“They were so caring and full of love for both dad and myself…. your workers and your home are truly amazing!”
I was delighted when I visited Hale Place after Covid restrictions lifted. The atmosphere is always so warming and homely.
They have done an amazing job of keeping our relatives safe, happy and stimulated throughout the pandemic. I was impressed with what they have done in the last 12 month with building an activities lodge, a visiting pod and not forgetting adding more animals to their family.
I would highly recommend Hale Place, it really is a home from home. Nothing is ever too much for the managers or staff, they not only look after our relatives but us too.
Daughter DC
When visiting Hale Place Care Solutions the staff are always friendly and approachable. Residents are always happy, great atmosphere.
Lots of activities provided and I have witnessed the residents participating and enjoying these.
GC Nurse
I have had the privilege of working with staff and residents at Hale Place, working together to extend and build on existing community links. Introducing new joint initiatives to enjoy together like community sing-along choir, school-home activities. All has been welcomed and enjoyed by all. The care, respect and general feel of Hale Place is outstanding. A place I would definitely recommend.
Hello Kevin,
I think you are already aware how highly I regard Hale Place and your wonderful carers. Over the last 2+ years my brother has had nothing but exceptional care and attention, and despite his many difficulties following his stroke, Carole & I know that he could not be in a better place.
Having said that, your care levels hit a new high a week ago when it was necessary for him to be taken to East Grinstead for treatment. Julie was the ministering angel on this occasion, and she not only happily accepted the responsibility of transporting him there, but also kept in touch with the hospital and collected him the next day. Realising that he would miss his lunch because of the timings, she found a hostelry, sorted out fish and chips etc and he then enjoyed the added bonus of seeing his beloved Chelsea playing football on TV!!
That is just an example of Hale Place “ going the extra mile” and I cannot compliment your and your staff highly enough.
Many thanks
There were some very special guests at the Wedding party of Kevin and Mandy Hewlett (HP Owners), patients and their families were invited to attend and there were caregivers from Hale Place to assist with their care and to ensure they had a wonderful and safe experience. I watched as the patients were enjoying the food, music and dancing and all the festivities of this exciting event. This was all possible because the caregivers from Hale Place were there to assist them and keep them safe.
As a Registered Nurse for almost 40 years in The United States, I couldn’t help but be drawn in to watching the manner in which these caregivers assisted these patients. They never left the patients’ side and they made sure that every need was met. I continued to watch these people and saw genuine love and compassion being exhibited in everything they did. The caregivers treated these patients with dignity and respect as if they were part of their own family. I couldn’t help but think what an awesome place to be living in “the last quarter” of life! I went back to the US and told all my coworkers of my experience. What an Awesome group of people!
I recently accompanied my mother to a very special Hale Place outing to Hever Castle in West Kent for a hog roast and reggae musical afternoon. What a wonderful day.
The food served outside in the gardens was fantastic and afterwards we all enjoyed a live reggae band performing well know tunes from the last 40 years. I must make special mention of thanks to Hale Place for welcoming a close friend of my mothers to the event who lived only 3 miles away and herself was not terribly well. They had not seen each other for over 4 years and had a wonderful afternoon sharing life’s stories. For my mother who knows Hever very well this was an incredible trip down memory lane, so thank you Hale Place.
Two years ago, it became evident that our mother was no longer able to cope living alone. Visiting Hale Place for the first time proved to be a turning point for our family. They provided excellent support and guidance throughout the difficult decision of moving one’s mother into care.
Hale Place’s ethos encouraged our mother to adopt her own routine, personal space and welcome her family and large retinue of friends, who have always been made to feel very welcome.
The environment, being originally a farmhouse, has the atmosphere of being homely yet with all the modernity that a specialist establishment needs in caring for our mother, who has adopted it as her new home, replete with her cat.
What has been important for our mother is her sense of freedom and making new friends with other residents and the staff. It is of significant value that the culture of the management and staff are from West Kent and we feel that this aids her feeling of being at home.
