Abbotsleigh Care Centre

Joy joined Abbotsleigh Care Centre in November 2015 as a Registered Nurse and has grown with the home over the years, progressing through leadership roles before becoming Home Manager in April 2026.

Passionate about creating a true sense of home, Joy leads with warmth, compassion, and a strong commitment to person-centred care. She strives to ensure that every resident feels valued, respected, and supported to live as independently and comfortably as possible, with care tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Abbotsleigh Care Centre is a welcoming Dementia and Nursing Care Home in the heart of Staplehurst, Kent. Set within a charming building that combines traditional character with beautifully refurbished, modern facilities, the home offers a peaceful and tranquil environment surrounded by landscaped gardens.

With 58 bright and comfortable bedrooms - most with en-suite facilities - Abbotsleigh provides a safe and homely setting.

The home features two dedicated units, Red Admiral and Holly Blue, alongside inviting communal spaces, including spacious lounges, dining areas, and a private atrium for meaningful time with loved ones. Residents also benefit from a dedicated Sensory and Stimulation Room, supporting wellbeing and enriching daily life through engaging activities.

Under Joy’s leadership, the focus is on delivering high-quality, compassionate care while fostering a positive and inclusive community for residents, families, and staff. Families are encouraged to be part of their loved one’s journey, with open communication and personalised care plans ensuring that every individual receives the very best support.

Alexandra has been part of the team at Abbotsleigh Care Centre since 2016, when she initially started as a Registered Nurse.

She then progressed to Unit Manager, followed by Head of Care, before taking on the role of Deputy Manager in April 2026.

Alexandra takes great pride in being part of the home and feels a strong sense of belonging within the team.

She is passionate about supporting our residents, their families, and our staff, and believes that kindness, trust, and teamwork are at the heart of excellent care. In her role as Deputy Manager, she is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where residents feel safe, valued, and truly at home, and where staff feel encouraged and respected.

Andrea joined the Abbotsleigh team in August 2024, bringing experience from both graphic design and healthcare environments. She initially joined as part of the Activities team before transitioning into her current role in 2025. Andrea is a strong communicator who is passionate about strengthening connections with residents’ families and friends, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and valued as part of the Abbotsleigh community.

Jacqui joined Abbotsleigh in July 2021 and takes pride in ensuring her responsibilities are completed efficiently, accurately, and to a high standard. She manages staff administration with care and attention to detail, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff support throughout their time at Abbotsleigh. Jacqui is also committed to maintaining accurate resident administration and works closely with Head Office to ensure smooth and consistent processes.

Chris joined the team in May 2020 and is responsible for maintaining the warm and welcoming environment at Abbotsleigh. A qualified plasterer by trade, Chris brings a broad range of maintenance skills to the role and is always willing to assist wherever needed. He communicates well with the management team, staff and residents alike and takes great pride in both his workmanship and his ability to provide practical solutions whenever he can.

Jeetu joined Abbotsleigh in January 2021 as a Registered Nurse and was promoted to Unit Manager of Red Admiral in 2022. She is a passionate Infection Prevention and Control Champion, committed to maintaining a clean, warm and welcoming environment that supports the health and well-being of residents. Alongside her nursing responsibilities, Jeetu supports the team through an open-door approach and works closely with the management team.

Sreeja joined Abbotsleigh as a Registered Nurse in December 2020 and has since progressed to Unit Manager for Holly Blue. She takes great pride in her nursing role and in building strong relationships with residents and their families, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. As Skin Care Champion, Sreeja is committed to developing and applying her expertise in this area. She enjoys leading her team of care and domestic assistants and works closely with the management team to create a positive, supportive environment for residents and their families.

Kirsty joined Abbotsleigh in May 2022 as Resident Liaison Officer and has since moved into her current role as In-House Trainer. She is passionate about making staff training engaging and approachable for both new and long-standing team members.
Drawing on her experience in resident liaison and wellbeing activities, Kirsty also continues to provide valuable support across the home to residents, colleagues and the management team.

Alex joined Abbotsleigh in 2016 as a Healthcare and Kitchen Assistant, progressing to Chef after one year and becoming Head Chef in 2019. He is passionate about providing residents with nutritious, enjoyable meals that support their health and wellbeing, and values engaging with residents to gather their feedback. Alex also enjoys working closely with the Activities team during events, preparing barbecues and creating themed menus inspired by destinations visited by relatives on virtual cruises.

Esme joined Abbotsleigh in October 2017 as a Recreation and Wellbeing Coordinator and has since progressed to the role of Team Leader. She is passionate about supporting residents and takes great enjoyment in getting to know them as individuals.
Esme plans and oversees a wide range of activities and events, encouraging residents to take part in meaningful, person-centred experiences that help them maintain existing skills, develop new ones, and promote independence, while always respecting personal choice.

Leigh is one of the original members of the team and worked at the home as a Carer prior to Nellsar taking over Abbotsleigh. She is a highly respected and valued team member with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Over the years, Leigh’s role has evolved significantly, and she now draws on her diverse skills as a Senior Carer, Continence Assessor, Moving and Handling Champion and Minibus Driver. She also supports the Activities team and assists the nursing team on both the Red Admiral and Holly Blue units with medication rounds and care documentation.

George joined Abbotsleigh in June 2019 as a Senior Nurse. He plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the home during the night, overseeing both the care and nursing teams. George is committed to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring residents feel safe, comfortable and well-supported at all times. He works closely with colleagues to provide responsive, person-centred care and offers guidance and leadership to the team throughout the night.

Staffy joined Abbotsleigh in October 2009 and has become a true icon of the home. She plays a vital role in the smooth running of the laundry service, ensuring all items are carefully washed, dried, ironed and returned to their rightful owners, taking particular enjoyment in the ironing.
Known for her friendly chats with residents during her rounds, Staffy takes great pride in her work and in making sure everything that comes through the laundry is returned in pristine condition.