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The Old Downs Care Centre

Castle Hill, Hartley, Longfield, Kent DA3 7BH
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My husband has been a resident since May 22nd 2023. I couldn't have chosen a better place for him.Jean B(Wife of Resident/Service User)
The Old Downs Care Centre, Longfield
I can not praise The Old Downs enough. The staff are brilliant with my mum.Dawn F(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The Old Downs Care Centre, Longfield
The Old Downs Care Centre, Longfield

Situated in the pretty village of Hartley, near Dartford, The Old Downs is a residential dementia and nursing home caring for up to 41 residents. Nestled in beautiful surroundings, the character home has been at the heart of the local community since 1887.

Beautifully retained period features complement the modern facilities and the spacious home has been tastefully extended to provide a light and airy conservatory that boasts beautiful views across...  

Care Provided by The Old Downs Care Centre

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing 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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential Dementia Care£1,500 - £1,600£1,500 - £1,600

Fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody or occupational therapists.

Contact The Old Downs Care Centre to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Nicoleta Cristescu (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • 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 Care Centre Reviews (60)

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9.8

The Old Downs Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.824) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old Downs Care Centre has 60 reviews.

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Review from Susan B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother in law is happy and Safe, the staff always make a fuss of all the residence this is like a home from home she has lots of friends there although she can't remember. The staff do a tremendous job and everything runs like clockwork. Thank you for all your support over the last few months.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to write such a positive review about the care and services provided to your mother in law at The Old Downs Residential Home. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us understand the quality of the service we provide and reassures us that we are getting it right for our residents and their families.

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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mum has been at The Old Downs for 18 months. The staff know us personally and always ask if we have had a nice visit. They are trying different methods to ensure that my mum is safe in the home as she had a fall in the summer and fractured her hip. However she was well supported post operatively and now continues to walk round the home almost like she did pre fall. She has regular hair cuts and visits to ensure that her toe nails are kept in shape. I am grateful for the staff and their commitments to the residents in the home

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Care Centre

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Karen. We are truly touched by your kind words. It means a great deal to us to hear how the team's support helped contribute to your mum's recovery.

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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother was admitted to the Old Downs in June 2025. The care has been exemplary and my mother has settled in after a long perid in hospital. The management and staff are very approachable and absolutely have the wellbeing of the residents as their priority at all times.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Care Centre

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Your opinion means a great deal to our team, who work hard every day to make a meaningful and positive impact on our residents' lives.

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Review from K D (Friend of Resident) published on 2 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Visited my dear friend and i must say what a lovely care home with beautiful grounds. The staff are very welcoming and friendly.

The manager came out to greet us which was lovely and very friendly and polite.

My friend seems very settled and well cared for at the old downs. There was activities going on and the other residents seemed very happy.

Nothing was too much trouble during my visit and i look forward to returning.

Thank you for a lovely visit

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Care Centre

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Your opinion is very important to our team, who work hard every day and do their best to make a meaningful, positive impact on our residents' lives.

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Review from Maureen D (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother has been a resident at Old Downs since August , 2020 and she has been cared for very well. The
staff have been excellent in every respect. They are very caring, professional and respectful.
I cannot praise all the staff enough for their kindness and thoughtfulness with very good weekly activities and

entertainment.

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Review from A C (Friend of Resident) published on 7 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Very nice atmosphere
Staff are very friendly and fantastic with the residents.
Everyone is very well cared for
Overall a a wonderful place to visit my friend.
Beautiful grounds around the home

Management are very helpful and friendly

Reply from Alison Ruddock, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs Care Centre

What a wonderful review , we are so grateful you have left your feedback .Kind regards

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Review from Susan B (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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...  

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Review from Jennifer O (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

My mother has received excellent care at the home.

Reply from Silvia Barret, Operations & Compliance Manager at The Old Downs 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
Overall Experience

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 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 C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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
Overall Experience

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 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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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 29 July 2024
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (25) & Events (0)

News
  • 25 Jun 2026

    Our dance class with Berenice was a real hit here at our Care Home in Dartford recently We tried a few new songs with our residents to see how they...

  • 11 Jun 2026

    As part of Nellsar’s Love to Care Art Competition, residents and team members were invited to create inspirational artwork centred around the words ‘Love to Care’. Here at our Care...

  • 21 May 2026

    We love Pet Therapy here at our Care Home in Dartford, and we are very lucky to have lots of furry friends visit us. This time, we welcomed Charlie the...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Old Downs Care Centre.

Awards / Recognitions (6)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Nellsar Care Homes
  • 30 Jun 2021Recipient: Nellsar Care Homes
  • 28 Feb 2020Recipient: Nellsar Care Homes

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for The Old Downs Care Centre.

Meet the Team (1)

Nicoleta Cristescu
Nicoleta CristescuJob 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 Care Centre

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

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Old Downs Care Centre have?

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

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Downs 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 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 Care Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old Downs Care Centre has an Enhanced Service -more info.