Harrier Lodge

Thanet Way, Whitstable CT5 3FS
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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.
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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 41-60
Review from Francesca W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we first decided that nanny needed more experienced care, we were all apprehensive about her move. Having visited nanny in her new home several times as well as seeing her on many zoom calls, I can say that she is really happy at Harrier Lodge. The staff are delightful and you can see that nanny
has a caring friendship with them. Thank you all for looking after nanny so well!
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Review from Kathy L (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother enjoyed two weeks of respite care at Harrier Lodge in January 2021. I can honestly say that she received the most excellent standard of care. All the staff are professional, kind and caring. She came out of Harrier Lodge looking so well and happy. The accommodation is modern and to an extremely
high standard, my mother reported that the food was excellent. As a family we would definitely considering using Harrier Lodge for respite care in the future. I felt really reassured that she was being well looked after during the two weeks. Due to the Covid 19 situation, I was not able to visit my mother during her stay but Harrier Lodge were very flexible about when I was able to phone and speak to her. My mother really enjoyed her stay at Harrier Lodge! Thank you to all the staff!
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Review from Jan A (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 12 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband's mother, 93 and with dementia, lives in Harrier Lodge, Kent. We live in Evanston, Illinois, USA. We could not be happier that Mum is where she is, especially in these dreadful times when we may not be able to see her again for months to come. The care is superb, the place is clean, and from
what we see on the Facebook post pictures, Mum looks better than she has in a long time. We call her three times a week. She is always cheerful, and even though sometimes she's not too sure exactly where she is, she likes it there. It's such a relief to know she's safe, eating properly, and well looked after. The staff at Harrier is responsive to our inquiries, communicative and caring. We consider ourselves, and Mum, very lucky that Harrier is there for us.
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Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother was in the care of Harrier Lodge for 18 months and we couldn't fault the care she had. It was always a joy to visit her and all the staff also. The nursing care my mother received towards the end was exceptional and making it possible to visit her in her last days with this covid-19 about!
She was spotless, comfortable and looked after perfectly towards the end! Couldn't wish for better!
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Review from Sandra P (Niece of Resident) published on 23 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My auntie was in a dreadful state before we found Harrier Lodge, we believe that she would have died before Christmas last year if we had not managed to get her in at such a beautiful place. Auntie has now been at Harrier Lodge for a year and there is a remarkable difference in her appearance and wellbeing.
She joins in activities, she is eating so much better and is extremely happy in her room with en-suite. She has made friends and is always saying the staff are amazing and extremely kind. Whenever the family contact Harrier Lodge the staff are extremely helpful. Auntie has never looked back since residing at Harrier Lodge she loves it and has no regrets at moving there. As a family, we now do not worry about her as we know she is in good hands and safe. She has her own phone and we can ring her at any time of day or night. Contact is of the utmost importance and there are no restrictions of days and times, other than Lockdown.
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Review from Gail N (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am writing this review because I feel that the care that my mother is receiving is exceptional. I would also add that all my interaction with care staff and support staff has been positive. Mother lives in Seashell suite, her room is large, bright with a wet room and access to a patio where on a warm
day, and when the Covid lockdown has passed, she is able to enjoy the garden and watch the birds. My siblings and I recently enjoyed a Zoom 'visit', arranged by my mother's carer. We all very much enjoyed seeing Mother and we could see that she enjoyed the interaction. Making this 'visit' available to us was so very much appreciated and I believe it shows how caring and transparent they all are. We all noticed how relaxed and animated Mother was and we could see the results of all the positive activities she enjoys daily. The family have no concerns about Mother moving into Harrier Lodge and we would like to thank all the staff for their commitment during these difficult times.
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Review from J S (Respite Resident) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough of the care I have received during my two weeks stay. All the staff have treated me with respect and dignity and with humour (when appropriate!). The room is a delight - light, spacious and very comfortable. The food is excellent with a varied menu and well prepared - delicious.
Thank you for the wonderful experience of a care home.
