The Poplars Care Centre

158 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SU
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9.4 99 Reviews
  • The Poplars Care Centre, Maidstone
Welcome to The Poplars Care Centre in Maidstone, Kent. Within easy reach of the town centre, this delightful friendly home offers 24-hour care for those over the age of 65. The home is blessed with a long-serving team of nursing and support staff that provide high-quality, person-centred care within a homely environment. They offer flexible long-term, respite and post-operative care.

The Poplars is a large detached house, comprising 56 bedrooms, 15 of which are companion bedrooms for couples who wish to share. Most of these bedrooms come equipped with an en-suite as standard. The team encourage residents to furnish their new surroundings with familiar pieces of furniture and personal possessions to make them feel truly at home. While the bedrooms provide a tranquil area to rest and relax, the light and airy dayrooms offer residents the opportunity to catch up with friends over a pot of tea, enjoy one of the guest entertainers or simply recline in front of their favourite films.

At The Poplars, they encourage residents to take part in a range of engaging activities based on their lifestyle needs and preferences. Many activities take place within the home environment and include garden parties, barbecues, flower arranging, arts/crafts and quiz nights. They empower individuals to enjoy those everyday routines they cherish, whether that’s having a salon blow-dry and manicure or keeping up to date with their favourite sports team. All are encouraged and available. As well as being encouraged to enjoy the home's magnificent landscaped gardens, residents also enjoy regular days out to Canterbury and seasonal trips to the seaside.

The professional catering team deliver nutritionally balanced meals that are appealing to residents. Their professional food suppliers specialise in delivering high-quality food designed specifically for the healthcare sector.
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Care Provided by The Poplars Care Centre

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 71 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1600
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1600
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1600
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1600

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Poplars Care Centre to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact The Poplars 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 £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Contact The Poplars Care Centre to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Dorcas Mukuzwazwa (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2007

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (41)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (15)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (4)

The Poplars Care Centre Reviews (99)