Having been an active and engaged member of her community we are extremely pleased at the wide array of activities that Hale Place provides and we know how crucial this has been to our mothers well being. In conjunction with the specialist training that the staff have undergone we are extremely satisfied with the level of care and overriding ethos that our mother is at home with the staff caring for her within that principal.
I have been coming to Hale Place for about two years, spending two hours every day. I cannot find anything to complain about whatsoever, all the staff are all so helpful, nothing is too much trouble and it is so well run by the management team.
The whole family are so impressed with the way they assist with my wife’s complicated needs, everyone is always smiling and creating a happy atmosphere, I feel like part of the family.
I’m so happy with the way that my wife has and is being cared for, it is absolutely first class.
My father has recently moved to Hale Place from a different home. We felt as a family that he was not receiving enough stimulation ‘re his dementia condition. Since moving to Hale Place he has been enjoying many trips out of the home and all the weekly in-house activities, he has made friends and is extremely happy. The staff are always at hand if needed, they are always smiling, happy, engaging and enable Dad to be independent as possible. I’m so glad that Dad is living at Hale place and feel happy and confident that he is safe and well cared for.
Thank you
Dear Kevin and all the wonderful staff
It’s very difficult to find the words to convey our immense gratitude to you all for all the wonderful care you gave our mum, Marion.
During the past 18 months in your care we,as a family, know that you gave mum the best care we could have hoped for. We felt reassured that se was genuinely being properly looked after whilst also being encouraged to remain as independent as possible.Thank you for your patience (we know bath times were not easy). Thank you for always making us welcome, we could just pop in and see mum whenever.
We’d like to thank each one of you personally for making mum’s stay at Hale Place so contented, each one of you is so professional in your work.
mum was a very special lady and we know that she received the very special care that she deserved.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With love and best wishes,
The best care we could have hoped for
Just to let you know, Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, is being interviewed this afternoon for the BBC’s ‘Holding Back The Years’ TV series, which Hale Place is being featured in, and has been in contact for an update on the service as she is aware that you are being visited by the BBC.
I told her I would be very happy for a loved one to be cared for at Hale Place and that “…it was a really lovely home, with strong leadership and very caring staff. People living with dementia had a very nurturing and positive experience.” Andrea has also been given a copy of the draft report.
Thanks,
I would like to reiterate our thanks for everything that you have done for my Mum since she has been with you. It made a very difficult period somewhat easier when she moved to Hale Place as you have a great team of staff there.
A great team
Dear Kevin and the wonderful staff at Hale Place – What fantastic care you gave Joan, even in her confused state; she managed a ‘thank you’ to all the staff for helping her. It was genuine kindness and Joan knew it.
I would recommend Hale Place to anyone looking for a care home. At Hale Place, they had a friendly, caring manner. They always phone you back instantly. Kevin rang me back and told me there was a place for Joan, for a week at Christmas. When I collected Joan after Christmas, I found her so happy she didn’t want to go home. I could see Joan was much better off at Hale Place.
Until 3 days before she died, Joan wanted to be with the other residents and staff. Joan really thought all the staff and residents were her family. That’s because your home is happy, caring, fun and everyone laughs at life! Dementia homes should all be like yours, unfortunately, they’re not. Where else in Kent would you find dementia residents having nail vanish applied to their hands and feet, their hair done and stimulated with activities every week.
You have an excellent ratio of staff to residents, this is very important when choosing a care home. Hale Place is a HOME not an institution with rules everywhere…the staff do such good personal care for our loved ones, they are all saints in my book. It is the staff who create the atmosphere in the home and long may it continue being caring and happy with everyone being able to laugh at life.
Sonia Boakes – TMBC, Counsellor
Hi Kevin – I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team for all the advice, help and support you have given my parents, right from the first contact. You have been amazing and it is greatly appreciated.
