First two of four Care UK homes officially open in Kent

The first two of four Care UK homes in Kent have been officially opened.

Smyth Lodge in Sidcup and Harrier Lodge in Whitstable are part of a multimillion pound investment bringing 500 jobs to the county.

Lorraine Eastmead (pictured second left), manager of Smyth Lodge, which will be home to 80 people, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Bexley to officially open the home. It was made even more special as he opened the home alongside Smyth Lodge’s first resident.

“The residents had a fantastic time celebrating, and we were so pleased to be joined by so many local people on this very special occasion.”

Harrier Lodge, which will be home to 65 residents and will provide 24-hour nursing and residential care, short term respite care and specialist dementia care, was officially launched by the Mayor of Canterbury.

Chris Hopkinson, Care UK’s Operations Director South, said: “These homes will also offer a full range of older people’s care services in hotel-style surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema.

“Our new suite of homes will bring over 500 new jobs to Kent. These highly trained and professional teams will deliver nursing and residential care, as well as dementia care, respite stays and end of life care for up to 75 older people.

“We will also offer step-down care, to support people to get back on their feet after a spell in hospital and before returning home. The homes will all offer the ultimate in tailored care, luxury and compassion.”

The two homes will be followed by Montford Manor in Ashford in October this year and a new home in Maidstone in 2020.