Alfriston Court Care Home

Sloe Lane, Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5UR
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9.6 77 Reviews
  • Alfriston Court Care Home, Polegate
Stunningly situated on the very edge of picturesque Alfriston where the heart of the village is only a stroll away, this exceptionally spacious Edwardian-style country house commands outstanding views across nearly three acres of beautiful lawns and gardens and of the countryside beyond.

With accommodation for both individuals and couples, Afriston Court encompasses 27 individually designed rooms, some interconnecting and two very large two-roomed suites.

Affording high-quality comfortable living with the envied standard of care that has always been provided by Chanctonbury Healthcare’s skilled professionals, Alfriston Court promises specifically designed care to facilitate a relaxing happy retirement, with the knowledge that expert and individual nursing care is available if and when it is needed in the future.

Visitors are welcome at any time and will always be made to feel truly welcome with coffee, tea and biscuits always available. Alfriston Court is an acclaimed care home with a truly respected reputation for excellence.

- Downs restaurant
- Personalised menus
- Room service
- Large individually designed rooms
- Very spacious en suites
- Assisted bathing facilities, if required
- Nutrition and hydration advice
- Social and recreational activities
- Hobbies and crafts
- Community events

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Care Provided by Alfriston Court Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 27 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Alfriston Care Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Anita Message (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • All are welcome
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (25)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 4

Funding & Fees Guide for Alfriston Court Care Home

  • 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 from £1,400
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,400

  • Alfriston Court’s fees Nursing care start at £1400 per week depending on the room chosen and the needs of the resident. This is not inclusive of Funded Nursing Care (FNC). FNC is provided by the NHS to nursing homes to support the provision of nursing care by a registered nurse for those assessed as eligible.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Alfriston Court Care Home 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)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at Alfriston Court at any time and there is ample parking on-site with a dedicated visitors' car park. If wishing to visit outside daylight hours or over the weekend please call ahead to ensure that a member of staff is available to provide entry into the home.


  • Parking

  • Alfriston Court has a free, on site visitors' car park. The car park is signposted when entering the property - it is the second right when driving up the driveway.


Alfriston Court Care Home Reviews (77)

Total of 77, showing 61-77
9.6

Alfriston Court Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.649) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Alfriston Court Care Home has 77 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from M G (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Alfriston Court were very responsive when my mother needed respite care. They provide a friendly environment, good communication with family and caring staff. My mother says "I am very well looked after". Her health has noticeably improved during her stay.

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Review from Linda C (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has now been a resident for over a year during which time she has received excellent care from sympathetic and kindly staff. Organised activities and trips out to various venues are a great help in keeping the residents occupied and active wherever possible.

Reply from Gwyn Williams, Registered Home Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Many thanks for your kind comments. We strive for the best at our home and hope we can continue to meet high standards. Many Thanks - Gwyn Willaims.


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Review from Elizabeth O (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We used this home for respite for my father, who has vascular dementia after struggling to find somewhere where he would settle. Alfriston Court was perfect for him. He was happy and settled and really well looked after. The staff were wonderful with him and when I picked him up he was relaxed and content.
His room was really nice and with a lovely view, I asked him how the food was and he said 'very good'. I will be using Alfriston Court from now on for respite.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Associate Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for your kind words about our home. We pride ourselves on our beautiful rooms and are so happy to hear that your father was happy here. We look forward to welcoming him back in our home whenever you would next like him to stay here.


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Review from Peter R (Son of Resident) published on 28 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since mum has been here I have been very pleased and she looks very well and healthy.
The home is very well set out and I am grateful for all the care that she receives.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Associate Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your comments. We are very pleased to hear that your mother is happy in the home.


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Review from Vanessa H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The residents are provided with good games and quizzes which keeps their minds active and have great visits from animals which my mum loves and really enjoys. The staff are kind and attentive mum is settled down very quickly and is very happy here.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Associate Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We have been working on improving our activities over the last few months and are still doing what we can to improve! We appreciate the feedback and are so happy that your mother is happy in our home!


