Harrier Lodge

Thanet Way, Whitstable CT5 3FS
Review Us
9.5 86 Reviews
  • Harrier Lodge, Whitstable
Harrier Lodge provides expert residential, nursing, respite and dementia care. Known as a ‘home for life’, the team can support you, even if needs change. Residents receive personalised care that reflects their needs, interests and life history.

Loved ones can visit any time and there are plenty of luxury facilities to enjoy, including the café, cinema room and hair and beauty salon. The dedicated lifestyle team ensures there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy, as well as entertainment and outings in the home’s minibus.

The en-suite bedrooms at Harrier Lodge are beautifully furnished, and couples’ suites are also available. Residents are welcome to bring personal items to make their room feel more like home.

Harrier Lodge is a ‘Veteran Friendly Framework’ accredited care home, recognising the best practice and highest standards of care for the Armed Forces community.
Show Harrier Lodge on the Map

Care Provided by Harrier Lodge

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 65 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1806
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1901
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2071
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £2166
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1806
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1901
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2071
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £2166

Fees are subject to a pre-admission needs assessment which is required to fully understand the level
of care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
Nursing fees include the Funded Nursing Contribution (FNC) if you are eligible. There are no additional fees
for respite stays.


What’s included?
• All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
• All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
• In-house café with homemade cakes, and a variety of speciality teas and coffees
• Use of in-house cinema
• Access to landscaped gardens
• Activities and lifestyle programme
• All utilities and other accommodation costs
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• WiFi internet access


Please note, the weekly fee does not include hairdressing, chiropody or other healthcare visits or
appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
an agreed hourly charge for this service.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Harrier Lodge for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Harrier Lodge 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.

Contact Harrier Lodge to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Susan Simmonds (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (65)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (65)

Harrier Lodge Reviews (86)