9.4

The Poplars Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.430) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Poplars Care Centre has 99 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 72
  • 20
  • 2
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  • 4
Date Published
  • 99
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Reviewer Connection to The Poplars Care Centre
  • 37
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  • 7
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  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
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  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 99, showing 21-40
Review from Jean B (Friend of Resident) published on 13 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have visited this home on many occasions and I have found this place to be very clean and spotless, the staff are very polite and welcoming, friendly and helpful anytime when I visit, there always seems to be lots of activities and different things for the residents to do which I feel is very good,
in my opinion this is a very nice place to go.
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Review from J R (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of The Poplars during the four years Mum has been a resident has been very good. We are always met with a cheerful greeting from the many staff members who are readily available whenever needed. Mum's needs have been accommodated from the beginning and we have been kept informed of any
health issues. The entertainment staff are second to none with daily activities that all residents are encouraged to join in with. All in all a caring and friendly place.
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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum became a resident at The Poplars in March 2024. Prior to March, she had stayed there for four short periods of time following medical procedures. She always said that if she needed to move permanently to a care home The Poplars is where she would prefer to go. As a family, we were relieved that
she managed to get a placement there.
I'm so impressed with the standard of her care. The staff are so professional and hardworking. As a team, they create a calm and well-managed environment. When I visit they are always so friendly and welcoming. Their smiles mean a lot. I notice how caring, gentle and respectful they are towards my mum. In my opinion, her palliative care is exceptional. She is always clean and comfortable. Her room is always clean, bright and well-ventilated.
I'm well aware that I would not be able to care for my mum to anywhere near the standard that the staff do. I'm truly grateful to them all. I hope they realise how good they are!
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Review from N H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 27 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
I would not recommend this home. My relative was placed here from hospital but deteriorated very quickly, ending up back in hospital again with a broken hip. She was not well cared for, I used to have to cut her nails and clean her ears, basic hygiene. The food was reheated and unappealing, often I
would help feed her because she was left to do this for herself. Her room was not always clean. Many personal items were lost or misplaced. The home felt chaotic and noisy, staff made us feel like an inconvenience for asking questions about her health condition. The doctor rarely visited and was not very good at communicating to the family. Staff communication was also poor and as English is not their first language, it was very difficult for my relative to understand them. They often lacked empathy and patience when she was having a bad day. A very small number of staff are friendly, caring and approachable, most are very much the opposite, including the manager. Avoid this place if you can.
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Review from Rita B (Cousin of Resident) published on 20 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the staff to be very polite and friendly. Rooms always clean, always very helpful.
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Review from Gwen W (Partner of Resident) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the first visit, it is obvious the standard of care is excellent. As visitors, my son and I were made to feel welcome and given refreshments. The food looks and smells appetising. The hygiene level is superb. Services and activities are encouraging. In all, a lovely home.
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Review from Phil W (Son of Resident) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and treatment given to my dad is exceptional, absolutely fantastic. Also, the support and communication with me and my family have been second to none.
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Review from L H (Son of Resident) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
All I'm going to say is please please do not let your relatives go into this appalling care home if you can call it a care home. The place is old and needs a good refurbishment smells quite bad is very noisy and not relaxing for the residents or visitors. Has a big staff turnover lots of agency staff.
Food is also appalling. My mum had a horrible time at this care home unfortunately for legal reasons not allowed to specify. Management are also arrogant and appalling, do not listen to worried relatives and frankly do not care.
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Review from Richard H (Friend of Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Visiting my friend, he was more sleepy and less alert than on previous visits.
Staff are very helpful and kind.
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Review from Robert P (Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care centre is excellent.
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Review from A B (Son of Resident) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was a resident for two years. She was bed-bound with dementia. Due to her being fragile, she could not be moved, so was unable to join in with any activities. But I would say that all her needs were met. The nurses and carers were available at all times. Communication was also met by phone or email.
The cleaners were also very friendly. I would recommend this care home to anyone I know.
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Review from D R (Niece of Resident) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
My aunt was accepted into The Poplars a warm welcome, a lovely bright warm room overlooking the front. This was the first experience for her but the staff were caring and managed her well. The only downside was the dinners supplied by a private catering company. It is a pity there wasn't home-cooked
food as for some it is the highlight of their day. Well done staff, nurses, laundry ladies and maintenance men. Thank you.
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Review from N C (Wife of Resident) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone is immensely welcoming, kind and thoughtful. The staff and carers are very attentive to my hubby’s needs and comfort.
Mostly, I found they have concern and care and safety well-being of everyone. I’m pretty sure that my hubby is comfortable and well looked after. Everyone is awesome. Thank
you very much.
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Review from Kevin M (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I'm very happy with the quality of services received from nurses, care and support workers.
My mum's very happy with the staff, and it makes me happy to see that as a family member.
Keep it up!
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Review from Nigel B (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Poplars Care Centre cared for my mum from February 2023 until she was moved to residential care in November 2023. The nursing care was exceptional and made her stay there very comfortable and very, very caring.
She wanted for nothing and was loved and looked after so well by all members of staff.
Mum was so happy while she was there and was very sad when she had to leave. The Poplars Care Centre is a lovely place.
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Review from J A (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the time my mother arrived, right up to her final moments, I found she received excellent care. She was regularly checked, and I was always updated with any issues. The staff were, without exception, helpful, caring and very friendly. I can't fault anything. They even sent me e-mail updates, rang
me to reassure me she was ok while I was abroad and even sent me a photo of her new haircut. A good experience all-round.
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Review from J M (Partner of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always nice to see the staff give my partner a smile and ask if she is okay and she smiles back. Always reassuring that she seems to be happy and being cared for. I find the staff are more than caring, helpful and couldn't be better. Nothing is too much trouble.
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Review from John C (Brother of Resident) published on 27 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursing home has provided quality care for my sister over the 18 months that she has been there. Staffing levels are good and she has been very happy.
Unfortunately, she died recently from her mental condition and general health, but the care home have been very understanding and helpful.
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Review from John P (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have waited a while to complete this review to ensure that my opinions were not clouded by the immediate grief at the loss of my mother. The care my mother had during the last few weeks of her life was amazing. All the staff went above and beyond to ensure her safety and relative comfort. I can not
think of a single criticism of the level at this care home. When and if the time comes I would like to go here.
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Review from Cheryl B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My father was admitted to Poplars Care Centre in February this year (2023), but very little care was provided. We asked for a doctor to see my father for several reasons, but particularly in the last 10 days; he didn't see a doctor in the 5 months he was there. The staff called an out of hours doctor
when my father started having seizures, but the meds recommended never arrived. A family member had to go to the pharmacy to collect them a day later, even though staff kept promising they'd arrive. We we got them, they were going to take up to 6 weeks to work. My family and I had to stay with my father at night because the seizures got worse, and he wasn't checked as regularly as he should have been. One member of my family left in the early hours of the morning and found the night staff asleep in the foyer. The day my father died, he'd had a seizure that lasted over 3 hours, and it was only after that time, they got him some meds that stopped the seizure. We'd not been offered them before.
Reply from Kate Kay, Operations Manager at The Poplars Care CentreThe health, safety and happiness of our residents is our priority. We encourage families to share any concerns as soon as they are experiencing them, to allow us to address them. When we received this feedback via this review we conducted a thorough investigation. We would welcome the opportunity to share our findings.
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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.430)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.430) out of 10 for The Poplars Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 32 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.430 for The Poplars Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (254 Excellents x 5) + (82 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (23 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 377 Ratings = 4.43
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Poplars Care Centre is based on 29 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 71 registered maximum number of service users is 14.2, which has been reached with 29 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 15 Jul 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

Dorcas

Dorcas Dorcas

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2021

I have been in the Care industry for almost 20 years. I have worked in residential, nursing and dementia care homes in various capacities. My passion is to ensure that care is a positive experience for our residents and ensure they live a meaningful life. I am passionate about what l do and my outlook is to ensure that our residents create memories and the relatives get peace of mind. My team and l have a shared dedication to enhance the quality of life of our residents and ensure that they live a fulfilled life. I am dedicated to ensuring that l lead my team to be the best they can be.

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