Shakti Lodge
Shakti Lodge is a residential care home in Dartford, Kent (DA1 3HR). It holds a CQC rating of Requires Improvement.
About Shakti Lodge
Here at Shakti Lodge, we provide residential and dementia care for older people in the heart of Dartford, Kent. We also offer respite care for those who need a short term stay, whether that is to recover after a hospital admission or to give a family carer some time to rest. We know that choosing a care home is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, and we do not take that lightly. Our aim is for every person who comes through our doors to feel genuinely at home, respected, and listened to. That means taking the time to understand who someone is, not just their care needs, but their preferences, their routines, and the small things that matter to them day to day. For residents living with dementia, we work hard to create an environment that feels calm, familiar, and safe. We try to follow each person's lead rather than fitting them into a one size fits all routine, because we understand that dementia affects everyone differently. We want to be straightforward with the people we work with. Our most recent CQC inspection resulted in a "requires improvement" rating, and we are taking that seriously. We have been working through the feedback carefully and making real changes where they are needed. We are committed to being open about where we are and where we are heading, and we welcome any questions from prospective residents and their families about the steps we are taking. If you would like to visit us and see the home for yourself, we would be very happy to show you around and answer any questions you have. We believe the best way to get a feel for Shakti Lodge is simply to come and spend some time with us.
Care provided at Shakti Lodge
- Older person care
- Dementia care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 4 June 2021
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of Shakti Lodge. Report published 4 June 2021.
- Inspectors visited on 27 April 2021 in an inspection looking at part of the service.
Safe
Inspectors found several medicines issues had been addressed, but some shortfalls remained. Topical medicine records had not been completed and liquid medicines did not have dates when they were opened. Fire safety issues continued, and inspectors referred their findings to Kent Fire and Rescue service. After the inspection, the operations manager gave assurances that all fire safety works were met. People said they felt safe, and staff safeguarded people from potential abuse. There were enough staff, and the service appeared clean and tidy.
Well-led
The provider had quality assurance processes in place to monitor the quality of care. However, actions taken were not always consistently implemented, so some issues remained unresolved, and inspectors made a recommendation. Staff told inspectors they felt valued and supported by the registered manager. The provider was no longer in breach of regulations.
What people told the inspectors
Feedback from people living at the service, relatives and staff was positive about the care and management. People told inspectors they felt safe living at the service.
Since the last inspection
The service was inspected before this on 25 October 2019. Its earlier ratings are not held here yet.
- 4 June 2021: Inspection looking at part of the service. This inspection gave the current rating.
- 25 October 2019: Routine inspection
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How Shakti Lodge compares in Dartford
Measured against the 22 care homes for older people registered in Dartford. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 26 places. Smaller than 14 of the 22 homes. The local average is 41 places.
- CQC rating
- Requires improvement. 12 of the 22 homes (55%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Kent the figure is 68%.
- Latest report
- 4 June 2021. 14 of the 22 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- August 2019. 7 of the 22 homes registered more recently.
- Care offered
- Dementia care. Of the 22 homes, 13 offer dementia care.
- Food hygiene
- 5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 16 of the 18 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes for older people in Dartford.
The local picture: Dartford
What the numbers say about care for older people in Dartford, in Kent.
What care costs in Kent, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|
| Residential care | £1,187 | £1,409 to £1,600 (Middle half of prices from 22 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing care | £1,378 | £1,550 to £1,865 (Middle half of prices from 11 Kent homes. Median £1,605.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,500 to £1,619 (Middle half of prices from 18 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,975 to £2,226 (South East figure, because too few Kent homes publish this price. 37 homes. Median £2,050.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 8,500. Rising to 9,600 by 2035, up 13%
- People aged 85 and over: 2,400. Rising to 3,300 by 2035, up 37%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 1,100. Rising to 1,400 by 2035, up 21%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 78%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Kent as a whole is 62%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 105. Kent average is 77.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 2 opened, 1 closed
- Care home beds filled across Kent: 88%. The 12 month average is 88%.
- Who pays, across Kent (estimate): 35% council, 43% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about Shakti Lodge
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 21 August 2019, so 7 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 17 June 2025.
- Run by
- Shakti Lodge, which runs this service only.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near Shakti Lodge
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, 2.8 miles away
It is about 2.8 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
Nearest dentists
Nearest pharmacies
Nearest railway stations
- Crayford Station, 0.8 miles away
- Dartford Station, 1.1 miles away
- Slade Green Station, 1.7 miles away
Around Shakti Lodge
- H: Shakti Lodge
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Common questions about Shakti Lodge
Where is Shakti Lodge located?
Shakti Lodge is a residential care home in Dartford, Kent, DA1 3HR. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Shakti Lodge provide?
Shakti Lodge is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Older person care, Dementia care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Shakti Lodge's CQC rating?
Shakti Lodge is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Requires Improvement following its last inspection on 4 June 2021. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Shakti Lodge provide dementia care?
Yes. Shakti Lodge supports people living with dementia. We recommend contacting the home directly to discuss your individual situation.
Does Shakti Lodge offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Shakti Lodge offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Shakti Lodge
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
Yes. Shakti Lodge is registered for dementia care, so someone whose needs increase can usually stay rather than move.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. Shakti Lodge is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Shakti Lodge offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
No. Shakti Lodge is registered for older people. Younger adults are not listed.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the South East
Shakti Lodge has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
- Dementia care: £1,200 to £1,550 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from Shakti Lodge. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
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