9.5

Harrier Lodge has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.455) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Harrier Lodge has 86 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 81
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1
Date Published
  • 86
  • 6
  • 8
  • 13
  • 73
Reviewer Connection to Harrier Lodge
  • 39
  • 9
  • 5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 86, showing 21-40
Review from A F (Son of Resident) published on 11 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Harrier Lodge is a modern, well-equipped care home that provides a very high level fo care for our mother. The staff are always available and ready to help. Exceeded our expectations on every level.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A L (Friend of Resident) published on 11 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My visit was to see my good friend. It was not my first visit but my comments apply to each time. The atmosphere is friendly and everything is light and airy. There are plenty of seats and tables to use. There is a good choice of refreshments, I particularly like the herbal teas! The staff are unfailingly
helpful, cheerful and not patronising.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Steve F (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Harrier Lodge for just over one year now and it's about time I posted a short review. Spacious, clean, home cooked food, good housekeeping and wonderful carers, housekeepers and admin staff. Doctors, nurses and district nurse readily available. Mum is well looked after
and happy, and having looked at several other places, I am certain we made the best choice
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from D V (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t recommend this home enough. The staff are so patient and really care about the residents. The home is clean, there are always plenty of activities and they respect the residents as individuals; I am so happy Mum is able to stay there.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J W (Mother of Resident) published on 26 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son moved into Harrier Lodge in February 2023. We cannot say enough how pleased we are at the way he and our family have been welcomed. He is encouraged to think of it as his home. All the staff are very kind and helpful nothing is too much trouble. Although my son did not want to go to a nursing
home he agrees he couldn’t have done better.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Louise c (Friend of Resident) published on 31 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, clean home, and has well-organized, professional staff, ready to help always. A lot of activities, animal-friendly home.
Is a pleasure to visit my friend, who likes the lovely coffee area, with cake and refreshments.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A G (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone is so cheerful at Harrier Lodge Care Home! The staff organise fabulous activities for the residents. The home is furnished to a high standard and is kept beautifully clean which makes it very comfortable for my mother and in turn, gives me peace of mind. The management and all staff are very
keen to make the place 'home-from-home' with exceptional care.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I arrived at Harrier Lodge completely unfounded one morning as I was in urgent need of some respite care for my elderly mother. It was a weekend and the staff in reception were so helpful and sympathetic to me. They showed me round the home which was spotless and the staff were all very friendly. The
next day the customer relations manager called me to get more details and was able to assess my mother the same day and she was admitted to the home for respite. My mother decided that she couldn't go home and is now staying permanently at the home and is vey happy. Every member of staff plays their part in making this home so comfortable and friendly.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This care home is absolutely fantastic! The girls and guys who look after my Dad are so caring, professional and I can't thank them enough. It's like a five star hotel for the older person who can no longer live alone.
Brilliant doesn't cover it - thank you!
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Christina B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very caring staff. Lovely big rooms. They have wheelchairs and baths and showers. The food is lovely and they always make sure they have lots of food and drink. There are plenty of activities but the residents aren't always alert enough to use them.
The garden is beautiful and the staff very friendly.
I would say sometimes the residents seem to just be sitting in the lounge without stimulation but the staff makes an effort to get them moving during the day. And there are films and music around. The garden could do with being more colourful with more bright and smelling flowers for residents would be my suggestion. But it is a good facility and they certainly feed everyone very well and know the residents by name and keep a good eye on them. very hard-working and caring staff who tailor things to the needs of residents. Just sometimes residents seem to lack stimulation and are sat a bit slumped in the lounge so having someone chat with them would be good. But the staff are busy and do make time to check.
Reply from Samantha Debenham, Personal Assistant at Harrier LodgeThank you for taking the time to provide feedback – we will share this with the team at Harrier Lodge. We would also like to thank you for your kind comments for our caring staff, food and lovely bedrooms. With regards to providing more stimulation for residents, we are pleased to say we have just employed another Lifestyle Coordinator and we are also recruiting for another post which we expect will make a positive outcome for residents at Harrier Lodge.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P B (Friend of Resident) published on 10 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A really well led home with compassionate staff who really do care about there residents having a big impact on many residents life’s at all times.
I’ve never seen such a clean and well organised team who engage constantly with residents a massive well done I must also mention the home manager who
delivers an exceptional experience through compassion and leadership.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot thank Harrier Lodge enough for the amazing care they gave to my Dad during his 3 week rehabilitation stay after being in hospital.
All the staff were faultless in their friendliness, kindness and professional approach. With their TLC they prepared my Dad for that transition back to his own
home.
When myself and my sisters were looking for a suitable nursing/care home so many of the homes were going into lockdown and not taking new residents. In these worrying times of Covid Harrier's precautions were brilliant and very reassuring for the service users and their families.
The decor and facilities are also exceptional in the home.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Harrier Lodge to anyone who was looking for a home for their loved one.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Amelia M (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was admitted Harrier Lodge following a fall at home. Her wellbeing has drastically improved following the great care and social interaction. She looks 10 years younger! The staff are very friendly, communicate effectively and always answer any queries immediately. I have nothing but praise
for the great care my Mother is receiving.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Alan B (Friend of Resident) published on 9 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My partner's Mother, was admitted to Harrier Lodge following discharge from hospital. She has benefitted immensely from the care and social interaction - in fact she looks 10 years younger! The team are friendly and communicate effectively - nothing is too much trouble. Thank you.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P M (Niece of Resident) published on 7 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough of the care my uncle received during his stay at Harrier Lodge. I would like to thank all the staff whose care was exemplary. The care home is kept immaculate, and everything is delivered to a very high standard. The staff are so kind and professional, nothing is too much
trouble. I was so impressed at home we were kept informed of every aspect of the care. I would not hesitate in recommending this care home, and thank everyone for making my uncles stay so enjoyable.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K R (Friend of Resident) published on 16 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely pleased with the standard of care, facilities, cleanliness and staffing. Our friend has settled in very quickly and is happy in her new environment.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Tina L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law was placed at Harrier Lodge during lockdown after a short spell in hospital. As a family, we are delighted with the care and professionalism of all staff at the home. It was a very worrying time and the home made every effort to answer our questions and allow us to bring in personal
items (in line with their Covid policies) to help make the transition easier. My mother had been in a very anxious state for some time before entering Harrier Lodge, but she soon settled in and is now much happier.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Geraldine P (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every staff member with who I have had contact has shown so much kindness and consideration, not only to my father but to me and my sister. Our welfare has also been thought about, which is really quite amazing.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Lisa F (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Harrier Lodge provided excellent care for my mum during respite following a stay in hospital. All the staff are caring, professional and helpful which helped alleviate my stress during an unsettling period for my mum. My mum found the Covid self-isolation period difficult but the staff were always on
hand to support her throughout this period.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic welcome when my dad arrived. Very efficient process. Lovely clean modern room. The food was brilliant throughout too. The staff were invariably kind and supportive and answered the phone quickly too. I was very impressed and grateful for all the support provided. No hesitation in recommending
Harrier Lodge. Thank you.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.455)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.455) out of 10 for Harrier Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 12 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 4.732 for Harrier Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (132 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 149 Ratings = 4.732
  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 4.723 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Harrier Lodge is based on 12 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 = 3.8
    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 65 registered maximum number of service users is 13. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.923
  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 Aug 2025

Overall Inadequate

  • Caring Requires improvement
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Requires improvement
  • Safe Inadequate
  • Well-led Inadequate
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (109)

Meet the Team (1)

Susan

Susan Simmonds

Job Title: Home Manager

The team and I consider it a huge privilege to care for older people and are proud that their families trust us to care for them. 


This is a lovely friendly and happy home, with a great family atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you here soon. 

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