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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 S P (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My dad has been a resident at Applecroft for a year now and we are really happy we chose Applecroft for him. We had heard really good reports of it from friends who had family that have been there or still are. At his previous home, we were restricted to as and when we were allowed to visit him which we didn't like. We liked the fact that from the start we were told you can come anytime you like. I think this speaks volumes that they don't have anything to hide and are consistent in their care for everyone who lives there. Everyone is always so welcoming when you enter You can see they work well together. It is the hardest job in the world, and I admire them all so much. The carers work really hard and are always so kind to Dad. Always have a smile for him, and nothing is too much trouble. I work in the medical profession and the place is spotless, and again, anytime we needed to contact his GP or query his meds the staff have always stepped in and helped us.

Thanks again to all there.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you so much for the review! We will be sure to share this with the team.

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Review from Christine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother lived at Applecroft for just over a year. She has advanced dementia and we had to move her elsewhere for her physical and mental wellbeing. Her low mood improved within a week in her new surroundings where she now senses a caring, happy atmosphere. At Applecroft, the overall impression was shabby, impersonal, boring and depressing. In spite of sending details of my mother's life history and personality, the staff didn't know or value her as an individual. Basic care needs were met but care plans were out of date. Diet and fluid intake were inadequate. Her drinking beaker was rarely washed with mould under the lid. Food was unappetising and stodgy. She was not assisted to feed herself, food was often spilt down her, on the floor or untouched. Fluids were left out of reach. Her room was cramped and communal rooms were unwelcoming. She was generally left in her room 24:7 with very little personal contact or conversation. She was not treated with dignity. This is appalling value for money.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

We are sorry that you felt this was your experience at Applecroft Care home. We do have many other very happy residents at Applecroft as you will see from the reviews we have. We do use all feedback though, to grow and improve and we will be carefully going through all of your concerns and ensuring that we address any areas for improvement. We wish you and Mum well in the future.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have had to move my mother from Applecroft as a result of extremely poor care. She became isolated, depressed and confused. She had significant weight loss where staff would not assist her to eat. This has been completely reversed since she was moved to another provider. The home smells, the food is appalling and the staff often bordering on rude. I have submitted a formal complaint.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Associate Director of operations at Applecroft Nursing Home

We are sorry that you felt this was your experience at Applecroft Care home. We do have many other very happy residents at Applecroft as you will see from the reviews we have. We do use all feedback though, to grow and improve and we will be carefully going through all of your concerns and ensuring that we address any areas for improvement. We wish you and Mum well in the future.

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Review from Simon W (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Dad was a resident with dementia in the Discovery ward at Applecroft for several months at the end of his life. During that time, we felt he was cared for beautifully. The staff were very welcoming to all of our family, and even kept our Mum well fed during her frequent visits to Dad, as well as keeping the rest of us well supplied with tea and biscuits! They were very attentive to Dad's needs, and always kept us up to date with his day-to-day health. The nurses on the wards were great, as were the rest of the carers. Especially his main carers, who looked out for him most, they almost felt like family by the end.
Even in the end, his care was faultless, his dignity was well-kept, his pain was managed and they treated him with respect.

Thank you to all the staff at Applecroft, you helped make a difficult time more bearable.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

On behalf of the Applecroft staff, thank you for your kind and caring words, especially from the Discovery Team, who looked after your dad and considered all of you as part of their extended family.

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Review from Debbie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Always made to feel welcome upon entering the home until I leave. Staff always keep me up to date on how my mum has been. New entry system is a good idea, but a bit timely if there are a few of you. A meeting room might be a better idea instead of in tea room, as feel like you are intruding if come before 11 am. Cannot put a rating for everything as not sure.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your feedback. The new system has taken a little time for everyone to get use to using. The tea room is used by everyone, but if a meeting is taking place and relatives/residents want to use the tea room then it is no problem to move the meeting. It is not an intrusion, residents and relatives take priority. Thank you for your ongoing support.

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Review from D L (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

New entry log in a little timely, but once in I always feel welcome and comfortable. Staff are always friendly and nothing is too much for them when asked. Mum is always as clean and presentable as can be. Communication is good and I feel very happy that Mum is in the best place for her care needs.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home 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 our care staff. The new signing log has taken a little time for everyone to master but is working well. Thank you for your ongoing support.

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Review from S B (Wife of Resident) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

A Valentine's tea and cake morning, nice to have another room to go to. Very well set out, staff have really made a great effort. Thank you very much, lovely idea.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

The Valentine's tea was a lovely event for all to enjoy. We have a number of events planned throughout the year and hope you will join us.

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Review from Adrienne T (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I could not have wished for a lovelier place for my dad to spend his last days in. The staff could not be faulted, they were very caring and thoughtful and always happy to help. When my dad returned from hospital, they moved him to another room which they had furnished with all his belongings as it was in his previous room. Today, I attended Applecroft's memorial service where we sang and let balloons go and they provided a lovely spread of tea, sandwiches and cake. Even after the loss of my dad, they continue to show kindness.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home
Thank you for your kind words. Every year we share and remember loved ones with families. Your kindness and support is very welcome and appreciated.

All of the staff at Applecroft acknowledge and respect that all residents have led important and significant lives and remembering and commemorating this is important and a mark of respect to them and their families and friends.

