staff, with one exception: good social skills, cheerful and helpful. Home very clean, no unpleasant smells.

Lovely garden.

After death: good, about the removal of her belongings. Only two days payment was due: very fair.

Sadly visitors not allowed into lounges: the management claimed residents wanted that.

Poor little "dinette" where you were meant to visit.

You could not join residents for a meal which is unacceptable.

Bad layout meant poor access: you could not go through sitting rooms. Difficult step from the car park which they refused to improve.

The owner - you could never call her by her first name and the manager had poor social skills and did not like a discussion about issues. Not welcoming.

A very unhappy experience for that sort of money. I did not like being treated like that.

We would not hesitate to recommend Carnalea and have done already to friends. The staff are very caring and look after my Mum extremely well. Hygiene standards are excellent and there are always activities going on to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

I can not speak highly enough of this wonderful care home. The staff are caring and kind and go out of their way to make everyone welcome. It has a wonderful warm feel and my grandma couldn't be anywhere better. Management are always on hand to discuss any issues and are again brilliant. It's home from home. Thank you.