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Review from Paula V (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Harrier Lodge for over a year. It is a wonderful home for your loved ones. Clean, modern facilities, amazingly caring staff and efficient professional administrative staff. Any issues or worries are promptly addressed by management. Excellent freshly made meals by innovative
chefs and laundry staff do an amazingly professional job. Cleaning staff keep everywhere immaculate. Social activities are available, particularly for the able-bodied. I have no reservations in recommending this well-managed care home.
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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 7 April 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Top class care home, being new, it's like a 4 star hotel standard. Some day time carers go over and above their duties while attending to my dad. Food menus are very good - he loves the food here. Staff on the reception desk are very nice and so helpful. Nurses also keep a close watch on my dad. A very
good, all round care home.
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Review from Penny L (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Harrier Lodge for some eight months now in the Driftwood Suite. The level of care and kindness continues to impress me every time I visit. Great facilities and plenty of activities to keep residents busy if they choose to participate. Personally, I am surprised that
they didn’t achieve an “outstanding” by the recent CQC assessment in at least one of the categories. I’m not sure they could do better in certain areas!
And now we have the coronavirus crisis. Again I continue to be impressed by the staff’s commitment and unfailing good humour in very trying circumstances. Relatives are encouraged to use Harrier’s video app number to keep in touch with their loved ones, which is so important to keep spirits up. I am so grateful to each and every one of the carers, nurses, management, admin staff, chefs and cleaners for literally putting themselves at risk every day to care for our relatives. You deserve a medal at the very least! Thank you!
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Review from Nicola R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother joined Harrier last summer and settled in very quickly. She has a lovely bright and airy room with everything she needs in it. The home is very nicely furnished and feels comfortable and homely. Everything is spic and span. The food is very good and there are lots of very well planned
activities from flower arranging and painting to ‘cuddle club’ and seeing baby chicks hatch. But most of all I have been so impressed with all the staff that work there. They are so kind and caring (something my mother often says herself). At this very difficult time of the coronavirus when we are unable to go in and visit, I feel reassured that my mother is being very well looked after and cared for. Thank you, Team Harrier.
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Review from M L (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has lived at Harrier Lodge for many months now, and he is so happy living there. Everyone is so friendly and caring; he is looked after excellently. Chef's food is varied, and the menus are amazing. It is a 'weight off my shoulders' knowing Dad is happy and so well looked after.
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Review from T B (Grandson of Resident) published on 28 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities - cater for lost of different needs.
Helpful staff and a happy environment.
Very clean and very impressed!
Lots of activities.
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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care which my mother has received at Harrier Lodge have been excellent. The staff are always happy, kind and caring, treating my mother with dignity.
Harrier Lodge goes out of its way to find those extra things which might be of benefit to people with dementia. This helps them to feel relaxed,
happy, safe and loved.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home and am delighted to have found Harrie Lodge.
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Review from K M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Harrier Lodge is bright and clean with every detail perfectly thought out. The friendly and welcoming staff made a difficult time as simple and stress-free as possible.
It has been a huge relief for the family to know our relative is being so well looked after.
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Review from T S (Son of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Harrie Lodge is a modern, bright and clean care home without any of the problems associated. My mother is well cared for here and happy. All the staff are very pleasant and helpful.
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Review from Iain C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 7 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was a geriatrician for 30 years and have taken care of people in numerous settings and in numerous care homes. The design here is excellent, open, airy and light. The staff are all friendly and eager to help and please. My father in law is so much better since he moved in and is very content to stay.
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Review from N S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 6 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law is very happy and comfortable here she has blossomed under their care. It's wonderful that we can visit at any time and that there is a welcome for us and our dog. It has been interesting to see that she has engaged more, the longer she has been here.
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Review from D S (Son of Resident) published on 6 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was reluctant to lose the independence of her own home but eventually became aware of her need for care. Harrier Lodge has been a perfect home for her. Community, engagement and care has been excellent. She is clearly enjoying her time here which is fantastic to see.
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Review from Karen J (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad has been so happy since moving into Harrier Lodge. All the staff are really friendly and helpful. Has really made a difference to dad's life being there. Dementia is a horrible disease, and they are trying their hardest to make every day enjoyable for dad. Always so much going on, and dad's favourite
is the cuddle club visits. Keep up the good work, and keep dad smiling.
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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.

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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.