






Ampersand House offers high standards in Nursing and Dementia care for the elderly.
The home, set in a large Victorian house, has many social areas including a conservatory, a terrace and extensive garden grounds.
Ampersand has retained its original wow factor with many stained glass windows and original features.
The home encourages residents to bring furniture and personal belongings for rooms if they wish.
The setting has its own GP and specialists.
Residents...
Care Provided by Ampersand House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 43 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Toiletries. Chiropody and hairdressing are paid by the resident/family and are not a part of their weekly fee
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Ampersand House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Ampersand House 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)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Sovereign Care Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Sarah Day (Registered Operational Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 55+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2019
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (37)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (8)
- Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Visiting
- By appointment
Parking
- Parking at the front of the house
Ampersand House Reviews (17)
Ampersand House has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.239) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Ampersand House has 17 reviews.
My Sister and myself would like to express our gratitude for the care that our Mum has received over the almost 3 and a half years of being at Ampersand, when Mum first came to Ampersand, she settled down very well, and adapted to her new environment quickly. The care that our Mum receives is exemplary, each time we go to visit with Mum, she always looks clean, rested and as always her lovely cheerful self!! .. all the staff genuinely care for the residents, and are happy that Mum is being cared for in such a warm, caring, and cheerful environment, the staff always phones us if they need anything etc.., her room is always kept clean, well ventilated as well as her clothes are well laundered. Mum has continued to thrive at Ampersand. Sarah (the Manager) manages the Care Centre well, and has a fantastic team of Carers, Nurses, Pharmacists etc.., if anyone is considering Ampersand House, for their loved one, go along and pay them a visit.
Warmest love and gratitude to all!
I can never thank the staff at this care home enough for the love, care, and kindness they showed my dad over more than six years. They truly became his family and friends, and that meant the world to him - and to me.
During the incredibly difficult lockdown period, when I could only see him through a window, they kept him safe, well cared for, and never alone. Knowing he was in such good hands gave me so much comfort.
My dad embraced life there, even with his mischievous streak! He took part in so many activities, was always up dancing whenever the singers came in, and absolutely loved helping out in the gardens and feeding the birds. He was very happy and engaged felt like he was given a second chance at life.
The care, compassion, and dedication shown by every single member of staff over those six years was truly amazing. The people who work here are some of the most wonderful individuals. I honestly can't thank them enough for everything they did for my dad.
Thank you for such a lovely review i have passed this on to the whole team, Dad is dearly missed her was such a larger than life character thank you again for you kind review
Exemplary care, with an amazing team of care, kitchen, cleaning and admin staff. The activities team are amazing. Dad is in good hands with the nurses and the outstanding manager, very professional, totally hands-on, above all, kind, compassionate and caring.
Thank you Rebecca i will pass on your review to all the staff it will boost their moral no end so pleased you are happy with the service love care and attention given to your lovely dad
I have had the most amazing support from the team in dealing with an upsetting meeting. Decisions have been supported, and I can safely say my mum is safe and happy in the care of the home. Thank you for your ongoing support through a difficult time and for ensuring my mum's needs are put first.
Thank you for your kind review, we are all so pleased with the outcome for you and your mum, we will continue to support you any way we can
Place is lovely, staff are very attentive, kind , caring and friendly. Cannot praise this home enough.
My mum's health has got better since being here.
Many Thanks for your kind review, I have passed on your thoughts to our staff .
Our mum is very happy here at Ampersand House. She is showered regularly and kept nice and clean. The food seems nice too - the residents are well looked after and are given lots of snacks/drinks throughout day. Mum is looked after and has regular haircuts and pedicures. Sometimes they have a fish and chip night, which mum loves. She loves it when the singer comes too. Mum has made friends here too!
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review , this helps us ensure we are doing all we can to keep our resident cared for in all areas of their life , and all love a fish n chip night
I have nothing but praise for the care my mum.has been receiving at Ampersands. It was a very hard decision for mum to go into a care home but we could not give her the care she needed and deserved at home. She is always treated with dignity and respect. The staff are so caring not only with mum but with our family too. Icant thank you enough
Thank you for your kind review, I will be sure to let the staff know . we are very glad that mum has settled well and now has her days filled with visits from family and joins in with the activities, she enjoys going round to the cafe .
