The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Castle Hill, Hartley, Longfield DA3 7BH
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9.8 55 Reviews
  • The Old Downs Residential Care Centre, Longfield
Situated in the pretty village of Hartley, near Dartford, The Old Downs is a residential and dementia home caring for up to 41 residents. Nestled in beautiful surroundings and gardens, the character home has been at the heart of the local community since its beginnings in 1887.

Beautifully retained period features complement the modern facilities at The Old Downs and the spacious home has been tastefully extended to provide a light and airy conservatory that boasts beautiful views across the valley. The onsite hair salon and beauty room is perfect for a bit of pampering, while the various lounges offer different places to sit and relax.

The Old Downs’ Recreation and Well-being team ensures residents have access to tailored activities and entertainment seven days a week, to suit each person’s hobbies and interests, on an individual and group basis. Residents enjoy regular outings to nearby garden centres, a variety of arts and crafts, pet therapy, live music and professional entertainers. Residents are also encouraged to remain active and pursue hobbies and interests, both old and new.

As advocates for tailored nutrition for older people and those with dementia, Nellsar employ a Head of Nutrition and Wellness for their homes. The Old Downs acknowledges that nutrition and hydration are an integral part of good health and well-being, and the catering team provide tasty nutritious meals and snacks to residents every day.

The Old Downs also benefits from a well-being team of fully-qualified holistic therapists who use nurturing touch, complementary therapies and relaxing treatments to improve residents’ quality of life and sense of well-being.

Employing the Care Vision® digital care management system throughout the Home ensures that the entire care service delivery, recording and reporting systems are optimised and centred around residents and their personalised care.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1300 – £1350
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1300 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1300 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1300 – £1350

Fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody or occupational therapists.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Old Downs Residential Care Centre to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Nicoleta Cristescu (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2025
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (37)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)

Visiting

  • The home maintain an open-hours visiting policy, which means relatives and friends are welcome to drop by and see loved ones at any time. Families are always welcome to join relatives for afternoon tea or lunch if booked in advance.

Parking

  • Plenty of onsite parking available.

The Old Downs Residential Care Centre Reviews (55)

9.8

The Old Downs Residential Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.786) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Old Downs Residential Care Centre has 55 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Old Downs Residential Care Centre
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Total of 55, showing 1-20
Review from Susan B (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been in Old Downs since October 2024. She has been given excellent care and support. The staff are absolutely brilliant. The home is immaculate, the food always looks lovely. We as a family could not ask for anything more from everyone at Old Downs. Top marks for all of them.
Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Many thanks for taking the time to give your feedback. I am over the moon with your message and the scores, and will ensure the staff are praised as they deserve. Such feedback is so reassuring to us but also to prospective new residents who are trying to choose a residential setting to receive care. Kind regards, Alison

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Review from Linda R (Friend of Resident) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have a dear friend in this lovely home. We both worked there and she is now a resident. The home is always spotlessly clean and the carers are all amazing and friendly, helpful and exactly what they are "carers". Food is great and the dining area is so lovely. Very peaceful and relaxing home for the
residents to live their life out.
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Review from Adrian S (Son of Resident) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been at Old Downs for 5 years. We find she is treated with respect, dignity and affection and all staff know her by name. Staff often talk with us to learn more about her. There are always minor issues in any care establishment but any concerns or questions we have are generally dealt with and
answered to our satisfaction. Communication are good and staff are always happy to speak with us either at the home or on the phone. The property itself is clean, well maintained and furnishings are top quality. There always seem to be plenty of activities goin on including celebrations of birthday and cultural events. Residents can use in house hair dressers and visiting health professionals. Happy to recommend.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such a positive review. I'm really happy to hear that the team meets your expectations and that any issues are addressed with open discussion and effective solutions. Your opinion is very important to us and means the world to the whole team

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Review from P E (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although I am not often a vistor every visit I make the staff are always helpful and polite and look after my mother very well. I am overall very pleased that my mother is being looked after by such a great team.
Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Many thanks for sending your feedback which is so helpful to review our service and give potential residents and families confidence i considering The Old Downs for care.If you have suggestions for how we might achieve 5 stars in each domain we would be grateful for your thoughts.Kind regards.