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Review from Geriant W (Friend of Resident) published on 28 September 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Myself and my partner visited a Dear family friend and were very impressed with the standard of the home. Most homes you visit are dull and unwelcoming but Alfriston Court was the complete opposite, the home was of an excellent high standard and very clean and welcoming.
We were greeted in reception
by the nurse who was very pleasant and helpful and made us very welcome. The nurse took us to our friend we were visiting to her room and not long after we were there a tray of tea and home made cakes arrived (excellent Service).
Our friend told us she is very happy at Alfriston Court and she is cared for really well by all the staff.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Associate Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, it is so appreciated. It means a lot that the guests in the home feel comfortable and happy in the environment and vital to us that our residents are happy, so we really appreciate your kind feedback.


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Review from Richard M (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 26 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am an attorney for a lady who has only recently moved into Alfriston Court Luxury Care Home as a resident, so am not in a position to make informed judgements. Clearly maintaining permanent staff levels is a problem in this rural location - and the fabric of the building requires further investment.
However the new manager has yet to rise to the challenges and I'm sure will do so. Staff are cheerful and willing and the location is superb.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Associate Manager at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you very much Richard for your review. We have worked very hard recently to take on dedicated permanent staff for the home to ensure continuity of care for the residents. Further, we are working to improve on the décor and furnishings, so hopefully you should see some very positive changes in the near future. Our new manager Gwyn is working tirelessly to make the home the absolute best it can be and we hope you will note the difference very soon!


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Review from S H (Resident) published on 23 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As a new resident (of less than 2 weeks!) I am only just beginning to appreciate where I am but I love my beautiful room with a view!

Reply from Maureen Taylor, Operations Director at Alfriston Court Care Home

Special thank you to SH for taking the time to send this feedback.


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Review from L S (Wife of Resident) published on 29 December 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Management and reception and nursery staff - very kind and caring.

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Review from Nikki G (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am delighted with the care that my mother receives at Alfriston Court. It is managed to a very high standard and the staff are professional; efficient and consistently friendly and positive, both towards mum and family and friends who come to visit her.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Project Developer at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you for your extremely kind words. We will do everything we can to continue to care for your mother in the best way!


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Review from Diana W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 October 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Grateful a place become available for my mother. I feel my mother is safe and well cared for this is happy relief for me staff are great my mother is mostly happy.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Project Developer at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We will strive to make Alfriston Court a truly excellent home and value your feedback to help us in doing so.


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Review from David B (Friend of Resident) published on 23 October 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always welcoming and a very efficiently run home. The staff are very caring and there is a happy atmosphere with themed days when the residents may partake. I have sampled the food on many occasions and it is very good with a choice of menu.
it is well led with a strong and caring team of nurses and
carers.

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Review from Anne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum moved to the above home in late July and has settled in very well. I thought it would upset her to move but after the first day she is now in better spirits than before she came. It is almost like turning back the clock two years. She is now being got up everyday and her communication skills
seem better than before. I think this has helped by there being fewer carers all female and clear speaking. She seems relaxed, less anxious and happier, she has dementia and cannot walk or see and has partial hearing.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Project Developer at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you for you lovely words! We're so glad your mum loves it with us.


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Review from Rick C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 14 October 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has received first class care from extremely sympathetic staff tending to her every need, physical and emotional. She has been able to call for help 24/7, she has been 'fed and watered' throughout the day and has been washed, showered, hair washed, etc, whenever needed. The home is
in a beautiful location with excellent facilities and staff thoroughly committed to ensuring her well being.

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Review from Alison E (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 93 year old mother has dementia. The decision to move her into a nursing home was only taken a month ago. The atmosphere in Alfriston Court reflects upon the excellent relationship between the manager and all the nursing, care, kitchen and maintenance staff. This, in turn, ensures a relaxing day
to day life for the residents. Everybody working there is warm and welcoming. Activities are available to stimulate physical and mental health and the choice of beautifully presented food allows for individual appetites and needs. The move from home into a nursing home can be difficult for both the resident and their family. The staff here have made that move easier by listening, understanding and having an 'open door' policy at all times. Alfriston Court focuses on the welfare of each individual in a family atmosphere.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Project Developer at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely words!