Advice, help and support
My mum recently became one of your residents and I just wanted to say that all the reports I have had from my sisters (all 5 of them) have been very positive. I like your site too and look forward to seeing photos of your next outings hopefully with Marion in some of them . We live out in New Zealand so don’t get the opportunity to pop back but have weekly updates. Once again Thanks and keep up the good work I know Mum will appreciate it as well as the rest of the family.
Very positive reports
Dear All
I would like to say a big thank you to all for the wonderful care that you gave to my mum over the 4 years she was resident at Hale Place. Every time we visited her it was clear that she was in the best place we could ever have hoped for.
Words are hard to find in a world of celebrity culture where “incredible”, “amazing” and “fantastic” are used like confetti, however you the staff at Hale Place are truly amazing, incredible and fantastic! Your passion to do the right thing and the ongoing commitment to give everyone a dignified and happy life in such difficult circumstances is to be admired and is so clear to see.
I know I speak on behalf of all Mum’s family when I say we cannot praise you all at Hale Place highly enough. I sincerely wish you all ongoing happiness and success in life, whatever that may be.
Yours sincerely,
Hale Place are truly amazing, incredible and fantastic!
Hi Kevin
I’m sorry you don’t know me but I along with my wife visited Hale Place today as we are looking for a care home for my 90yr old father with dementia.
The reason we came to you is that we have done the rounds of these massive care homes like BUPA etc. and there was always something missing !!! I couldn’t put my finger on what was missing and they all seemed a little “institutional” Today when we arrived at Hale Place I found what was missing. Passion and care !!!!!!.
Vikki, who we had an appointment with at 1030, made us wait ten minutes. Not because she was dealing with admin or phone calls but because she was caring for residents, the unit manager was caring for residents, this I had not seen before.
No sales person but a real caring, passionate, lady who has the respect of her staff and is a joy to be with. I loved your houses and was shown all the accommodation. I would love to have my father stay with you as I know that he would be happy there and I would be able to sleep nights knowing that he was in such a caring and loving environment. Thank you for giving us the chance to look at your establishment and to meet the fabulous Vikki.
Kindest regards
Passion and care
Morning Kevin and the whole gang
Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! You really deserve it, the care you all give is unbelievable, we think and talk about you all often, we will never forget what you did for Nelly and us all.
Love lots forever
Madeleine and whole family xxxx
We will never forget
Dear Kevin,
What wonderful news! It couldn’t be more deserved. You have the most amazing staff – they are a gift to us all. Do congratulate them on our behalf.
Many, many thanks for all your support over the years. We feel very fortunate to have found you.
Kind regards, Stephanie Hayward
Amazing staff
Dear Kevin
We are delighted to hear that what we knew has been confirmed by higher authority. No one could have been more lovingly looked after then Audrey was under your care
Our good wishes to you and all your kindly excellent helpers.
Joan and Sydney Simmons
Lovingly looked after
Where do I start about Hale Place and Kevin and his amazing team… We viewed lots of dementia homes for my lovely Nan Nellie a few years ago and what an upsetting task that was, from elderly crying and screaming, banging on windows, lots of sights me and mum will never forgot, we left lots of places in tears and could never have left our loved one there, till we walked through the doors at Hale Place, it is such a special place, from the second we walked through the doors we just prayed they had room and would have Nellie, Kevin and the team are amazing, they are so kind, calm, loving and excellent at their jobs, whenever I emailed Kevin with questions about Nan a reply always came very quickly and thoroughly, nothing was ever too much, the home is immaculately clean, the smashing home cooked meals, the in house activities and day trips, we were always included and Nellie had a great time and was safe and loved at all times, they let us dress Nells room like home, visit whenever we wanted, endless tea and biscuits whenever Nell wanted, they let Nelly do all the things she loved, cleaning and sweeping and helping out. When unfortunately Nell fell and broke her hip they knew her time was very limited and they brought her home from hospital and cared for her that last week with love, care and dignity we will never ever see again or forget, we were by her bedside and never felt in the way. We will love Kevin and his team forever, they are always in out hearts and prays for the help and support they gave when we needed it, it was beyond their job specs and they are unbelievable people. Hale Place is amazing! Truly a peace of heaven on earth. The farmhouse and garden are just like a real home and residents are free to move around as they please safely, not locked up! I cannot sing their praises enough because there are not enough words to express my gratitude. I cannot even start to understand all the things that go in behind the scenes to make it all run so well and have that special atmosphere , but from the outside looking in WOW!!! We cried when we left the viewing of Hale Place because it was so perfect and for Nan to finish her last years with them has and will always give us great comfort. I am very proud and pleased to nominate Hale Place, I still cry when I talk about them and am crying now just remembering the stress they helped us with at the time we needed it most, home from home, it was like leaving Nellie with family. They are and the home is truly brilliant! Maddie Nellies Granddaughter x
We cried when we left viewing Hale Place
Dear Kevin
I am delighted with how quickly Dad has settled at Hale Place and never asks me to take him away even if he is a little confused that it is his home.