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Review from Heather P (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad is very happy, well cared for, staff always happy to help with any requests, I ring regularly asking if he can watch specific things in his room on the tv, snooker, football, everyone very friendly, they all seem very fond of dad, which is very reassuring. There is always something going on, afternoon
tea, parties, pamper days etc, and regular emails or phone calls keeping me updated. Very satisfied
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for providing your feedback-it's incredibly helpful for us as we continuously evaluate our service and look for ways to improve.I'm delighted to hear that you feel your dad is well cared for. It's truly a privilege to look after him. He has such a wonderful personality, and everyone here loves him.

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Review from marilyn D (Niece of Resident) published on 3 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunt is very happy . The staff know her very well and what keeps her content. Nothing is to much trouble and we are always kept informed of any developments. I would recommend the home to other families.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review.I'm very happy to hear that the team is meeting your expectations and that you're pleased with the care provided.I'll be sure to pass your appreciation on to the team-your feedback will truly make their day!

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Review from C S (Husband of Resident) published on 29 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mostly good experince with OD. I think more attention is required to personal hygiene of residents.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service. Your opinion is very important to us.The purpose of this feedback is to understand your views on the performance of our service and team in caring for your loved ones, and to identify any areas where we can improve.We would be happy to arrange a meeting to discuss what is working well and where improvements can be made. Together, we can agree on a plan to move forward.

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Review from Jennifer O (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always smiling and helping the residents. They look after Mum very well. I once stayed for Mum's meal and the food was 1st class. Her room is comfortable and the outside space is beautifully kept. There are always activities for residents if they want to join in.
Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you very much for leaving your feedback which is so helpful to us to measure our service and concentrate on where we can improve. Many thanks for choosing The Old Downs to care for your mum.Kind regards

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Review from Denize R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has received excellent care at the home.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Dear Denize, Thank you so much for sharing such a positive review. Your opinion is very important to us, and I am pretty sure that the team is going to be very happy.

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Review from Margaret R (Wife of Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dear husband deserves the best care and that is what he gets. The carers are so very kind, not only to my hubby but me as well. His face lights up when they hold out their hands. The residents are treated with the utmost care, dignity and patience. The cleaners and the staff do their utmost to ensure
that the home is clean, not an easy job. I believe that me and my sons have found the best place for my darling hubby to spend his life there.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such a beautiful review. I am so happy to know that the team at The Old Downs are trying their best to support with lots of love and care our residents. Your opinion will mean the world to all staff.

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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff know me and my husband very well and are very happy to update me on my mum. We can wander anywhere in the care home, with no restrictions. There are well-organised activities for the residents, with well-motivated staff taking active involvement in them. The home was beautifully decorated
at Christmas. I genuinely know that they understand my mum well and are happy to share hugs and cuddles with her.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking your time to share such a positive review. Your opinion is so valuable to us, and always the team will do their best to improve.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is a care home in the true sense of the word, the care my mum has received has been truly wonderful. There are certain members of the team that show true empathy and love, not only to her but to us as her family members. Mum is very happy there, and we are very
happy with her care.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at The Old Downs. Makes me so happy to know that you feel that your mum is well cared for. Your feedback will mean a lot to our team.

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Review from Jackie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident at the Old Downs Residential Care Centre since December 2022. The staff are absolutely brilliant with her, caring for her every need, as they do with all the residents. She always looks well presented and her smiles tell me she is very happy there. Her room is lovely and always
kept clean. I've had some lunches with mum so I know the food is lovely and delicious too. They have a good selection of activities every day so the residents get involved if they choose to. I really can't fault The Old Downs and it's so reassuring to know mum is getting the best care she needs. My family and I enjoy visiting her as the staff are so welcoming. Such a lovely place.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at The Old Downs. I will pass your beautiful review to the team. It would mean the world to them.

