Queensmead

92 Victoria Road, Polegate BN26 6BU
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9.1 75 Reviews
  • Queensmead, Polegate
With its family-centric ethos and welcoming atmosphere, Queensmead is conveniently situated in the village of Polegate, just north of Eastbourne: perfect for local amenities and just five minutes’ walk from the train station.

Purpose-built, Queensmead boasts modern facilities with en suites for each resident, all amid a happy, friendly and restorative environment, surrounded by delightful grounds.

Every room is well-appointed – although residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with their own items and small pieces of furniture to add to the feeling of homeliness – additionally emphasised by Queensmead's curative philosophy of welcoming visitors at all times.

The lounge, sunroom and maintained gardens offer friendly social spaces for residents to relax in with friends and family and the truly wonderful care colleagues and support staff, who are totally committed to the home's care values, are available 24-hours a day providing bespoke care, regardless of the complexity.

- Bright and airy dining room
- Top-quality cuisine
- An emphasis on nutrition
- Personalised menus
- Social and recreational activities
- Hobbies and crafts
- Regular trips
- Tea, coffee and biscuits always available for you, family and friends
- 34 bedrooms
- A lift
- 3 assisted bathrooms
- Healthy nutrition plan

Show Queensmead on the Map

Care Provided by Queensmead

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 34 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Samantha Folwell (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (34)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1989
    • Last Refurbishment: 2000
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Queensmead

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,350
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,350

  • Fees are all inclusive, the only additions are for external professionals such as hairdresser, chiropody etc.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Queensmead to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at Queensmead at any time and there is ample parking on site. If wishing to visit outside daylight hours or over the weekend, please call ahead to ensure that a member of staff is available to enable entry into the home.


    During COVID-19 Government restrictions, visiting is also restricted at Queensmead. Please phone the home for up to date visiting information or visit the Coronavirus page on the website


  • Parking

  • Free car park on site at Queensmead.


Queensmead Reviews (75)

Total of 75, showing 1-20
9.1

Queensmead has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.121) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Queensmead has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 53
  • 17
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2

Date Published

75
2
2
9
66

Review from Kathy G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

It is now 6 months since my mother-in-law passed away, having been a resident at Queensmead for the last 2 and a half years of her life. We have no issues with the standard of care she received prior to her passing, as the caring team were always kindly and supportive of her needs as she grew more frail.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the owner/director and accounts department of the Chanctonbury group, who fail to acknowledge our phone calls, emails or text messages requesting that the refund due to my mother-in-law's estate be paid forthwith. This action is contrary to the terms of the contract which state that all refunds due must be made within 2 months of a resident passing away. No regard has been given to the stress this has caused my family at this very sad time. It is equally worrying that according to Companies House, the company name was changed from Chanctonbury to Aethel Care Homes Ltd on 28 October this year. I wonder why!

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Review from Joanne M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Extremely angry and frustrated with the directors of the company who have yet to repay my grandmother's deposit and payment made in advance which is due 5 months on since she died. This has caused extreme stress to my parents who have been ignored and on occasion that they have been able to speak to
a director fobbed off with false promises. Furthermore, they also seem to think it is acceptable to ignore my email where I have given them the opportunity to explain if there is an issue before I have to resort to writing such a review.

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Review from Laraine K (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear mum was a resident at Queensmead for approximately 3 weeks. She was extremely happy and settled and all the staff were so kind and supportive to my mum and us as a family too. Nothing was too much trouble, everyone was extremely friendly and their professionalism was second to none. Mum really
enjoyed the activities, even drawing a picture for the first time in years! The food was excellent and Mum loved the social side of being with other residents. Thank you all, you are all amazing.

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Review from G C (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had a short stay at Queensmead. She was looked after extremely well. The staff are so caring and nothing is too much trouble. Such a lovely place.