The staff who care for him are so patient and he can be petulant and trying at times! If he has been in need of physical care eg chiropodist, they have ensured he receives what he needs and Danielle keeps me update?
It’s great that the home is so small and the old building has been vastly enhanced and improved with the replacement windows and doors.
I hope you qualify for outstanding again as Hale Place is a very happy, caring place for our loved ones who need that extra bit of tlc.
Kind regards
My mother spent the last few years of her life at Hale Place, after being diagnosed with vascular dementia in her late sixties. She was angry and afraid at the prospect of entering a care home, and whilst she was no longer able to cope at home, there were still many things she could do. When she arrived at Hale Place, the staff went to considerable effort to make her feel at home. The focus was on the things she could still do for herself, and the team did everything they could to get to know her, her quirks and ways. Throughout her stay she was treated with dignity and as an individual. She liked to get out and about whenever possible, and in addition to organised trips (fish and chips at the seaside was a particular highlight) she was routinely able to walk to the shops to buy her cigarettes and favourite biscuits, for as long as she was able.
The team at Hale Place had excellent working relationships with the local doctor’s surgery and mental health team and ensured that my mother got the best possible healthcare, that her medication was monitored and changed as necessary. And in addition to her medical needs, fabulous food, hairdressing and exercise classes boosted her general well-being.
Visitors are always made welcome at Hale Place – offered a cup of tea and generally made to feel like part of the Hale Place extended family. The staff are aware of the emotional stress experienced by relatives – particularly the first time their loved one fails to recognise them, which happens to everyone at some point. There was always someone to talk to and I will always be grateful for the kindness shown by the staff when my mother died quietly at Hale Place in her own room. Sarah Dawson
Fabulous food
I can’t thank the manager and her team enough for the wonderful care they give to dad. He is not yet a resident due to the amazing care in the community they are providing for him. He will eventually go to live there and I could not think of a nicer place to go.
As a community nurser, it is a pleasure to come into Hale Place. The standards are high, the staff so helpful. If my parents require care, this would be my preferred place of care.
Community Nurse
I have had the privilege of working with staff and residents at Hale Place, working together to extend and build on existing community links. Introducing new joint initiatives to enjoy together like community sing-along choir, school-home activities. All has been welcomed and enjoyed by all. The care, respect and general feel of Hale Place is outstanding. A place I would definitely recommend.
Sandra Edmonds
Dear Kevin,
This time last year my sisters and I were in utter misery. Mum was so unhappy and bewildered, she was at home with 24 hour carer living in. She hated it. Everything was wrong.
I googled care homes for dementia that allows animals and Hale Place came up. We’d been to see several other homes around the Sevenoaks area and just didn’t feel they were right. We turned up and Danielle showed us round and we couldn’t believe it, everyone was calm and happy, no smell, no distressed residents, just a settled and happy atmosphere.
But my sisters and I talked it round and round, Danielle was brilliant, no pressure, just lots of experience and advice.
We took the plunge and made the decision and it was the best thing we ever did for mum. She is the happiest she’s been in a very long time. She is beautifully cared for and we always feel listened to. We cannot believe how well she’s settled in. Thank you.
