The Lilacs

121 Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8NL
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9.8 28 Reviews
  • The Lilacs, Westcliff-on-Sea
The Lilacs is a small care home situated within walking distance of the sea front in Westcliff-on-Sea.

All care is personalised to suit the individual, with respect shown for loved ones and preference. The home helps clients to make the most of community life, while also offering respite support to local carers and being skilled in palliative care.

Care Provided by The Lilacs

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 17 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Oak Lodge Care Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Ali Knight (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (17)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for The Lilacs

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £950 – £975
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £950 – £975
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £950 – £975
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £950 – £975
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Lilacs to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Drive available for parking located at the front of the property


Total of 28, showing 1-20
9.8

The Lilacs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.845) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Lilacs has 28 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Nan has lived at The Lilacs for 18 months now and is now 101 years old. The manager, and all of the staff there are brilliant. They are really kind and caring. For my nan's 100th birthday last year, they put on a party for her and organised a cake and decorations. She had the best day and so did
I celebrating with her.
My nan is now bedbound and so stays in her room all day. My nan can be difficult with regards to personal care. However all the staff there are so caring with my nan and patient, and spend time with her which is so reassuring for me.
The manager and all the staff there are really approachable and easy to talk to regarding anything I want or need to discuss.
I feel happy and reassured that my nan is in safe loving hands at The Lilacs.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for your kind words, we really appreciate what you have said about our home and staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been in The Lilacs for a year now. I want to say how happy I am with how he has been looked after during that time. He is settled, content and I have no concerns whatsoever. The staff are friendly, kind and attentive, and nothing is too much trouble for them. They are careful to ensure the
dignity of residents is maintained at all times. As a regular visitor to my dad, I see the interactions between staff and residents and it is clear to me that the staff are always respectful, kind, encouraging, and most of all, patient. The food is all freshly cooked from scratch and Dad enjoys it very much. The Lilacs is homely for residents and welcoming for visitors. The beating heart of any care home is its staff and the Lilacs has an amazing team led by the manager, to whom Dad and I are extremely grateful.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for taking the time to give this lovely review, we always aim to give the best possible care to all. I will share with our team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum went to The Lilacs in April 2024. We visited before this date to check out the home and what facilities they had to offer. We had seen five care homes around this time and decided that the staff and care package that was on offer together with the facilities and cost was good value for money
and were happy that Mum would be looked after by the care team. The team The Lilacs are always very helpful, polite and approachable and will go the extra mile to make sure Mum is well looked after and cared for. They also take her out in the minibus for coffee or ice cream. Mum has been seen sitting in the garden when warm and participating in activities that they run. Mum has only been there for a short period of time, she has settled in well and getting into the routine of the home. We are very happy with the situation.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Was concerned when choosing a care home for my mum but since being at The Lilacs I have found the staff caring always with a smile on their face and welcoming when you visit. Mum has settled well and is well-groomed when I visit. The food is home-cooked and looks and smells delicious also. I have found
the staff engaging with myself and Mum and nothing is too much trouble if I ask for something. Mum went for respite but is now going to stay permanently in what I feel is a safe and kind environment, as we continue on mum’s dementia journey.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you, mum has settled in so well, joining in with others when activities are happening, as always it's so lovely to hear good things about our home. We appreciate all that you have said.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has only recently moved into Lilacs. The staff and manager have been excellent, taking time to help Mum settle in. She is enjoying the activities, especially being taken out on their bus. Also gave us support in this difficult decision and made us all feel comfortable.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you, Mum has settled in so well joining in with all the activities. It's our pleasure as always I'm glad we could make to you as comfortable as possible knowing it was a hard decision to make.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so grateful that my mother is a resident at The Lilacs as she approaches her 90th birthday this year. Though she clearly is suffering the effects of her age and dementia, it is abundantly clear during Mum's many phone conversations with my wife and I that she is happy, contented and incredibly
well-cared for by staff of whom she speaks glowingly. In her fragile state, both mental and physical, it's a huge comfort to my wife and I knowing that Mum is very much enjoying life at The Lilacs, thanks by and large to the diligent work of everyone there.
Thank you so much for all that you have done for her and continue to do.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you, its so lovely to receive these reviews, as always our team strive to make living here the best experience it can be.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy to find 'The Lilacs through my son. The day before my mother moved in, I mentioned Mum's move to a paramedic, and she waxed lyrical about it. Confirming to Mum that she would be well cared for and very happy there.
I have found the staff very welcoming and very easy to talk to about all aspects
of Mum's care.
The manager mentioned that there would be a settling-in period for Mum, and I believe we are still in that phase. Mum's room is well furnished with new bathroom furniture and plenty of wardrobe space. Most importantly to Mum, there is a TV above her bed. There is also a lounge shared by friendly residents and outside areas for the summer. Hopefully, going forward, Mum will feel more encouraged to leave her room and use these facilities.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for making the time to review us; it's always a pleasure to see families feed back. So pleased that we ticked all the right boxes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been in The Lilacs for some time now and all I can say is what a changed person she is. At home she never saw anyone, wanted to be alone and rarely smiled but now she is smiling and happier than ever, is always joining in the activities when I visit which is so lovely to see... so glad it's
taken the pressure off on us knowing all the girls look after our aunt.
The girls at Lilacs are a great team and give a great feeling of family.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you, as a team we strive to make it the best experience possible, I will pass on your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father had to be admitted to a care home and after viewing quite a few, we decided on Lilacs after visiting a couple of times where we spoke to the friendly and professional Lilacs team and some other residents.
Lilacs is the perfect fit for our father as is very homely and of a smaller size than
others which suits our father who has dementia down to the ground.
He is extremely happy, has made friends with other residents and the transition from him leaving his home to his new home at Lilacs has been seamless.
High recommended.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for such kind words, we strive to make the experience of moving into a home as smooth as possible. It's always nice to see residents interacting with each other and staff alike and feeling settled.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were required to place my elderly aunt into a care home at extremely short notice and thankfully The Lilacs were able to oblige. We were initially apprehensive but I am pleased to say it has been a total success. My aunt is much happier, safer, cosy and comfortable and it is a relief to know she
is receiving such excellent care. The staff are very friendly and caring, but also professional and knowledgeable. My aunt spends much time in the communal area, which we never thought would be possible as she had been bed-bound in hospital for several weeks. I was lucky enough to attend their Christmas party last weekend and great fun was had by all. The staff worked so hard to make it a success, with music, games, decorations and a massive spread of delicious food. Thanks very much to all the staff for all that you do.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for such kind words, we as a team appreciate it immensely. So glad you enjoyed the party.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad passed away in 2017 and consequently, this had an effect on my mum who was diagnosed with dementia and was slowly deteriorating. We as a family did our best to take care of her with the help of a live-in carer. Eventually, everything became too overwhelming and therefore, it was decided our mum
needed a permanent residential place. Within walking distance of Mum's house amazingly, we found The Lilacs Residential Care home.
Initially, I booked an appointment to be shown around and to find out about the facilities. Afterwards, I felt happy that I had found the perfect place for Mum to live and she moved in March 2023. The contrast between her living in the Lilacs and her previous home is remarkable. She has become much happier and more active. She has made friends and joins in all group activities.
Now as a family, we can feel an immense sense of relief. The staff are very friendly, caring, efficient and supportive.

