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Applecroft Nursing Home

Sanctuary Close, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0ER
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I don't think you could find a more caring and supportive atmosphere anywhere else.Allan H(Husband of Resident/Service User)
Applecroft Nursing Home, Dover
The Blossom tea room for the residents and families to sue is absolutely beautiful and relaxingFaye S(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)
Applecroft Nursing Home, Dover
by far one of the best care homes in Dover.Ken W(Sister of Resident/Service User)
Applecroft Nursing Home, Dover

Applecroft Nursing Home takes prides in a service that focuses on great care, providing high quality nursing and dementia care and with their team of high quality carers doing their best to ensure residents feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.

The home opened in 1999 and is set in the village of River, close to the town of Dover. It is a modern yet homely 75-bed care home, which has direct access...  

Care Provided by Applecroft Nursing Home

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 Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 75 Service Users

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
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Nursing Care£1,700 - £1,950£1,700 - £1,950
Nursing Dementia Care£1,700 - £1,950£1,700 - £1,950

Contact Applecroft Nursing Home 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

Person in charge

  • Sarah Potts(Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 60+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (75)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (75)

Visiting

  • Visiting is permitted 24 hours of the day apart from at protected meal times, however will always accommodate should you be visiting your loved one. Please contact the service to ascertain times

Parking

  • On site parking available

Applecroft Nursing Home Reviews (54)

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9.4

Applecroft Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.430) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Applecroft Nursing Home has 54 reviews.

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Showing 54 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Deb T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I would just like to say thank you to everyone on Blossom Unit for the care and support you have given Dad during his time there.
One memory that really stands out is the day my sister and I took Dad to the park for tea and cake, which unfortunately turned into a bit of a nightmare! The staff came down to reception so quickly to help calm both Dad and us. It really demonstrated the team's training, experience, and compassion when dealing with challenging behaviours, and it is something we have never forgotten.

Once again, thank you to you and all the team.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It really means a great deal to the whole team.

I'm so pleased that, despite such a difficult moment, our staff were able to support both your dad and your family with compassion and reassurance. I'll make sure your kind words are shared with everyone on...  

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Review from Faye S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 9 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Applecroft staff have always been amazing with my mother. Nothing has ever been too much for them. We couldn't of wished for her to be anywhere else. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you, for your lovely review and kind words.

We are delighted to hear that you have been happy with the care and support provided to your mother. Your feedback means a great deal to our team and will be shared with them.

Thank you for placing your trust in us.

Kind regards,

Sarah

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Review from Nigel G (Son of Resident) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

After viewing many care homes before my mother was admitted, I found Applecroft to be streets ahead. The home is clean, friendly, and very well run. The activities for residents is now superb, just what was needed. The all important communication with the home is excellent.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home
Thank you for your kind review. We are pleased to hear that you have been happy with the care and support provided to your mother and that you have found Applecroft to be welcoming, clean and well run.

It is particularly encouraging to receive your feedback about our activities programme and...  

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Review from Mark S (Son of Resident) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I can't thank Applecroft enough for the care they continue to provide for Dad. He is treated with patience, kindness and dignity, and it's difficult to imagine a setting that could meet his needs any better. Management and care staff are clearly passionate about doing what's best for residents, and communication with us as a family has been outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this home to others.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your kind review and for taking the time to share your experience.

It means a great deal to our team to know that your father is cared for with patience, kindness and dignity, and that you feel supported and well informed as a family. Your feedback will be shared with the...  

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Review from G S (Partner of Resident) published on 22 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Very pleased with the cleanliness, caring attitude & support provided, staff are always polite, approachable & helpful.

The happiness of my resident is so important to me. The staff always keep me informed of any issues I need to know which gives me confidence.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are delighted to hear you are pleased with the cleanliness of the home and the care and support provided by our team.

It is wonderful to know your loved one is happy and that you feel well informed and supported. Your comments will be shared with the staff team and are greatly appreciated.

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Review from Hayley J (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
At one stage, my mother had what I have since been advised was faecal matter around her catheter, and she also had tablets remaining in her mouth despite not eating or drinking. I was informed at the time that she had not passed urine for over 24 hours. Following my complaint, her catheter was checked and it was then discovered to be blocked, which had clearly been the case for a significant period of time. This had not been identified by any member of staff.

In addition to cancer, my mother was suffering from renal failure, making the monitoring of her fluid input and output essential. She also had anal cancer which had severely affected her physically, leaving her doubly incontinent. Despite this, her personal care appeared to be carried out according to a schedule and not in a person centred way.

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home
Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear of your concerns.

We take all feedback seriously and would always encourage concerns to be raised directly with the home so that we can fully investigate and respond appropriately. Unfortunately, we have not received a formal complaint...  