The dining experience is outstanding, with a wonderful selection of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I visit her daily and find nothing to fault. Live entertainment, including dancing and singing, takes place at least once a month, bringing joy to all residents. Overall, I couldn't wish for a better place for her. Thank you to the entire team for their remarkable dedication and care!
Thank you for this kind review Graham i will be sure to pass this on to the team, it is very much appreciated and its so lovely to know we are doing well in our visitors eyes
I have complete confidence that my mum is receiving the best care possible & cannot thank everyone enough.
You are all superstars in my eyes.
Thank you so much Debbie for your lovely review on our home . Its lovely to see mum joining in and she has settled well, i will pass on your review to the staff .
My mother was at Ampersands for just over 2 years. The care when she first moved in was amazing! sadly it deteriorated rapidly. The communication is just awful. We had to report various complaints to the council for lack basic care skills; from personal items going missing mums wedding and engagements rings, dentures, bras knickers so much always went missing, when reported all I got was it is a dementia home things do go missing. There is no care from the current manager. One of the last visits to see mum last year, she was in her room naked and shivering also in attendance with my daughters to see. We knew mum was ill at the time, we kept repeated asking to test mums urine, when I did it it tested positive for everything. It took ten days after to get mum the correct medication but in that time mum had an unwitnessed fall in the communal area to which she broke her wrist, mum never returned this caused mums deterioration which lead to her death. Would not recommend.
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review following your mums stay with us. We are sorry you feel this way and reassure you that your concerns were taken seriously at the time and investigated. This case was closed with no evidence of the concerns raised. If you would like to discuss this further, then please do not hesitate to contact the home directly.
Just would like to say a massive big thanks to all at Ampersand Care Home, the care my father-in-law got was 10/10. He was a resident at the home for the last 2 years and sadly passed away at the home on the 10th of December 2024. The end-of-life care at the home was amazing and the way the home treated his wife and family was amazing, always provided us with drinks, at the end of my father-in-law's last few days my partner and sister stayed with their dad and were treated the best by all staff. A big thank you to all.
Many thanks for your kind review of our home, it is so lovely to see a review where is shows all the staff that their care is of a high standard. Your father-in-law will be dearly missed.
Thank you so much to all the staff at Ampersand for the caring and stimulating environment that they provide for Mum and the other residents. It's very special to witness the recreational activities and to see the residents engage with them. Mum has managed to transition well in a difficult phase of her life and our family is so grateful for the gentle and patient care of the staff.
My dad has been in Ampersand House for three years now and he is very happy and settled there. I feel the home looks after him very well and all management and staff are very caring. I can relax knowing my dad is safe and happy.
Thank you for the great feedback, we do our best. I will ensure that I pass the feedback on to all the staff.
Thank you
My husband and I would thank the manager and all the staff for the excellent care they have given to my mother. She has been with you for some time now and has always been treated with so much care and empathy. We are now in the final days of my mother's life, we have been given so much support and given daily updates. Informed of all changes in her care from the home and any outside agencies. This has been very reassuring. I would most certainly recommend Ampersand to anyone who needs 24-hour care. Once again a huge thank you.
I am extremely impressed with the attention to the residents' health, the completion of their paperwork is far beyond what I’ve had to deal with previously and that nothing is too much.
During her time there she was very well looked after, the care was very good and the food was fresh and wholesome. Despite extensive renovations going on around them, the staff have stayed positive and cheerful.
I would recommend Ampersand to anyone looking for a caring environment for a loved one.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 06 February 2024Requires improvement
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledRequires improvement
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Ampersand House.
There are no upcoming events for Ampersand House.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Ampersand House.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Ampersand House.
Meet the Team (2)

I have worked at Ampersand House for nearly 19 years and I have worked in various care homes over the past 42 years.

I have been a nurse for 25 years and I am at present doing my master's in palliative care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ampersand House
What types of Care is Ampersand House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Ampersand House have?
There are 37 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Ampersand House?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Ampersand House to the centre of Rochester?
1.0 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 Ampersand House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Ampersand House has an Enhanced Service -more info.