The Old Downs Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the charming village of Hartley, Kent, The Old Downs is a distinguished Nellsar care home with a rich history that traces back to 1887. This…
ResidentialDementiaRespite
Care homes in Longfield
Longfield is a South East England town with a growing retired population — above the national average for over-65s — and a modest crime rate. It offers care-home provision in a region with established later-life services, though you'll want to check local fees and how close family support networks are.
Average residential fee in Longfield: £1,200/week — below the UK average of £1,279
Living in Longfield
Low Recorded Crime
What do these badges mean?
- Low Recorded Crime — Ranks among the safer areas of its type on recorded police crime (Police.uk).
SafetyA
Excellent — safer than 88% of similar areas (per head of population)
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesC
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Longfield is about £1,200/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Longfield
The average residential care home in Longfield costs about £1,200/week, while Kent’s published usual rate is around £1,187/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £13/week (≈ £676/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Longfield
£1,200/wk
Kent usual rate
£1,187/wk
Likely top-up gap
£13/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Kent’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes in Longfield on the map
- Good
- Requires improvement
Care homes (2)
Hazelwood Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the charming town of Longfield, Kent, you'll find the magnificent Hazelwood Care Home. This exceptional facility offers a diverse range of care…
ResidentialDementiaRespiteNursing
What care costs in Longfield
Residential (avg)
£1,200/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,200/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,350/week
Is Longfield a good retirement location?
Longfield suits people seeking later-life care in the South East with family or connections nearby. The area has an above-average share of over-65s, suggesting established retirement infrastructure, but you'll need to weigh local care-home costs against your budget and confirm the range of homes available to you. It's neither a budget retirement destination nor a premium hotspot — a middle-ground choice for those valuing South East access.
Health & support
- Medical access: Check with local GP surgeries and pharmacies for availability; South East England generally has good NHS coverage, though waiting times vary.
- Safety: Recorded crime in 2026–04 was 4 offences; this is a low figure, though look at local police data for the most recent picture.
- Family & connection: Consider how close your family or support network is — South East location may suit those with ties to London or the wider region.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Compare local care-home weekly fees carefully against the national average; South East fees tend to be above the UK mean, so budget accordingly.
- Transport: South East England has good bus and rail links to nearby cities; walkability and car-dependence vary by street and neighbourhood — ask your shortlisted home about local transport.
- Housing options: A range of care homes operate in the region; check availability and size of provision with local directories and individual operators.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: South East towns typically offer parks and local walks; seek out community groups, clubs and activities at your chosen home.
- Community: Look for memory cafés, social groups and support networks linked to local care providers and the community.
- Climate: South East England generally has mild winters and warm summers, though expect typical UK rainfall year-round.
Things to weigh up
- South East location and fees: Care costs in the South East are often above the national average; confirm affordability before committing.
- Local provision check: Verify the range and availability of care homes in Longfield — choice may be more limited than in larger retirement hubs.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Longfield?
There are 6 care homes listed in and around Longfield on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Longfield cost?
Care homes in Longfield range from around £1,050 to around £1,350 per week, with averages of £1,200 for residential, £1,200 for dementia, £1,350 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Longfield compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Longfield is about £1,200 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Longfield are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
5 of the 6 care homes in and around Longfield are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Longfield?
Homes in and around Longfield offer residential (4), dementia (3), respite (2), nursing (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Longfield offer dementia care?
3 care homes in and around Longfield offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Longfield offer respite care?
Yes — 2 care homes in and around Longfield offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Longfield area?
Longfield is graded A for safety on AskBart (based on Kent) — safer than 88% of similar areas (per head of population). This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Longfield?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Kent Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Longfield?
A care home's weekly fee in Longfield usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Longfield may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Longfield?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Longfield?
Start by shortlisting homes in Longfield by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Longfield?
Care homes in Longfield are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Kent?
If you're widening your search beyond Longfield, nearby areas with care homes include Ashford, Birchington, Broadstairs, Canterbury and Charing. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Longfield care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.