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Review from D M (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Mum has been living at Queensmead for two and a half years. She is very happy there and extremely well looked after. The staff are always kind and caring and fun and enthusiastic. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly but at the same time highly professional. There are so many activities and entertainments
which are tailored to the residents needs and likes. There is a good choice of food and drinks which are very high quality. The staff keep me informed if Mum is unwell and are very welcoming and helpful to me when I visit. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
If I ever need to be cared for I would definitely want to live at Queensmead.

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Review from D H (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the care my mother is receiving at Queensmead. The staff are very caring and patient with my mother who I know from experience can be very difficult and demanding. I have found Queensmead to be very responsive to any queries I have regarding the behaviour my mother presents
to people and they are always reassuring.
There are lots of interesting activities for residents to take part in and others are added to respond to the needs and interests of residents.
The home is always clean and well run and Mum has not looked so well and cared for, for many years.

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Review from Cyril W (Respite Resident) published on 11 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of the best five-star hotels I've stayed in. The caring staff were welcoming on arrival and the response to the call bell was excellent, both night and day, as well as being caring and supportive throughout.
The activity staff were quick to move in when things slowed down a little, they offered
a varied programme of events but would have liked a little more physical activity. The drumming afternoon was a good example of appropriate physical activity.
The food and kitchen staff, again, were appropriate to residents' needs, the choice was good and ideas asked for.
Thank you all.

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Review from M P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Reception staff Very welcoming.
Rooms kept clean and tidy.
Washing service excellent.
Excellent activity coordinators.
Excellent food (home cooked) and good choice.
Adequate communication between staff and relatives.
Appears to be lots of agency staff being used at the moment so confusing for
service users.
Regular staff are very caring and helpful.
It would be very helpful if all staff wore name badges.

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Review from Jackie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad died in November, my mum was married to him for 64 years and he was her carer. Reluctantly I started looking for a care home near me, although Dad had always said he didn’t want Mum in a home. I needn’t have worried, Mum has been made to feel so welcome, she loves her bright bedroom and the staff
are so kind. The staff work together to ensure all the residents' needs are met and there is a lovely homely atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep Mum occupied. Mum now has pride in her appearance and her diabetes is well controlled, she looks the best she has in a long time. I am so grateful to have found Queensmead.

Reply from Nicola White, Regional Business Manager at Queensmead

Thank you so much for your review, your feedback is so important to us. I am pleased that your mum feels so at home and has settled in well at Queensmead. I will share your kind words with the team.


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Review from H W (Niece of Resident) published on 15 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt was recently at the home for respite care. I felt welcomed as a visitor and staff were friendly. I was impressed by the light and spacious environment, the range of activities and the good care and excellent meals which my aunt, a reluctant eater, enjoyed. Her stay with you has perked her up
and as a relative, I had peace of mind knowing all was well.

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Review from Denise P (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can't thank Queensmead enough, for their kind and caring staff that looked after my dad, when he caught covid. Queensmead is such a warm and friendly atmosphere. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The home is very clean and bright and has such a welcoming feel.

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Review from M D (Son of Resident) published on 15 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Efficient, extremely friendly, kind and caring team. My mother could not have had a better experience. Every member of the team, from senior management to the people working unseen in the background deserve a round of applause!
Forever grateful!
Thank you all.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

So happy you are happy! And thank you so much for taking the time to review us. It means such a lot. I shall pass on your review to the whole team.


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Review from Linda U (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been very happy in Queensmead. The staff are all very nice and caring and have done their best to keep us updated through this awful year. Arrangements to see my mum have been well organised; my only concern is Mum always likes to be busy, always joins in the activities, but I understand there
is not a full-time one now, so Mum is getting bored and quite fatigued.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

Thank you so much for your review. We're really chuffed you love the team and the care we provide for mum. I responded personally to your concerns about our activities schedule a few days ago, that you are correct in that a small number of the activities had to be postponed during the pandemic for logistical reasons. This is due to a few factors, including staff shielding and ensuring they took well-earned and necessary annual leave, but I can only stress again here that there is still both a full-time activities coordinator and a part-time co-ordinator that cover the week and ensure that there are activities every day. Of course, now that visiting has resumed, albeit on an appointment basis, we are seeing such a positive effect on our residents going forward and this can only add to lifting mum's spirits after such a trial. I will end by just applauding our activities teams across the company, who have done an amazing job throughout this last year, in the face of such a challenge.