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Review from Paula B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My dad has been at applecroft since January and has been very well looked after dad is always clean well fed and happy.

Im able to go to any member of staff if I have any concerns and all the staff from receptionist to carers/nurse and cleaning staff and the chefs are very and helpful nothing is ever to much trouble .

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review and kind comments about the team at Applecroft.

We are so pleased to hear your dad is happy, well cared for and that you feel supported by the staff. Your feedback means a great deal to us all, and we will ensure your comments are shared with the whole team.

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Review from w m (Next of Kin) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My Husband was was made so welcome after a long stay in Hospital
every one has been so wonderful and caring
the food is very good it is wonderful to see him happy the team
are so very good with him
even if he is a bit grumpy sometimes
they know just what to do

thank you all for being so kind and wonderful

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review.

We are so pleased your husband has settled well with us following his hospital stay and that you have found the team caring and supportive. Your kind comments about the staff, food and care mean a great deal to us all.

Thank you again for your support and trust in the team at Applecroft.

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Review from Lorraine G (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I really can't fault Applecroft in any way! The staff, food, environment are all absolutely excellent. Everything is is very clean and the residents are kept clean too. It's like a 5 star hotel and not like a nursing/care home! Simply the best!

Reply from Sarah Potts, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the care, environment, and standards at Applecroft. Our team works hard to provide a clean and comfortable home for all our residents, and your comments mean a lot to us. I will be sure to share this with the staff, who will appreciate your recognition and support.

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Review from Isobel P (Sister of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My sister has been in Applecroft since late 2023. She was welcomed in after a difficult experience and settled very quickly due to the warm, caring and professional approach of all the team. Over the last 2 years she has lost mobility and cognition has deteriorated. At all times the team has been there for her, encouraging, thoughtful, vigilant, practical. She is always clean and dressed appropriately. Nursing needs are carefully attended tom as are her care needs. The home is clean and bright and the staff friendly and responsive. We are very happy with her care.

Reply from Alexander Bragg, Regional Support Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, we are pleased that you feel your Sisters nursing and care support needs are always attended to, the team will be pleased to read this review.

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Review from L H (Wife of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband is well cared for and treated with dignity and respect by all of the staff. If there are any issues, these are usually addressed in a timely fashion. The only area that is disappointing is the activities element. It has always been very limited. There are currently no designated activities staff, but this situation is hoping to be addressed in the very near future.

Reply from Alexander Bragg, Regional Support Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we are pleased to say that a dedicated member of the team is shortly moving into the role of Activities Lead in the home, and with support from other Activities Leads in the group I am sure there will soon be an improvement noticed in this area.

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Review from Gail H (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Mum has been at Applecroft since April 2025, she is happy and content, safe and well looked after. The staff are excellent and always welcoming when we visit. We have experienced several other homes on mums journey but Applecroft is by far the nicest environment and most suitable for mums needs. I am confident mum is in safe hands and well looked after.

Reply from Alexander Bragg, Regional Support Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, we are pleased to read that you feel your Mum is in safe hands and well looked after. The team will be pleased to read this.

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Review from Ian C (Husband of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My wife has been resident at Applecroft (discovery unit) since March 2025. She has thrived there after an 'uncomfortable' spell in a previous home and a spell in hospital. She is now settled. She is treated with dignity by a welcoming and consistent staff with a nurse always on duty. As a visitor I am always welcomed at any time. Applecroft is a clean and well managed nursing home.

Reply from Alexander Bragg, Operations Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, we are truly pleased that your wife has thrived with us. We will pass these words onto the team and they will be thrilled to read them.

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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My father worked in care homes his whole working life so found the transition to become a service user with Alzheimer's difficult and confusing. Applecroft took this history into account and through their understanding were able to reduce his challenging behaviours. The home may be basic in appearance but it's the staff that make this the place the wonderful, person-centered, compassionate and safe home that it is. There has been a culture of openness and transparency from the nursing/care staff. I never met/spoke to anyone in management team.

Reply from Alexander Bragg, Operations Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, we will pass these onto the team and I know they will be thrilled to read them.

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Review from Alex S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Applecroft is an amazing care home. ALL the staff are amazing, they really do treat everyone so well they are always polite and helpful. They really do go above and beyond, I could write a million reviews on the last two years my nan has been there and they would all be amazing.

Reply from Lynn Grafham, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thankyou so much for leaving a review and we are delighted that you are so happy with Applecroft and the care we provide for your Nan. I will ensure this is shared with all the team.

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Review from Alison B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Dad has been in Applecroft for the past few months. His care has been impeccable. The staff cannot do enough. It really is a home from home. I could not rate it high enough. Applecroft do not change.