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Review from Emma (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 September 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Alfriston Court is not like other care homes. It combines the luxury feel and privacy of a hotel with the friendliness of a family home.
The staff are excellent and really care about the residents. My grandmother has really settled in well thanks to their effort and care.
The manager is friendly
and professional. She is very approachable and encourages family input. She has a great understanding of the needs of her residents and works hard with her staff to ensure they are met.
The home has a good range of activities in the home and regularly take the residents out. They also hold open mornings/days for the whole family to come to which are great fun.
The location is absolutely beautiful and my grandmother never tires of the stunning view from her room.
Overall I would highly recommend this care home.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, Project Developer at Alfriston Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. We will do everything we can to keep our standards high and make sure your grandmother is incredibly happy in our home.


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Review from Nicholas T (Grandson of Resident) published on 21 September 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Beautiful setting in the East Sussex countryside that was previously a hotel so rooms and amenities have views, character, size and en-suite bathroom. Mostly permanent staff and hygiene/quality of care is to a high standard.

Reply from Rebecca Hignett, 01323487931 at Alfriston Court Care Home

Many thanks for your kind words about our home. We continuously strive to improve our services and standards, so we take on board your ratings and will be doing everything we can to make your grandmother's stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.649)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.649) out of 10 for Alfriston Court Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.649 for Alfriston Court Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (142 Excellents x 5) + (54 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 205 Ratings = 4.649

  • 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 Alfriston Court Care Home is based on 18 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 27 registered maximum number of service users is 5.4, which has been reached with 18 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

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

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Meet the Team (3)

Anita

Anita Message

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2018

Anita Message qualified as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in 1986 before going on to midwifery training and qualifying in 1989.


After having her own three daughters and working in a primary school for many years, specifically on a one-to-one basis with Special Education Needs children, Anita applied for the post of Nurse at Alfriston Court in 2018.


She then secured the role of Head of Care at the beginning of 2020, taking on the Registered Manager Role in 2024 following the retirement of Shirley Eyles.


Anita says: “I once heard that, if you found a job you love, then you would never have to work again. If that’s the case, I can honestly say I haven’t worked a single day since September 2018!”


“Alfriston is one of my all-time favourite villages. The setting of Alfriston Court is quite exquisite. I feel that this really is my dream job. Love every second of it.”


Adam

Adam Hards

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2008

Following his initial training as a chef in a BUPA care home, Adam was headhunted by his former BUPA head chef and persuaded to join him at Alfriston Court as his second chef, having bagged the top job there when it first opened.


Adam quickly worked his way up, completing sought-after qualifications in hospitality supervision and leadership and, when Alfriston’s head chef moved on, Adam was more than able to step up. He is enormously well-liked and has a superb set of skills which keep his menus exciting, nutritious, traditional yet innovative and well-balanced.


Adam takes great pride in delivering the very best quality cuisine for Alfriston Court’s residents and has been a finalist in the Independent Care Home Caterer of the Year Awards.


“It wasn’t something I was looking for at the time, but I’m very happy I grabbed the opportunity to work at Alfriston Court. Becoming Head Chef has allowed me to develop my skills even further and I really enjoy what I do for our lovely residents.”


Vanessa

Vanessa Simmons

Job Title: Activities Co-ordinator

Joined: 2018

Vanessa (aka Nessie, pictured left) was one of the famous Butlins’ Redcoats, a title given to frontline staff at Butlins holiday camps throughout the UK with duties ranging from adults’ and children’s entertainment to stewarding.


Undergoing a tough selection process, each Redcoat has to show customer services and guest-facing skills and can also showcase their singing and dancing expertise.


Nessie stills absolutely loves singing and entertaining and puts these skills to great use for our residents here at Alfriston Court, which she joined two years ago. One of her biggest aims, she says, is to keep the residents happy and Nessie organises events to keep everyone engaged and as fit as they can be.


Sallyann is a more recent addition to the activities team, but joins us with a mass of experience. We'll update you with her background just as soon as we have it all!