Castle View House
CQC Good
Castle View House is a small residential care home in Rochester, Kent, providing care for 8 residents.
DementiaResidential
Care homes in Rochester
Rochester in the South East is a historic riverside town with slightly more over-65s than the national average, suggesting an established retirement community. It offers straightforward access to local services and a modest choice of care homes, though crime figures warrant honest consideration.
Living in Rochester
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 80% of similar areas
Based on Medway data (town-level not yet available)
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Medway data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesC
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.
How care costs compare
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
The care market in Rochester
100% of Rochester’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstanding — above the national average of 79%.
Good or above in Rochester
100%
National average
79%
CQC-rated homes
9 of 9
Of the homes in and around Rochester, 1 offer nursing care, 5 offer dementia care and 3 offer residential care.
Based on 9 CQC-rated homes in and around Rochester. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).
Care homes in Rochester on the map
- Good
- Requires improvement
Care homes (9)
7 in Rochester, 2 more within 10 miles · updated September 2026
Watts Healthcare Ltd
CQC Good
DementiaResidential
Rochester Care Home
CQC Good
DementiaResidential
Friston House Care Home
CQC Good
Nestled near the historic charm of Rochester, Friston House is a contemporary, purpose-designed care home offering a spectrum of specialised care services,…
DementiaRespiteNursing
Copper Beeches Care Home
CQC Good
Nestled in the heart of Borstal, Kent, Copper Beeches Care Home is a dedicated member of the esteemed Four Seasons Health Care group. This purpose-built haven…
DementiaRespite
Amherst Court
CQC Good
Amherst Court is a 112-bed care home in Chatham, Medway, operated by Avante Care & Support.
Welcome House - Gillingham Homes
CQC Good
Welcome House - Gillingham Homes is a small residential care home in Gillingham, Medway, providing care for 9 residents.
Park View Care Home
CQC Good
Park View Care Home is a 44-bed care home in Gillingham, Medway, operated by BRAND Charing.
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What care costs in Rochester
Dementia (avg)
£1,397/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,313/week
Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
House prices in Medway
The average house price in Medway is £296,182, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £296,182
- Detached
- £531,901
- Semi-detached
- £351,457
- Terraced
- £273,509
- Flats & maisonettes
- £167,976
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Types of care in Rochester
Residential care homes
3 in RochesterResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
1 in RochesterNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
5 in RochesterSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
2 in RochesterRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
Is Rochester a good retirement location?
Rochester suits people looking for a quieter, well-established town in the South East with reasonable access to everyday amenities and family connections to the wider region. The local care-home market is present but not extensive, so choice may be limited compared to larger centres. It works well if you value a slower pace, have family nearby, and are comfortable with a smaller selection of specialist provision.
Health & support
- Medical access: Local GP surgeries and pharmacies serve the town; the nearest major hospital is within the wider South East network, though you should check specific distances with your GP or local care adviser before committing.
- Safety: Recorded crime figures show 29 offences in the most recent period, with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and burglary among the most common types — higher than some quieter areas, so worth weighing against your own risk tolerance.
- Family & connection: Rochester's slightly above-average share of over-65s (20.5% vs 18.6% nationally) suggests an established retirement community; consider how close your own family support networks are to the town.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees in the South East are typically at or above the national average; you should obtain current quotes from local providers to compare against your budget and what's available elsewhere in the region.
- Transport: The town has bus links and railway access to nearby cities, making it reasonably connected without a car if needed, though some care homes and services may be more accessible by private transport.
- Housing options: A range of care homes operate in and around Rochester, offering choice, though the selection is more modest than in larger centres — early viewing and listing of options is advisable.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Four parks and ten allotments provide outdoor space and the chance for gardening or gentle exercise; the riverside setting adds character, and community gardens or local clubs may offer social contact.
- Community: Six restaurants and cafés, ten pubs and bars, and an established over-65 population suggest a stable social fabric — memory cafés and retirement support groups may be available, but you should check with local providers directly.
- Climate: South East England is mild by UK standards, with moderate rainfall and reasonable daylight hours — typical for the region, though winters can be damp.
Things to weigh up
- Crime rates: Recorded offences are noticeable, with violent crime and burglary among the top categories; if personal safety and a very low-crime setting are priorities, compare Rochester against quieter alternatives.
- Limited care-home choice: The local provision is modest, so you may have fewer homes to compare, visit and choose between — early research and contact with local advisers will help you find the right fit.
- Regional costs: South East care fees are generally higher than the national average, so budget carefully and explore any local support or funding you may be eligible for.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Rochester?
There are 13 care homes listed in and around Rochester 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 Rochester cost?
Care homes in Rochester range from around £1,313 to around £1,481 per week, with averages of £1,397 for dementia, £1,313 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
Which care homes in Rochester are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
9 of the 13 care homes in and around Rochester 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 Rochester?
Homes in and around Rochester offer dementia (5), residential (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 Rochester offer dementia care?
5 care homes in and around Rochester 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 Rochester offer respite care?
Yes — 2 care homes in and around Rochester 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 Rochester area?
Rochester 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 Rochester?
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 Rochester?
A care home's weekly fee in Rochester 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 Rochester may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Rochester?
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 Rochester?
Start by shortlisting homes in Rochester 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 Rochester?
Care homes in Rochester 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 Medway?
If you're widening your search beyond Rochester, nearby areas with care homes include Chatham and Gillingham. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Rochester 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.