Reply from Lynn Grafham, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted that Dad has settled so well in to Applecroft Care Home and hope he continues to enjoy his time with us.

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Review from Ian G (Son of Resident) published on 16 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father has vascular dementia and alzheimers. He was at the care home for a matter of weeks before being readmitted to hospital. Although his room was relatively nice, the floor he was on was frankly unwelcoming and depressing. The communal area was practically empty, with hard-backed chairs along the wall, a TV, a poor assortment of old games in a dresser and little else. The food was extremely poor and there seemed to be little for residents to do. He was bored, unengaged and anxious, and having visited several homes, I'm not surprised given the atmosphere (or lack of it) on his ward at Applecroft. We were astonished at the cost compared to other homes given the apparent lack of provision. In fairness, I spoke to a couple of friendly members of staff but our overall impression of the space was very poor, especially in comparison to other homes.

Reply from Jessica Morris, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review Applecroft Care Home. Whilst we can see you were happy with the cleanliness and room we thank you for the information you have provided and have shared your comments with the team to review. If you wish to discuss this in further detail then please contact us as your soonest convenience.

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Review from Alan M (Husband of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
It takes a while to find the right place but eventually we found Discovery in Applecroft Care Home. My thanks to all who welcomed my wife and understanding the complex needs of Fronto temporal dementia. She was loved from the minute she walked through the door.

The care in Discovery is phenomenal and all of the Carers approach their care with dignity and an empathy for each individual. This care in Discovery is an example to others to follow where the team were ably led by two Nursing brothers - Thank you -- but this environment was created by the two ladies who share an office -- Thank you . There are diamonds out there in the Care system and Discovery is one .

Reply from Jessica Morris, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you very much for your incredible review and kind words towards Applecroft Care Home.

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Review from C M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I / We cannot thank the staff in Discovery enough. The phenomenal care from the staff to my Mum meant that her last few months were comfortable & safe.
The incredible brother nurse team saved me! Their time, understanding, patience & empathy when Mum was at EOL I will never forget. They supported us all until the very end & when Mum finally passed they continued to support along with the fantastic team of care staff who were also affected by Mums passing.
I cannot recommend Discovery enough! The level of complex need is high however the care, tolerance & kindness is insurmountable.

Thank you from us all

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words , which will be shared with the Discovery Team. Very proud of our care team who always go above and beyond to ensure families and residents receive unconditional kindness and excellent care. We hope that you and your family continue to remain "Friends of Applecroft" and visit us regularly. Our hearts are with you at the sad loss of your mum. Warmest regards

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Review from Trudiann P (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother has been a resident of this home for nearly 5 years.
I am very pleased with the care and attention she gets.
Starting from the manager through the nursing staff, cooks maintenance people, everyone who works here.
All my mum's needs are seen to and met with care and consideration.
The staff are always welcoming when I visit which is every week and I am always informed of any changes to my mum's care or health.

I would recommend this home to anyone looking to find a home for a family member.

Reply from Tina Sheldrake, Office Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to give positive feedback about the care your mum receives and responsiveness you have experienced from all our care staff team.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 22 December 2025
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeRequires improvement
  • 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 (0) & Events (0)

News

There are no news items for Applecroft Nursing Home.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Applecroft Nursing Home.

Awards / Recognitions (8)

  • 16 Jun 2025Recipient: Abbey Healthcare
  • 06 Jun 2025Recipient: Abbey Healthcare
  • 19 Nov 2022Recipient: Abbey Healthcare

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Applecroft Nursing Home.

Meet the Team (3)

Sarah Potts
Sarah PottsJob Title:Registered Home ManagerJoined: 2026

As Home Manager, Sarah provides overall leadership and strategic direction to ensure the smooth, effective, and compassionate running of the care home. She oversees all operational areas, including care delivery, staffing, compliance, resident well-being, and family engagement. Sarah works closely with her team to maintain high standards of person-centred care.

Wendy Benette
Wendy BenetteJob Title:Deputy managerJoined: 2026

As Deputy Manager, Wendy supports the Home Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations while leading the clinical team to deliver safe, person-centred care. Wendy provides guidance, training, and support to staff, ensuring compliance with care standards and regulations.

Tina Sheldrake
Tina SheldrakeJob Title:Office Manager

As Administrator, Tina manages the day-to-day office functions, including maintaining records and financial processes, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Tina is friendly, and her organised approach helps provide reassurance and support to families while keeping the home’s operations efficient and well-coordinated.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applecroft Nursing Home

What types of Care is Applecroft Nursing Home 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 Applecroft Nursing Home have?

There are 75 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Applecroft Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Applecroft Nursing Home to the centre of Dover?

2.2 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 Applecroft Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Applecroft Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.