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

Thank you for your kind words, as always its a pleasure to read these comments. It's lovely to know the we can make a difference.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has just spent two weeks respite at The Lilacs and the care and support she received was such a relief for us as a family. The care team were brilliant - respectful, knowledgeable and clearly committed to their work. They were a cheerful presence for Mum and the other residents and her comfort and
well-being was a top priority. They were so flexible with her changing needs and made it easy for us to take Mum out ad hoc or to sit in the garden. Mum’s room was cozy, bright and clean and the food was varied and enjoyable.
We would definitely use The Lilacs again, both for respite and if and when Mum needs to make a permanent move in the future. Huge thanks to the staff for their care and their smiles.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well what can I say, my mum came to The Lilacs for 2 weeks' respite to give my dad a rest and for mum to get away from the isolation of her room being unable to get out anymore. We were very apprehensive about putting Mum into a home but wow, from the first viewing to Mum coming home tomorrow she has
received the utmost care and attention. Three members of staff in particular have been amazing, always happy and laughing no matter how much pressure they are under, which is a lot! We have been able to take Mum out for walks along the front and a picnic in the garden. Mum has been able to have a shower and bath which she has not been able to do for years. I can’t thank them enough for making the whole experience bearable for my mum and my family. The level of understanding of dementia and medical attention was second to none. Lilacs you have the best team and they are all a credit to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done and maybe see you all again one day!