Kind regards
I regularly visit a friend in Hale Place Care Home and find it to be a most friendly and welcoming place for the residents and visitors with wonderful staff who personify what caring for the elderly is all about.Recently I was invited along to the Astor Wing at Hever Castle for a pre-wedding celebration of the Care Home owners Kevin and Mandy.I was delighted to meet all the residents and staff members in what is one of the loveliest venues I’ve visited, Rich in history, beautiful rooms and corridors and the most stunning well kept gardens. We had a drink to start and followed by a BBQ meal which was so delicious plus lots of wonderful conversations with friends and family members of the Hale Place owners.It was an event I shall always remember most fondly and I took the initiative to obtain a brochure on the Astor Wing. Well done and thank you to Hale Place owners Kevin and Mandy for the kind invitation. It was a delight to see everyone enjoying the celebrations and I wish them every happiness and success for the future. I will be visiting Hale Place Care Home this coming Tuesday for my friend’s 93rd Birthday and I know how much she enjoys her time there with her little cat Whiskey.
“It was a great privilege to be one of the judges awarding Hale Place the Quality of Care Award for 2014.
Kevin is a fantastic leader and has created an incredibly motivated team. I was very struck by the commitment, professionalism and caring demonstrated by all of the staff working at Hale Place.
Best wishes”
I would like to express my thanks to all the fabulous caring staff that looked after my friend Eileen. This home is a wonderful place and really is like your own home. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff. It is clean and comfortable. Eileen’s room was really lovely. A lovely bright airy lounge and conservatory and fabulous garden. I know Eileen would like me to express her thanks and gratitude for making her stay with you over the last few years a happy one.
I have been working as the cook at Hale Place for a couple of months, and I have never felt so appreciated in a workplace ! The staff are all lovely, and it’s enjoyable to see the residents and the quality care they are all given. I am very happy I found my job here and don’t intend to leave any time soon!!! Easily the best rewarding, appreciative job I have ever been in and I’m truly loving every minute!
I am an independent visitor delivering activities to stimulate residents both mentally and physically. We meet either in the Church Hall or one of the Lounges at the home. I have always received a warm and friendly welcome from both residents and staff. Whether it is me or my bright yellow polo shirt they recognise I am not sure, but to see their smiles and waves is enough to know they are happy. I have a program set but occasionally their enthusiasm and cheekiness sends us down another path and at the end of the hour I come out having been motivated both mentally and physically by them.
Warm and friendly welcome
We had a lovely visit today that your carer Jess was in on.
…….. was in the group in the lounge and became anxious and confused about a missing cardigan. Jen and me had both tried to calm and reassure her over a few minutes without success. When Jess became aware of it she took time out to listen to …….. and Jess’s calm demeanour and thoughtful and measured response de-escalated her mood and pacing entirely. It was a masterclass in patience, understanding and empathy.
I’m sure great carers deliver hundreds of interventions like this in the course of their work that no one ever sees. I don’t see that many though and this one really moved me.
From the moment we first met Danielle, we, and Audrey, have had nothing but goodness and kindness from all of the Hale Place staff . As you know, she can be less than easy to deal with and the patience and friendliness that everyone showed her, in most trying circumstances, has amazed us. Coming to be cared for by you has been the luckiest thing that could have happened for her. Your patience and kindness will never be forgotten by Audrey’s family, thank you all. We hope everything goes well with all our friends at Hale Place and we will keep in touch with you even though Audrey will not be there.
I just wanted to express my thanks to you and your wonderful staff for the excellent care my sister Catherine received during the five years she spent with you. You all made Catherine’s stay at Hale Place such a happy time and cared for her so well and with such kindness during her periods of ill health. My daughter and I enjoyed meeting you last week and hearing your lovely words about Catherine, you captured how we as a family felt about her. It was wonderful to see and hear how genuinely loved Catherine was by all her marvellous carers. My family and I are so very grateful.
Marvellous carers
Congratulations Kevin, that’s a great accomplishment!
