‘Rockdale Cares’ Launches to Keep Sevenoaks’ Seniors Independent and Supported
Last summer, we published a piece about Rockdale Senior Living Village’s vision for the future. Nearly a year on, it gives us huge pleasure to report that ‘Rockdale Cares’ – the new in-house domiciliary care service – has turned that vision into a reality.
For us Sevenoaks folk, whether we live here, work here, run businesses here, or just frequently visit, it’s unlikely you know nothing of Rockdale Village. Rockdale has become synonymous with the Sevenoaks community. What makes us smile is that this not-for-profit organisation has stayed true to its purpose and mission since it was first established in the 1940s. Rather than standing still, it has evolved – finding new ways to deliver on its promise. A shining example, and the focus for this blog, is the expanded care services now offered under the brilliantly named ‘Rockdale Cares.’
What is Rockdale Cares – And Why Does it Matter?
To give some background: Rockdale Village is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Sevenoaks High Street and comprises independent living apartments and a residential care home (Rockdale House). Between these services, over 200 residents call Rockdale home, enjoying varying levels of support according to their needs.
Residents in Rockdale’s independent living accommodation have long had access to a 24/7 support team. But new for 2025 is Rockdale Cares – the Village’s in-house domiciliary care service. It feels like the final piece of the puzzle, enabling Rockdale to offer truly all-encompassing support for its residents.
So why is this such a giant leap forward – and a huge benefit for those already living in the Village or considering a move there? Let’s take a look:
No need to hunt for external agencies
Residents and families avoid the stress and complexity of sourcing care independently.
Familiar faces delivering care
The Rockdale Cares team are Rockdale staff. Residents already know them from around the Village, making the service deeply personal.
Rapid response times.
Being based on-site means the team can be flexible with appointments and react quickly when support is needed.
Affordable and ethical pricing.
Rockdale is a not-for-profit organisation, meaning costs for Rockdale Cares are not inflated and are reinvested back into Rockdale to the benefit of all residing there.
Shorter visits if needed.
Unlike most care agencies that insist on a minimum 30-minute call, Rockdale Cares can pop in for as little as 15 minutes – perfect for smaller tasks or check-ins.
All of these benefits add up to one significant outcome: Rockdale residents can stay living independently, safely and happily for longer.
The Wide Range of Services Offered by Rockdale Cares
Rockdale Cares has been thoughtfully designed to be flexible, responsive, and tailored to individual needs. Here’s just a flavour of the services on offer:
Home Help: Like a trusted friend when family can’t be there, carers can assist with everyday tasks such as ironing, cooking or shopping.
Short-Term Care and Respite Packages: Whether recovering from an illness or giving family carers a well-deserved break, Rockdale Cares provides tailored support.
Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and other personal needs, always delivered with dignity and respect.
Medication Management: Helping residents stay on top of complex medication schedules, avoiding missed doses or errors.
One-to-One Companionship: Perfect for residents seeking company and conversation without committing to Rockdale’s full social calendar.
Each service is delivered with Rockdale’s trademark compassion and a strong understanding of the residents’ desire to remain independent.
Meet Bea Oliver: The Driving Force Behind Rockdale Cares
If you’ve been reading our blogs on Rockdale for a while, you’ll know there’s a recurring theme running throughout – people and community. From residents and employees to volunteers and fundraisers, the people of Rockdale are what make it truly special. Rockdale Cares is no different.
You might remember that in our previous blog, we mentioned Rockdale was recruiting a manager to lead these expanded services. So it feels only right that we shine the spotlight now on the incredible woman brought in to launch Rockdale Cares – Bea Oliver.
Bea joined Rockdale in the summer of 2024. Her journey into care wasn’t a straight line. For two decades, she worked as an Area Manager in retail, overseeing various stores. Life might have continued in that direction – but one evening changed everything.
Bea witnessed the rushed, impersonal domiciliary care her ageing mother-in-law was receiving and felt compelled to act. The very next morning, she handed in her notice and set herself a new mission: to deliver kind, dignified care to the elderly. Her goal was simple yet powerful – to enable just one person to live independently in their own home for as long as they chose.
Within days, Bea found herself working as a carer at a major Tonbridge care home. Her dedication and empathy quickly propelled her through the ranks. Before long, she was Rapport’s Area Manager for Domiciliary Care, overseeing services for residents across four Kent sites.
Fast forward ten years, and Bea’s mission has found its perfect home at Rockdale. Now, she’s not only responsible for the home support and front-of-house services for Rockdale’s 200-plus independent-living residents but is also overseeing the launch and daily management of Rockdale Cares. Her ethos remains clear: care should be driven by kindness.
Under Bea’s leadership, Rockdale Cares has not only launched successfully but has also met the rigorous standards required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring residents receive care that is safe, effective and compassionate.
What Are People Saying About Rockdale Cares?
Of course, the real measure of success for any care service is how it changes lives. The testimonials from Rockdale residents and families say it all:
“The Rockdale Cares carers are marvellous. They help us get going in the mornings by making us breakfast and helping us balance as we get dressed. They also do the jobs we now find difficult, like making the bed. Ultimately, they give us confidence that we can keep living independently and help us do things we’d worry about doing on our own.” John and Joyce, 96 and 92
“It’s such a relief to have Rockdale Cares. I have Parkinson’s so some things are really difficult for me. But the Rockdale Cares girls come to see me every day and make my life so much easier, and now I wonder why I never got help earlier!” Val, 82
“Rockdale Cares has lived up to its name when it comes to my recently widowed mother. The staff really do care about her – as well as caring for her. It is a great comfort to know she sees a friendly face twice a day. On a practical level, it means she has been able to remain living independently, despite some challenging health issues. One of the expert carers also flagged up an infection, which otherwise might have gone unnoticed, so we were able to get prompt treatment! We are so grateful that this new service was introduced, just when Mum needed it most.” Flora, daughter of a Rockdale resident
These heartfelt words highlight exactly why Rockdale Cares was created: to provide comfort, confidence and continuity for Rockdale’s residents and their families.
Want to Know More About Rockdale Cares?
Whether you’re considering Rockdale for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to learn more about how Rockdale Cares is transforming life in the Village, the team would be delighted to hear from you. You can reach Rockdale Cares via:
01732 458762
07849 907595
At Rockdale, care isn’t just a service – it’s a community promise. And with Rockdale Cares now part of that promise, the future looks brighter than ever for Sevenoaks’ older residents.
