Looked after by people who genuinely care.
Residential and dementia care, respite stays and assessment beds, in a house on Approach Road in Cliftonville.
Getting to know someone comes first.
Before a move, we want to understand the person as well as the care they need: their routines, what they enjoy, what they can do for themselves and who matters to them. These details belong in their care plan, which can be reviewed as their needs change.
Carers support people with washing, dressing, medicines, meals and mobility. We work with GPs and district nurses when medical support is needed. Ask us how we would keep you informed about your loved one.
Personal care, done their way
Washing and dressing at a pace that suits them, by carers who know how they like things done.
Medicines looked after
Tablets and medicines given at the right times, by carers trained to do it.
Whatever someone’s mobility
Wet rooms, hoisting equipment and wheelchair access, with help that is never rushed.
Familiar faces
A team who know every resident, and notice when something is not quite right.
The care we give, and who it suits.
If you are not sure which of these fits, ring us on 01843 292323 and we will talk it through.
For people who no longer manage comfortably at home and would be better with help close by, day and night. Carers help with washing, dressing, meals, medicines and getting about, and leave people to do what they can still manage themselves.
Rooms are made up the way the person wants them, with their own furniture and pictures. People living with Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart conditions or frailty are looked after here, with the GP.
For people living with mild or moderate dementia, including Alzheimer’s. A settled house and the same faces help a great deal, and so does paying attention: if someone grows restless around the same hour most days, we look for what lies behind it and learn what brings them comfort.
There is a rhythm to the day rather than a rota. Meals and medicines come at their proper times, and the rest of the day is shaped around the person.
A stay of a few weeks, with a room of their own, meals, company and the same care as everyone who lives here, so that a family carer can have a proper rest.
A trial stay works in just the same way, and it is a gentle way to find out whether living here would suit before anyone decides.
A short stay for someone coming out of hospital whose longer-term care needs are being assessed. In the meantime they are looked after here by the same team, with a room of their own.
Every situation is a little different, so ring us and we will talk through what would help.
Food from our own kitchen.
Meals are cooked here in the house and served at the table, and anyone who would rather eat in their own room on a given day can.
Tell us what your loved one enjoys, and anything they have never been able to stand, and the kitchen will know before their first lunch. In the afternoon the tea trolley comes round, and some days there are scones on it with jam and cream.
“Lovely meals, get a choice If I didn’t like what was on the menu they would do something else for me.”
The shape of a day here.
Meals, medicines and care happen at their proper times. Around them, the day is the person’s own.
People get up when they are ready. A carer who knows their morning helps with washing and dressing, and then there is breakfast.
Tea in the lounge and the paper, a chat with whoever is about, or a turn round the garden if the weather is fine.
A cooked lunch at the table, with time to talk and no hurry to be finished.
Visitors calling in, a game in the lounge, a sit in the garden, or a rest in their own room.
A lighter supper, the television or some music, and bed when they choose. Carers are awake in the house through the night.
A move, taken at your pace.
Nothing is decided on the first call or the first visit, and you can ring us with a question at any point along the way.
Ring us
Tell us what is happening at home. If the house would not be right for your loved one, we will tell you on that first call.
Come and look round
Bring your loved one if they feel up to it, or come on your own first. Ask to see a room, and ask anything you like about the day here.
The care plan, written with you
Before the move we go through their medicines, their health and the help they need, and just as carefully through how they like their day, and write it down together.
The first day
Their room is ready before they arrive, with their own things where they want them. Stay for lunch that first day if it helps them settle.
A few things to bring with them.
Familiar things help a room feel like theirs from the first night, and the practical ones save a lot of hunting later.
The radio, or their music
Whatever they listen to at home, so the first evening sounds familiar.
Their own pillow or blanket
Something from their own bed makes the first night less strange.
Clothes for a week or so
Comfortable, familiar things, with names in if you can manage it.
Slippers and a dressing gown
Slippers that stay on, and something warm for the mornings.
Medicines
In their own boxes with the pharmacy labels on, and the repeat prescription list if you have it.
Glasses and hearing aids
With their cases, and a spare pair of glasses if there is one.
Toiletries they like
The soap and shampoo they are used to, and a favourite hand cream.
The numbers they ring
Written down, so we can help them keep in touch with the people they like to hear from.
The rest can follow. Anything forgotten can come in on your next visit, so this is a guide rather than a list to get right.
Questions families often ask.
Please do, and there is no need to book. Just come along, or ring the home on 01843 292323 if you have questions first. You can see the rooms and the garden, meet the team and ask whatever you like, and nobody will expect a decision on the day.
Aquarius Lodge is a residential home, so our carers look after everyday care and we work with the GP and the district nurses for anything medical. As needs change we go through the care plan with you and adjust it. If someone ever came to need nursing care, we would tell you honestly and help the family find the right place.
Furniture and pictures from home are very welcome, and a room with familiar things in it is easier to settle into.
The fee depends on the care someone needs. Ring us and we will talk it through and give you the figure for your own situation, with no obligation.
Yes. We welcome people paying for their own care, people funded by Kent County Council with or without a top-up from a family member, and people funded through NHS Continuing Healthcare. If you are not sure which applies, we will help you find out.
The home’s manager and our team of carers, with the cook and the people who keep the house running. You will meet them when you come to look round.
Tell us what is happening, and we will help you think it through.
Ring the home or send us a message, and we will listen before we suggest anything.