
I don't think you could find a more caring and supportive atmosphere anywhere else.Allan H(Husband of Resident/Service User)

The Blossom tea room for the residents and families to sue is absolutely beautiful and relaxingFaye S(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

by far one of the best care homes in Dover.Ken W(Sister of Resident/Service User)

I don't think you could find a more caring and supportive atmosphere anywhere else.Allan H(Husband of Resident/Service User)

The Blossom tea room for the residents and families to sue is absolutely beautiful and relaxingFaye S(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

by far one of the best care homes in Dover.Ken W(Sister of Resident/Service User)

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 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
- 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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Applecroft Nursing Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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
- Abbey Healthcare
- Private Owned
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)
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
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.
It is particularly encouraging to receive your feedback about our activities programme and...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 .
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for your kind words, we will pass these onto the team and I know they will be thrilled to read them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Thank you very much for your incredible review and kind words towards Applecroft Care Home.
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
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
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.
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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 22 December 2025Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- 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 (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Applecroft Nursing Home.
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)

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.

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.

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.