The Old Downs Residential Care Centre

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Key Features

• Seperate Dementia Unit
• Purpose Built Home
• Lift and/or Stairlift
• Wheelchair Access
• Specialist Lifting/Bathing Equipment
• Nurse Call System
• Retain Own GP
• En-Suite Facilities
• Residents Can Bring Their Own Furniture
• TV Point In Room
• Telephone Point In Room
• A Bar/Café For Residents
• Caters For Special Diets
• Near Public Transport
• Near Shops
• Activities and Excursions

Resident or Visiting Professionals

• Physiotherapist
• Alternative Therapists
• Dietician
• Doctor
• Specialist Nurses
• Dentist
• Optician
• Chiropodist
• Hairdresser

The Old Downs is a Residential Home designed to cater for the special needs of residents who have a diagnoses or Alzheimer's or Dementia, who are over the age of 65 years.

The Old Downs is a period building circa 1888 and is of considerable character. The interior fixtures and fittings have encompassed much of the latest design in accordance with research carried out by The Sterling University "for people with dementia". The aim - to balance the need for constructive stimulation against the need for a calming environment. Set in beautiful peaceful woodland, the garden is secure and allows the freedom to wander in a safe risk free environment.

Our Home offers 41 single bedrooms; some have en-suite facilities. All rooms are comfortably furnished and equipped with a nurse-call bell, and telephone points can be arranged via the manager, Andrew Williams. We actively encourage our families to work with us to make the residents room as far as possible "home from home", this can be achieved by having in the room the residents most valued and treasured possessions, pictures, photos and mementos of the past.

The Home also boasts a large conservatory with additional dining facilities, affording the most stunning views of the Fawkham valley regardless of the season. There is one TV lounge on the first floor, plus one quiet lounge. There are three lounges on the ground floor, as well as an onsite Hair Salon. Our dining room is light and airy and this is where residents are served home cooked meals of the highest standard, alternatively and upon request residents may choose to eat in their room. All types of diets can be catered for and our meals are varied and cooked from fresh ingredients daily.

On the top floor we have a "snoozling area", this is an area that is designed to aid relaxation in residents who for whatever reason feel anxious.  It consists of visual and sensory stimulation but in a relaxing mode.  The lights are dimmed; the chairs reclined, soft and spiritual music is quietly played, whilst the aromatherapy and visual light effects gently work on calming the anxious mind.

The secure Coffee Terrace, located in the larger of the secure gardens, provides a café facility were residents and their families can enjoy a relaxing cream tea or ice cream whilst sunning themselves on the patio in the landscaped gardens. Throughout the year, themed events such as Italian or Indian lunches, are provided for small groups of residents giving the "out for a meal" experience. 

Our Activities Cco-ordinator arranges a varied activities programme which is based on the physical and cognitive abilities of the residents; activities are carried out in small and medium groups and for some on an individual basis. Within the Home, there are physical games, reminiscence, general knowledge quizzes, sing-songs, dancing, gardening, beauty sessions, films in the TV lounge and use of the snoozling facility.  Trips out are often arranged again based on the residents abilities and preferences; this may include trips to the Blackheath reminiscence centre, Tea Dances, the Gravesend promenade, Rochester Cathedral, the local garden centre, or Pitch & Put at the local park. There are those who just simply enjoy an escorted walk around the pretty grounds. We invite families to join in with themed planned activities as often as possible such as our summer barbeque.