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Review from Jean B (Wife of Resident) published on 2 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident since May 22nd 2023. I couldn't have chosen a better place for him. The care and attention he gets is wonderful. My husband, as well as his vascular dementia, he is almost blind. I can't thank the staff of The Old Downs enough. My family and friends all enjoy visiting
and staff are always welcoming.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for sharing such a positive feedback. Your opinion is so important to the team and they will be very happy to hear that you are valuing them.

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Review from Dawn F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not praise The Old Downs enough. The staff are brilliant with my mum. Always discuss any concerns I have. I feel they really know mum well which is really reassuring. I know my mum is happy there and I can see the care to others. Truly amazing staff.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for such a lovely review. I am so happy to hear that your Mum is well looked after and the staff are involving you in her care and decision making. I will pass your feedback to the staff.

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Review from Dave H (Resident) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very nice experience. Well done to all who made it a lovely day. With thanks.
Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for such positive feedback. Your opinion is very important to us.

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Review from Patricia L (Wife of Resident) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having spent respite care at The Old Downs I feel fortunate my husband was accepted to remain in residential Alzheimer's care. He settled in so well and this is due to the ambience of the home, the professional care he receives and all the staff who go above and beyond to socialise with every resident.
I
am always made so welcome when I visit my husband and when we sit together in the conservatory or weather permitting the garden overlooking The Downs, we both feel content. Thank you to all concerned for making this possible after what has been a stressful 10 years plus on my husband's Alzheimer's journey.
Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write these lovely comments for us. Having spent some time recently with your dear husband, I can honestly say it is a pleasure for us to offer him a home with us at The Old Downs. We believe in supporting families to remain close and to be able to enjoy being in each other's company, and I am so pleased that this is what is happening for you and your husband when you visit him. 10 years of living with and caring for a person living with this disease can be so difficult and we are only too pleased to be able to take some of the stress out of the caring role you have been undertaking for so long and to give you some peace, happiness and contentment back as a devoted wife and companion. We look forward to offering you this calm and contented time with your lovely husband for as long as possible. With best regards.

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Review from Robert P (Son of Resident) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has only been at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre for 2 weeks. In that time the staff have really been making sure Mum is settling in her new home. She loves all the activities and has already been out on a trip. The food looks lovely and I had lunch with Mum, really good. I am looking forward
to Mum settling into her new home.
Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your positive review of The Old Downs. We are so pleased to hear that Mum is settling in well, we really do understand what a difficult fraught time this is for families and the resident. So, it is really good to hear that Mum is settling, and that she is participating in the activities and the outings that the home offers but most importantly that the staff are making her feel welcome. The staff will be informed of your positive review and the chef regarding your compliments about the catering. Staff really do appreciate the feedback - thank you.

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Review from Janice W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has been in your care home for the last seven years, during which time she has been well cared for and loved by your long-standing staff, which is why I was shocked when visiting Mum to see one of her key workers who has been with her for years limping very badly when I asked her why she was
working in such a bad way, she replied that she has to as she doesn't get sick pay? If you have members of staff who are loyal to you and your clients why do you not look after them?
Reply from Gillian Dixon, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write your review and I am pleased that you are happy with the services provided to your Mum. I will be sure to pass the positive comments onto the staff team.
Because of GDPR I am not at liberty to discuss individual staff members or their personal circumstances but what I would say is that Nellsar do care very much about their staff, they are truly valued which we believe is why so many of them are long standing, and we do look after them in many different ways. Every staff member is entitled to receive statutory sick pay and it is personal choice if they choose to claim this or continue working, I am sure this would have been discussed with the person concerned as well as other options to support them whilst working. I do thank you for taking the time and being caring enough to put pen to paper to raise your concerns. Thank you.