Your care commission report was very impressive indeed : I had taken a good look t it a week back ,so great to share the good news!:)
Best wishes,
Very impressive indeed
Congratulations to you all, I am not at all surprised that you have won this prestigious award as you have a wonderful, loyal and caring staff. I hope that all is well at Hale place and I will always have fond memories of visiting.
Wonderful, loyal and caring staff
Good morning Kevin, that is fab news, please say congrats to Danielle and the team from the Clark family – a justly deserved award.
Well done to everyone for creating such a happy and successful operation. I know that Lilly, if she was aware, and all of us in the family are hugely impressed and thankful that we can be a part of the Hale Place organisation.
Kind regards
Happy and successful operation
Huge well done to you and your team on the Care Award. You know how I feel about the Hale Place team, it is richly deserved,
best wishes.
Richly deserved award
Dear Kevin
Congratulations, fantastic news!!
This award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving Care Team, you must all be so happy and proud, well done.
Very best wishes
Warmest regards to you all
Deserving care team
Dear Kevin, congratulations to you and your staff for winning such a prestigious award, so well deserved; I have very fond memories of you all during my sister’s stay at Hale Place. With every good wish Ann
Prestigious award
We are newcomers to Hale Place but I have to say that my family and I have been overwhelmed by the professionalism, kindness and friendliness of absolutely everyone we have met.
The change in my mum has been astonishing and I only regret not having made the decision to move her closer to us before. Andrew Main
Professialism, kindness and friendliness
My mother seems to have defied science by becoming your longest ever resident having just passed her 9th anniversary with Hale Place. When she first moved to Hale Place with Alzheimer’s, the prognosis was that she was not expected to survive for long. However, within weeks she had regained her physical capacity and her sense of humour and through the expert care and amenities at Hale Place she was able to turn the clock back. She is nearly 92 and whilst she has started to decline again in recent months, Hale Place has achieved everything we could have hoped for my mother, namely a happy and dignified last lap in her live. Peter Smith
Achieved everything
Congratulations to all the team at Hale Place, especially Danielle. I am not surprised to hear of your recognition for excellent care as I was so pleased with everything you did for my late mother, Violet Ellix, especially during her last few days. Whenever anyone asks me about residential care for dementia patients, I recommend you without hesitation and am so pleased to hear that you continue to provide such a professional, dedicated and personal service to those in your care. Congratulations again. Jane Gardner
Professional and dedicated service
We have been with HP now for around 4 years and cannot praise them enough.
This really is a home from home. Both the residents and relatives are cared for and made welcome at all times. Since coming to stay at HP mum has enjoyed all sorts of outings and activities and even though she doesn’t really understand what’s going on around her anymore is always happy and smiling.
The family are always made to feel welcome and even our children like coming to visit Grandma in HP. HP regularly organise family events and these are always a treat, we see first hand how good the care is and how well our family members are being looked after. What an amazing place! We highly recommend HP and everything it is doing. Well done to everyone there. Karen Clark
Home from home
Hale Place more than exceeded our expectations in restoring Mum’s dignity and zest for life. We will be forever indebted for this and the prolonged life filled with fun and laughter that it inspired.
What comfort it also gave to Pam’s family, to know that they could come and see her whenever we were able and be sure to find her happy & comfortable.
Above all, we would like to thank staff for their unfailing personal care and attention given to Pam over the years. We know that this loving environment is at the heart of the Hale Place philosophy and the reason why it richly deserves all the outstanding accolades it receives.
Peter and Sheila Smith
Restored mum’s dignity and zest for life
“I have had dealings with this care home whilst working for the Acute Trust and the care and service they provide to their residents has always been excellent. The staff are always helpful and knowledgeable of their clients. I would recommend this home.”
I have worked at Hale Place for the past 10 years and couldn't think of working any where else. We celebrated another fantastic Christmas party last night. Team building is so important for staff morale, we are all so lucky to have some of the best team experiences.Thank you Hale Place for yet another wonderful night.