Reply from Ali Knight, Manager at The Lilacs

It was our pleasure to have Mum with us, thank you for such lovely words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan moved into The Lilacs in April 2023. She is no longer mobile, and is manoeuvred by a hoist which she finds distressing. I was anxious about my nan moving homes. Moving to The Lilacs has been the best thing for her. The manager Ali is incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate and is a good leader
for the staff. The staff are compassionate, caring, and professional. I cannot praise them enough, they use their empathy and interpersonal skills to keep my nan calm. My nan spends time in the communal areas and in her room. I am reassured as the staff spend time with my nan, keeping her company and chatting with her.
The staff have a fantastic rapport with my nan and use their initiative with regard to contacting me about matters. My nan has her 100th birthday approaching and the staff at The Lilacs are arranging everything. I'm made welcome when visiting and feel involved in my nan's care plan.
I would really recommend The Lilacs to anyone considering moving a relative into a care home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum entered The Lilacs pre-Covid to spend dad’s last year together. She is wheelchair bound and there are facilities to deal with mobility including a hoist for transfers. Close to the seafront and park for accessible trips out. The staff are accommodating to have her ready with an hour's notification.
Dietary requests during visits and calls are given to the staff for subsequent mealtimes and snacks. Health is monitored closely, and doctors and ambulances are called to treat problems in good time. There are regular stimulating activities in the common room which mum doesn’t always want to join in, and her wishes are respected. Her room is always tidy and orderly and full of photographs to stimulate conversation. The carers will call the family immediately when there is an issue, however large or small - they are all important to mum. She misses her independence but life in The Lilacs gives her the freedom possible in her circumstances and care around the clock. Much appreciated!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had been caring for my mother-in-law in her home for about 18 months (with the assistance of carers) but with a young family and full-time jobs, the time came for us to have a break.
We were recommended the Lilacs, went to visit and booked in for 2 weeks of respite. Circumstances changed, and dementia
ramped up to a point where we couldn’t cope anymore. I called the Lilacs through pure desperation as no one else was helping. The dementia services in our area completely failed us. The manager of the Lilacs will never understand how much she helped me that week, nothing was too much trouble she checked in, picked up the phone and asked “What can I do?”. Respite started earlier, we got the break we needed and my mother-in-law was safe and being cared for professionally.
The level of care and support from staff is 2nd to none. The communication is great, this is all new territory for us and everything is explained so we understand what’s happening. We can’t thank the Lilac team enough really!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad needed emergency respite care due to unforeseen circumstances and we were lucky enough as a family to have The Lilacs recommended to us and they certainly have not let us down! To see my dad's face when he was welcomed on the day we took him told me straight away that he had warmed and felt comfortable
when greeted by the wonderful staff. And since then he has now become a permanent resident of the home and has settled so well despite advancing Alzheimer's. The care and support from the staff have been amazing. I feel so comfortable that he is receiving the best care and their experience, caring nature and response to his needs have been fantastic. I couldn't wish for a better place for him. The communication with the staff and Manager have been constant, and consistent and has kept us up to date all the time, especially during the initial settling-in period and beyond. They have responded to his needs brilliantly even moving rooms to accommodate his ongoing care needs. Kind and caring!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

During my visits over the past year, I have always found the manager and staff to be helpful and friendly and have been kept informed of any changes in the circumstances of my friend.
The dedicated staff are always approachable and do well-taking care of residents, making a difficult job look easy.
Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum lived at The Lilacs Care Home for over two years before she sadly passed away. Throughout that time she received excellent care from all the lovely staff. Knowing that she was safe and well cared for gave us all peace of mind. I would like to thank everyone at The Lilacs for always being kind
and making my mum's last years as happy and comfortable as possible.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad joined The Lilacs Care Home for respite in July 2022 after a long stay in hospital. We were unsure how he would get on there as he never wanted to go in a care home but, with dementia, we couldn't leave Dad at home anymore with just carers coming in as and when without worrying about him 24/7 and
holding down a job and family. Best decision we made for Dad. He is always happy when I go to see him, washed and kept how he would have cared for himself if he could. Staff are very friendly and caring and are always happy to help you if there are things you want to change and implement for Dad's care. We know Dad is happy at Lilacs as we know that he would let us know if not in his own little way (being agitated and unsettled). Staff always let us know if Dad is unwell and keep us informed of any medication given for added illnesses. Best decision made for Dad as he is safe and happy and his needs are being met and we can visit him and know he is safe when we leave.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.845)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.845) out of 10 for The Lilacs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.845 for The Lilacs is calculated as follows: ( (170 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 200 Ratings = 4.845

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Lilacs is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 17 registered maximum number of service users is 3.4, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 3 Sep 2022

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

1 Bed Vacancy

posted 13 Feb 2025

1 single room vacant


Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Lilacs

What types of Care is The Lilacs registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Lilacs provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Lilacs have?

There are 17 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Lilacs?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Lilacs to the centre of Westcliff-on-Sea?

0.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.