
The care she had was brilliant, with many activities to keep her entertainedJessica H(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

Every member of staff, whatever their role, gave their absolute all every single dayMarielle S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Thank you to all staff and management for Mum's continuing care.Margaret T(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The care she had was brilliant, with many activities to keep her entertainedJessica H(Granddaughter of Resident/Service User)

Every member of staff, whatever their role, gave their absolute all every single dayMarielle S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Thank you to all staff and management for Mum's continuing care.Margaret T(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Situated in the heart of Kent, Abbotsleigh Care Centre provides older people with tailored residential, nursing and dementia care with compassion, dignity and respect. Residents and their families feel supported by the Home's expert care teams. With a physiotherapist to support residents with rehabilitation, enabling day or short-term placements, physiotherapy services also help with improving residents’ strength, reducing falls and improving overall well-being.
The Home offers single room accommodation, most...
Care Provided by Abbotsleigh Care Centre
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 61 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
- Convalescent Care
- 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
- Bar/Café
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The Self-Funded Nursing Care weekly fee does not include the NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) fee. The weekly fees do not include personal expenditures such as hairdressing, chiropody, physiotherapy, opticians, dentist, transportation, cost of outings, newspapers subscription, escort fees etc.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Abbotsleigh Care Centre for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Abbotsleigh 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)
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
- Nellsar Care Homes
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Joy Cagande (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 55+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (58)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
Visiting
- The home operate an open-hours visiting policy, which means relatives and friends are welcome to drop by and see their loved ones at any time. Families are always welcome to join their relatives for afternoon tea or lunch if booked in advance.
Parking
- The home has a large car park to the front of the property.
Abbotsleigh Care Centre Reviews (120)
Abbotsleigh Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.854) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Abbotsleigh Care Centre has 120 reviews.
My grandad lived at this care home for the past four years or so. I highly recommend this care home - for the simple reason that the staff are very very caring, kind and together they create a loving home for the people who live there. Unfortunately, my grandad passed away at the end of last month, but I can honestly say that they really supported him and us until the very end. It wasn't an easy thing to see someone that you care about so deteriorated, but it was made easier by the love and support that he was provided with by the staff. We were always welcomed and treated like part of the Abbotsleigh family whenever we visited and whenever we left, we were left feeling content with the fact that Grandad was well cared for and looked after. Thank you so much for all you did for my grandad and the support you gave to us!
Many thanks for sending such positive feedback. I offer you my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear grandad and hope that this difficult time of grieving is somehow made slightly easier because you were happy with his care. Please feel very welcome to come by and have a cup of tea if we...
I would like to thank all of your staff at Abbotsleigh for their courtesy and empathy regarding my Mum in a time of great stress. All of your staff, from the chef, carers and cleaners, management all showed, with strong beliefs and a great structure, Abbotsleigh is the final place to go in life's journey. All six of my brothers have said when it is their time, they hope to end up in Abbotsleigh. Fantastic.
Many thanks for taking the time to give such positive feedback on the service received by your dear mum. It is a huge privilege to be entrusted with the care of someone so special, and I will certainly ensure the staff receive your feedback which inspires them in their work. Kind regards.
My husband was accepted to Abbotsleigh from A and E following a violent and angry episode at our home leading to the hospital until a suitable care home could be found. The care centre staff were kind and sensitive to our family (myself and our two adult sons) making a worrying and upsetting time as pleasant and safe as possible. My husband has settled well and we are very happy with his care. Fees not yet completed, so cannot yet comment.
We are so grateful that you have taken time to provide us with feedback and very happy that we met your needs and those of your family. I appreciate that it was a very stressful time for you and a situation that you had not planned. I will ensure the staff are given your feedback as they are our greatest asset and need to know what a difference they make. Kind regards.
My wife was a resident at Abbotsleigh for nearly 7 years. Initially, I was very concerned for her but I soon found that my fears were groundless. She was always treated with kindness, dignity and respect. As I visited her virtually every day I could see the attention she was given and it became obvious to me that my wife was being cared for in the best possible way. I was able to relax knowing the best possible care was being provided and will be forever grateful to Abbotsleigh for looking after my wife.
Dear Richard, Many thanks for taking the time to give such lovely feedback. I know the Abbotsleigh team really miss your wife and of course, we miss you too as you were in the home so often and you felt very much part of the Abbotsleigh family. I hope you feel proud of the way you supported your...
Excellent care of mum. Nothing is too much trouble. Mum is very happy which equates to her being looked after with care and dignity. I am so happy she is in a home that treats her so well.
Kind regards.
Came to visit mum, made welcome by all the staff and asked if we would like tea or coffee. Mum seems content and is being looked after. Attentive to all the residents.
Kind regards.
The staff are all very kind and friendly, all deserve medals for looking after my mother-in-law.
Kind regards
As I had no previous experiences with care homes I was dubious about having to admit my mum into a care home. Abbotsleigh was recommended to me and as soon as we were introduced to the manager I knew any fears that I might have had were dispelled instantly.
During my mum's spell as a resident, the care given to her was outstanding by all concerned. All the employees involved with my mum's care were very kind, considerate and very caring towards my mum, family and friends.
