Care homes in Gillingham
Gillingham is a South East England town with a slightly higher than average share of older residents, suggesting an established retirement community. Care homes are available locally, and you'll find everyday shops and social spaces, though crime figures warrant careful consideration.
What do these badges mean?
- Low Recorded Crime — Ranks among the safer areas of its type on recorded police crime (Police.uk).
Excellent — safer than 80% of similar areas
Based on Medway data (town-level not yet available)
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Medway data (town-level not yet available)
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Medway 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.
The estimated average residential care fee in Gillingham is about £1,364/week, above 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.
The average residential care home in Gillingham costs about £1,364/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 £177/week (≈ £9,204/year) to bridge the gap.
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).
Newington Court Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the quaint village of Newington on the fringes of Sittingbourne, Newington Court is a warm and inviting care home that offers top-notch residential,…
Hill Farm
CQC GoodInvicta Court Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the heart of the lively town of Maidstone, you'll find Invicta Court, a luxurious care home managed by Care UK. This exceptional facility offers a…
Hengist Field Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the charming rural village of Borden, on the fringes of Sittingbourne, Kent, you'll find Hengist Field - a contemporary, purpose-built care home.…
Elvy Court Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the tranquil residential neighbourhood of Sittingbourne in Kent, Elvy Court is a warm and superior nursing home renowned for its dementia care,…
Lulworth House Care Home
CQC GoodTucked away in a verdant avenue on the fringes of Maidstone, Kent, Lulworth House stands as a remarkable care home, offering expertise in residential,…
Glenhurst Lodge
CQC GoodAspen House
CQC GoodFairlawn Residential Home
CQC GoodThe Grove Residential Home
CQC GoodGreenbanks Care Home
CQC GoodWoodgate
CQC GoodCourt Regis
CQC GoodLarchwood Grove
CQC GoodNestled near the serene River Medway, The Poplars is a delightful care home located in the heart of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. Just a stone's throw…
Lukestone is a Nellsar care home in Maidstone, Kent, specialising in nursing dementia care across 42 rooms in a Victorian building with secure gardens.
Is Gillingham a good retirement location?
Gillingham suits people seeking a retirement area with some local care provision and reasonable everyday amenities, particularly those with family or support networks already nearby or in the wider South East. The town has a slightly above-average older population (20.5% aged 65+, compared to the national 18.6%), which reflects some established retirement infrastructure. However, recorded crime is a factor to weigh against the social and practical benefits.
Health & support
- Medical access: You will need to confirm the exact location and opening hours of GP surgeries serving Gillingham and the nearest pharmacies before moving; distance to an acute hospital will also affect your choice, so check with your shortlist of homes.
- Safety: Gillingham recorded 29 offences in the most recent police data, with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and burglary among the most common categories — higher than you might expect, and worth discussing with any care home you're considering and with local police community teams.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about whether family or carers can visit regularly; South East location may be helpful if relatives are nearby.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Compare fees at local care homes against the national average weekly rate for your chosen care type; costs in the South East are typically at or above the national average.
- Transport: Gillingham has good road links within the South East; check whether your chosen home is within reach of public transport if you or your visitors do not drive.
- Housing options: Several care homes operate in the town; explore what mix of nursing, residential and specialist provision is available to match your needs.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Gillingham has 4 parks and 10 allotments locally, offering outdoor space and gardening opportunities if those appeal to you. The town has 6 restaurants and cafés and 10 pubs and bars, supporting social outings.
- Community: Ask any care home about local memory cafés, social groups or links to community activities; the presence of an established older population may mean more such groups are available.
- Climate: South East England has a relatively mild climate, though winters do bring frost and damp; prepare for typical UK seasonal variation.
Things to weigh up
- Crime rates: Recorded crime in Gillingham is notably higher than the national average, with violent crime and burglary among the top offences; speak directly to prospective homes about local safety measures and liaison with police.
- Everyday shopping: Only 2 supermarkets are listed locally; if you value choice or frequent shopping trips as part of your routine, check whether this meets your expectations and whether public transport or care home support can help.
How many care homes are there in Gillingham?
There are 54 care homes listed in and around Gillingham 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 Gillingham cost?
Care homes in Gillingham range from around £1,000 to around £1,600 per week, with averages of £1,364 for residential, £1,371 for dementia, £1,387 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Gillingham compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Gillingham is about £1,364 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Gillingham are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
42 of the 54 care homes in and around Gillingham 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 Gillingham?
Homes in and around Gillingham offer dementia (11), respite (11), nursing (9), residential (7). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Gillingham offer dementia care?
11 care homes in and around Gillingham 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 Gillingham offer respite care?
Yes — 11 care homes in and around Gillingham 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 Gillingham area?
Gillingham is graded A for safety on AskBart (based on Medway) — safer than 80% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Gillingham?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Medway 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 Gillingham?
A care home's weekly fee in Gillingham 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 Gillingham may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Gillingham?
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 Gillingham?
Start by shortlisting homes in Gillingham 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 Gillingham?
Care homes in Gillingham 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.
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