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Review from Beverley C (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My dad was well looked after during his eighteen months at Applecroft Nursing Home by all staff. They adjusted his care according to his changing needs. We always felt welcome and part of a big family. Today we attended a Remembrance service which was lovely.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. Every year friends of Applecroft are invited to join us in our Remembrance service. Thank you for being part of this.

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Review from Jill T (Wife of Resident) published on 22 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Staff are extremely caring and very sensitive to residents' needs. The home is clean and well-maintained. Good variety of food, always hot, if applicable. Good and regular activities to keep residents entertained. Very caring of residents' family members and visitors. Family and friends are included in things e.g. Applecroft Remembrance Day event.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you, Jill, for taking the time to provide this lovely feedback, the team will be so grateful and I am so pleased they continue to support you after the sad passing of your father.

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Review from June L (Wife of Resident) published on 22 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband was so happy to be in Applecroft Nursing Home. Staff were brilliant on all occasions. We felt part of the Applecroft family.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind response, the team will appreciate this lovely feedback.

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Review from Valerie H (Wife of Resident) published on 12 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All the staff are very kind and patient. Nothing is too much trouble - even for visitors. I am confident my husband is well cared for and with kindness when I am not here.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind comments. These will be shared with the care staff who looked after your dear husband.

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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All of the staff at Applecroft are absolutely wonderful. My mum took a while to settle in, and we are happy to say all seems well. They all know each individual by name and always know how Mum has been whenever I visit or call.

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Review from Paul W (Son of Resident) published on 30 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All staff are very helpful and kind. There is so much for the residents to do if they wish. There are small animals at this place like guinea pigs so the people may stroke them which is great. My mum and dad love it there.

Reply from Fiona White, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your very kind feedback, we aim to provide high-quality care where our residents are at the centre of all we do.

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Review from Virginia D (Wife of Resident) published on 23 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband has been at Applecroft since April 2019 and I cannot fault anything in the way he has been lovingly cared for by the wonderful, kind carers and staff, now being bed-bound and having to be spoon fed. I could not wish for better care or a more friendly welcome.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

It has been our privilege to care for your husband, as you well know, a wonderful man who brings smiles and laughter to us all.

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Review from D H (Wife of Resident) published on 11 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband was a resident at Applecroft Nursing Home for 10 months. The care and kindness he received was exceptional. Also the support and friendship given to me and my family was so supportive.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and honest feedback and review. Applecroft care staff always try to support family as much as possible as well as our residents.

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Review from Anthea C (Wife of Resident) published on 28 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Myself and my family cannot praise the home enough. Be it the care at all levels. The dignity and care shown were second to none. From first entering it always felt like a cosy home which was down to the staff and care given. As visitors, we were also looked after so well. On the death of our loved one, we were able to spend the last days with him witnessing first-hand how he was attended to, also making us comfortable and fed. Would recommend 100%.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind comments and praise for my staff. It was our privilege to care for your loved one and welcome you/your family into our Applecroft Family.

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Review from Amanda F (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mum has received wonderful care and kindness at Applecroft Nursing Home. I would particularly like to thank all the staff who work on the Russet and Pippin Ward, both during the day and night shifts, for their compassion, competence, and exemplary standards of care. My mum was at Applecroft Nursing Home for three years and was always treated with kindness, patience, and dignity. Thank you to everyone at Applecroft Nursing Home and most specifically, thanks to all the staff on the Russet and Pippin Ward who, in addition to their caring responsibilities, always took the time to explain processes and outcomes to me.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your review comments. These have been shared with the care staff on Russet and Pippin Unit. Applecroft care staff work very hard to provide the highest standards of care to all our residents and it is commendable to all the care staff to see the appreciation and positive feedback from...  

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Review from Michelle T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father was put here during 2020 lockdown. Since he arrived the staff on Blossom unit have been amazing, cannot fault them, they are totally invested in the clients on that ward. Even telephone conversations with the staff to find out how Dad was were amazing also. Sadly my father passed away in August 2021, and while on end-of-life they were totally there for him and also us as a family as and when we visited. Always come in to check if we as Dad's family were OK, and often having chats with us to find out what sort of person Dad was before the dementia. Dad had a cheeky side even with dementia, and until the day he passed. My mum, myself, and my family cannot fault all the staff for the care that my dad received and will forever be in our family's thoughts and forever grateful.

Reply from Wendy Mcdonough, Regional Director at Applecroft Nursing Home

Dear Michelle, sending condolences to you and your family on the demise of your father, he is greatly missed at Applecroft. Thank you so very much for taking the time to submit such a lovely review. Your kind words are really appreciated by the management and staff. Wishing you all the very best for the future.

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Review from Henry T (Husband of Resident) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Thanks to the kindness and amazing patience of the staff at Applecroft, my experience as the husband of a resident with dementia has been a uniformly happy one. I can say without exaggeration that our relationship, which had been deteriorating badly in recent years, has been wonderfully restored. I put this down to the atmosphere at Applecroft and the care taken by the staff to treat the residents as individuals and make their visitors welcome. I am always amazed that so many know me by name. I must not forget the tearoom on the ground floor which is so appreciated by visitors who want to spend time with their friends and loved ones in a place that has exactly the welcoming familiarity of any traditional tearoom. In a way, it is a non-threatening breath of the outside world.

Reply from Barbara Alison, Home Manager at Applecroft Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and supportive words. Our Tea room is the heart of the home, enjoyed and loved by all. My staff at Applecroft always go above and beyond to ensure all our residents are treated as individuals, just like one of the family.

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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.

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