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Review from M D (Son of Resident) published on 28 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Do not allow your loved one to become a resident of The Old Downs care home. They take the Goldilocks approach to dementia and will evict your loved one without any warning or consultation as they did to our Father. Our Father was admitted to the hospital with a UTI (water infection) in mid-March and
when it came time to discharge him back to the home, they refused to accept him back stating "his dementia has worsened". Coming from so-called dementia specialists this made and still does not make any sense to us.
They did not even have the decency to contact us to inform us of their decision. Instead, they left it to the hospital to tell us and refused to elaborate on their decision when we contacted them for answers. Now our Father is unintentionally bed-blocking in the hospital as another home has to be found for him. Utterly disgraceful!
Reply from Jacqui Shuttleworth, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

On reading this review, please let me express my apologies that you feel disappointed in The Old Downs. I am aware that we responded fully to your concerns regarding our request for your dear father to move to a more suitable care environment, but feel that you haven't fully understood our responses or reasons for this decision. We tried to explain very clearly at the time that, although we cared for your father very much, he was no longer suitable for a residential dementia care placement. We do not offer nursing care at our home and were very sad to ask for this move to a nursing environment. I also offered a move to one of our own group nursing homes. We explained that management does have to make very difficult decisions under our registration, to keep all our residents safe and well, and could no longer meet your father's increased needs safely at The Old Downs. We sincerely hope your father finds a nursing home that can meet his needs, and where he can be happy, as he so deserves.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.786)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.786) out of 10 for The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.786 for The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (152 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 187 Ratings = 4.786
  2. 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 The Old Downs Residential Care Centre is based on 16 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 41 registered maximum number of service users is 8.2, which has been reached with 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 29 Jul 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Nicoleta

Nicoleta Cristescu

Job Title: Joined: 2025

I am delighted to embrace my role as Home Manager at The Old Downs Residential Care Home. When I began my journey as a Nurse in 2014, I never could have imagined the incredible path it would take me on. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in the Adult Social Care sector, with the past six years spent as Deputy Manager at one of Nellsar’s Nursing Homes –  Meyer House – in Erith.
 
I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, including completing my Level 5 in Management in Adult and Social Care and being honoured with the Queen's Nurse award in 2023. These milestones reflect my deep commitment to delivering high-quality care and continually striving to improve the experiences of our residents.
 
But even with the recognition, I have always believed that the true heart of care lies in the relationships we build with those we serve, and the team members who make that care possible.
 
This belief has guided me to an exciting new chapter at The Old Downs, a stunning, character-filled period building from 1887. From the moment I stepped into the Home, I felt its warmth and charm, and it immediately captured my heart. I experienced a sense of belonging not just in the building, but in the welcoming, family-like atmosphere fostered by our team members. It was this spirit that inspired me to take on this new challenge in a Residential Care setting.
 
While I’m no stranger to Nursing Homes, transitioning to The Old Downs feels like a fresh and exciting opportunity to build upon my experience. My goal is clear – to make The Old Downs the community's finest care provider, delivering exceptional living experiences for our residents while providing their loved ones with full peace of mind.
 
Our team at The Old Downs is truly something special. Every team member is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of our residents, and part of my role is to help keep that passion and commitment alive. Together, we can continue to improve our practices, adapt to new needs, and create a truly unique, nurturing environment for everyone here.
 
Ultimately, I want our residents to feel like part of a family and for their loved ones to know that their care is in the best hands possible. This is the heart of our mission – delivering care that goes above and beyond while focusing on each person’s individuality while upholding the values we hold dear.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

What types of Care is The Old Downs Residential Care Centre registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Old Downs Residential Care Centre have?

There are 37 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Old Downs Residential Care Centre to the centre of Longfield?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Old Downs Residential Care Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old Downs Residential Care Centre has an Enhanced Service - more info.