Many thanks for your feedback and I am so pleased that you felt that the staff at Abbotsleigh looked after your mum so well. It is an extremely stressful time when you realise that your loved one needs to be cared for in a nursing home and the selection of the right care home is so important to all concerned. I am so pleased that Alina and her staff made this experience less daunting and a success.
I would not hesitate to recommend Abbotsleigh Care Centre to others.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent experience of the service we provide. I am delighted that you were so satisfied and it is wonderful to know that the staff at Abbotsleigh made such a difference to your family. Your comments and ratings will be shared with the...
My mum was sent here by the hospital. I have found all staff very helpful. They have shown respect to patients and maintained their dignity. The home has a lovely calm feel. Patients and staff have displayed caring and reciprocal relationships. They build trust with patients, who in turn, feel safe and well cared for.
Dear Jackie, what a wonderful review, thank you so much. Having someone dear to you admitted to a care home is such a difficult transition with many emotions and reservations especially when it has been an unplanned change of events such as a hospital admission. I am so pleased that the staff at...
Over the last four years since mum became ill, there has been support from many people along the way, and I have needed it. The transition with this team was more than I could ever have imagined. Genuine caring staff. My mums live has been transformed. She now has put on weight, is drinking enough, and has started to go out on trips to garden centres and for coffees, she has made a great new friend at the care centre. For me I'm now not worrying about phone calls of problems for my mum all the time, day and night, I am able to start to get on with my life, including playing my new twin grandchildren.
Dear Paul, Many thanks for taking the time to provide a review. I am delighted your Abbotsleigh experience has been positive and reassuring and your comments will help future potential residents and their families make their equally difficult decisions. The reviews are so valuable in helping us...
My father-in-law is deeply loved by our family and we have found it very difficult to deal with his deteriorating condition. We have found the staff and conditions at Abbotsleigh have helped us and him considerably. The staff are always courteous, friendly and helpful, my father-in-law's care has always been their main concern. They have discussed his care and condition with us on a regular basis and overall, have made us and him very welcome.
Dear Nick, thank you so much for your kind review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are pleased we have made your father-in-law and family so comfortable and supported in the Home.
Thank you so much to all the amazing staff for the care of my grandmother over the years and during her last days. We are forever grateful.
Dear Meghan, thank you so much for your kind review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are so pleased we made your grandmother so comfortable during her time with us.
We have found Abbotsleigh well organised, caring and highly supportive of us as a family and my dad in particular. Staff are friendly, approachable and have helped my dad through some difficult times. The music on Fridays has been a highlight! Activities and outings are generally excellent. Thank you all the staff.
Thank you so much for your kind review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are delighted that you are so happy with everything, and your dad is so settled and enjoying life in the Home.
My mum has been living here for the last few months and we have found the staff very welcoming and happy at all times making myself feel really relaxed when I go to visit. My mum has settled in incredibly well and looks happy and settled. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff - they even helped with arranging and getting my parents to my niece's wedding in Surrey supplying the minibus carers for the day out and arranging the hairdresser to come into the home on Saturday morning to do my mum's hair. They were incredible from start to finish on the day. I would recommend this home to anyone. They have plenty of varied activities and welcome any suggestions. A big thank you to the manager and all the staff at Abbotsleigh for making this transition so much easier for my mum and my family.
Dear Julie, thank you so much for your lovely review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are delighted that...
Even though my husband is mostly in his room he is involved in the activities, which is lovely.
Dear Molly, thank you so much for your kind review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and are delighted that you are so happy with everything and your husband is so comfortable.
I have been very impressed with all the staff at Abbotsleigh. I can not fault any aspect of the care they provide.
Dear LJ, thank you so much for your kind review of Abbotsleigh Care Home and our staff. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.
The care for my mother-in-law since she has been here has been 1st class. Everyone in the home really cares about her as a person.
My mum came to Abbotsleigh on end of life care. From day one to the end of her life, the care and support for both mum and family have been second to none. It's been excellent.
Dear Peter, thank you for your review of Abbotsleigh Care Home. We kindly welcome all feedback as it is invaluable to us in supporting our Continuous Improvement Programme. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and we are so pleased to have been able to support you, your Mum and your family.
My stepdad stayed here for my mum's respite. I could not be more happy with the care given. He settled brilliantly due to the friendliness and positive attitude of all of the staff. Thank you very much.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 14 December 2018Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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 (29) & Events (0)
- 30 Jul 2026
Our residents were treated to a fantastic afternoon of live entertainment when Caz and Ellie arrived in full ABBA costume, ready to perform some of the band's greatest hits at...
- 16 Jul 2026
Our annual Wimbledon-themed party returned to our Care Home in Staplehurst on Friday 3 July, bringing together our residents, families, colleagues, volunteers, and guests from some of our sister Homes,...
- 25 Jun 2026
We were delighted to welcome singer Michael, a new performer to our Care Home in Staplehurst, for a wonderful afternoon of live entertainment recently. Michael treated our residents to a...
There are no upcoming events for Abbotsleigh Care Centre.
Awards / Recognitions (7)
- 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 Abbotsleigh Care Centre.
Meet the Team (13)

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.

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 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.

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