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Review from Vanessa W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has only been in The Queensmead for about three months. This is all new to her as she has never been in residential care. She has settled in well, and we find the staff very helpful, caring, cheerful and friendly. Mum especially enjoys the food.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

That's so good to hear. I shall pass your comments on to all the team including our wonderful chef!


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Review from Peter L (Nephew of Resident) published on 11 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at The Queensmead are amazing. My auntie is being cared for really well. We didn't think she would have settled so well but has now been there a year, and loves it - especially the food! Well done to everyone at The Queensmead - you're the best!

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

It's great to hear you love Queensmead. We're very proud of our care and the team will love reading your words. Thank you very much.


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Review from B P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This review is submitted with limited knowledge at current standards due to Covid-19 visiting restrictions. In general, standards of care are very good, and the staff are professional, caring and compassionate. But we have been disappointed with the communication during the pandemic from senior management
and head office. Information and updates were infrequent, consultation and inclusion on relatives in regular discussions about our loved ones state of health and wellbeing would be very much appreciated.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

Thank you very much for your review. Let me answer your two concerns. I completely understand your questions at this unprecedented time where we have all struggled with a situation we've never encountered before. Firstly, I can absolutely reassure you that our standards have remained as high as ever during visiting restrictions, as I am sure you will see when visiting begins once again. I hold on to the fact that you have fully experienced already our wonderful care and support teams. Secondly, the question of communication during this time is a difficult one. We have received much conflicting official data over the past year that we were not able to pass on. However, you must always feel free to contact us by telephone whenever you wish, as most of our relatives and loved ones do, and our care and support teams will give you an update either immediately or as soon as they can, day or night.


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Review from Tracey L (Friend of Resident) published on 26 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very caring and supportive. They have done an amazing job in such difficult times. They are approachable, and in the three years since I have known them, they have always had the safety and respect of their residents in mind. Keep up the good work, although hard as it is; you are appreciated.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

We will! And thank you so much. Your kind words are truly appreciated, and I'll make sure the whole team sees your lovely comments. We're looking forward to seeing you all again soon.


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Review from Gay F (Niece of Resident) published on 24 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm full of admiration for the staff and their level of care. Feedback given to people is excellent.

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

Thank you so much. The team will be very happy to read your words, and I shall be sure to share this with all of them. Thank you again.


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Review from Nicholas W (Son of Resident) published on 24 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is currently with the home and is sadly gradually fading due to old age and health issues, which the staff have dealt with much care and attention, which we are very grateful for, especially over the last year. The staff are always pleased to help, to help us with any problems and we get regular
updates when necessary.
Thanks to them all for their care and good humour!

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

You are very welcome. I'm so happy to read your kind words and will make sure to pass your review to the whole team. Thank you for taking the time to write this review for us. It makes such a difference to us all.


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Review from L M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Queensmead staff have been amazing in supporting my mother and me in these very challenging times. Mum has been living there for a number of years, and it is only due to their care support and going the extra mile that she is a well as she can be with her issues and still with us. I have consistently
been impressed by the way she is treated. Even she says the majority of the staff have her and care for her. What more care one say!

Reply from Debra Freeman, Head of Sales & Marketing at Queensmead

So very good to hear you continue to be so happy with your mother's care at our Queensmead care home, and that we've made such a difference for you. That is so important to the whole team, and I shall be sure to pass on your message. Thank you so much.


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Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.121)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.121) out of 10 for Queensmead is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 7 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 4.421 for Queensmead is calculated as follows: ( (67 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.421

  • 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 4.7 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Queensmead is based on 7 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 = 3.7

    • 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 34 registered maximum number of service users is 6.8, which has been reached with 7 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: 15 Feb 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Queensmead

What types of Care is Queensmead 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 Queensmead provide?

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

How many Rooms does Queensmead have?

There are 34 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Queensmead?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Queensmead to the centre of Polegate?

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