Fernbank Residential Home

25/27 Gratwick Road, Worthing BN11 4BN
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9.8 43 Reviews
  • Fernbank Residential Home, Worthing
Fernbank is an exceptionally attractive and well-appointed residence for retired ladies and gentlemen in the very centre of Worthing.

The home is within a few minutes of the seafront and promenade with far reaching views across the English Channel and Sussex coastline. Local bus routes and train station are also within walking distance.

Fernbank is designed to care for those who wish to be in comfortable, pleasant surroundings with like-minded company and social environments. The home assures high quality cuisine and the attendance of helpful and caring staff during the day and night.

Fernbank boasts a stunning and substantial new extension completed in Spring 2017. The new building has increased the number of rooms to 46, as well as adding a spacious dining room with air conditioning. Luxurious communal lounges, activity room, a patio and herb garden plus a very popular hairdressing salon were all included in the extended home. Most bedrooms are en-suite and are beautifully decorated and furnished. Each room has a plasma TV, Wifi and a free private telephone.

There is an air conditioned dining room and lounges for comfort in the warmer summer months.

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Care Provided by Fernbank Residential Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 46 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Donna Harwood (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (46)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2017

Funding & Fees Guide for Fernbank Residential 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 £907 – £1,326

  • There are no extras except newspapers, hairdressing and chiropody.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Fernbank Residential 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
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Well behaved family pets may be brought to visit.


    Regular activities and entertainers, to which visitors always welcome to attend, no invitation required.


  • Parking

  • Limited on site parking, there is on street parking that is usually free.


Fernbank Residential Home Reviews (43)

Total of 43, showing 1-20
9.8

Fernbank Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.785) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fernbank Residential Home has 43 reviews.

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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has received excellent care since she went into Fernbank a couple of months ago. All the staff have been so friendly and helpful and genuinely care about the residents. Nothing is too much trouble, and they have gone the extra mile to help with on-going care. The facilities are really good
and the place is kept very clean and tidy. Food is also very good and the staff will always offer to provide a drink and biscuits or cake when we visit. I am happy to recommend Fernbank Care Home.

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Review from C H (Respite Resident) published on 6 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the second time I have been here for respite care and it has not disappointed me again. All the staff are first class, food very good, and the surrounding are spacious and well maintained and very clean. What more could you want.

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Review from A B (Resident) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very well looked after during my respite time at Fernbank. The staff are very helpful and very friendly. Very well run home I would definitely recommend. Many thanks to the excellent staff.

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Review from Denise P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fernbank feels like a family. Every member of staff from carers to maintenance and kitchen staff knows and treats the residents with respect and compassion. The home is very clean and well maintained and everyone is warmly welcomed.
There is always staff popping in for a friendly chat or just making
sure mum is okay. I am very happy with the care and attention mum receives and more importantly, mum is happy at Fernbank. I would not hesitate to recommend this very caring home.

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Review from G W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Fernbank since May this year and I can not praise this home enough. My mum has improved in so many ways I am delighted with the care and support she receives and also the feedback on my mother's ongoing care. The food is amazing, and there are so many activities to occupy the residents.
The staff are friendly and I am so impressed with the level of attention from all levels of staff. I would recommend this home to anyone. Well done Fernbank and South Coast Nursing Homes.

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Review from Patricia T (Resident) published on 19 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have received the best of care at Fernbank. The staff have treated me with respect at all times and my health both physically and mentally has improved enormously.

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Review from K P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A huge thank you to everyone at Fernbank for putting on such a great Christmas party - thanks for all the hard work put in by all.
It was so lovely to see Mum having such fun, and the video of her joining in the singing and dancing with her grandson has brought much joy to our family - we made a very
special memory yesterday
Thanks once more too for everything you’ve done for Mum this year - it’s been up and down, as you know. But Mum couldn’t be in a kinder, more supportive place and we are all really appreciative of that.

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Review from M R (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 28 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very caring staff. Always a calm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Managers were very helpful when I was discharged from hospital and have done everything possible to prevent me having falls.

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Review from A S (Respite Resident) published on 28 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Right from the first contact on the telephone, I was treated with consideration and care. The staff are wonderful, nothing is too much trouble.
Attractive surroundings and very clean. Good food, coffee, tea and biscuits or cake are served during the day. Entertainment provided and walks arranged with
a member of staff to accompany.
During my month's stay, I was able to see their doctor and get my pain under control and get walking again. I would not hesitate to recommend this home.

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Review from Katie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My dad has settled in very quickly. The home has a happy and friendly environment. The staff are always helpful and will put themselves out if assistance is needed. He has been very happy with the meals provided.

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Review from Sheila H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All I can say is thank you to everyone at Fernbank, you are so lovely with my mum. She has been at the home since she broke her hip in 2021. She enjoys the banter with ‘the Elaines’ (as do I) she joins in with all the fun! Is a regular companion on shopping trips into town! (When she remembers her hearing
aids) she enjoys socializing with all her new friends! Thank you to the whole Fernbank team.

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Review from M D (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Mother has recently become a resident of Fernbank Residential Home and from our first contact with this home, my sister and I have nothing but praise and thanks to the manager and all the staff there.
The premises and rooms are bright, clean and welcoming, the facilities great and there are activities
and entertainment options every day of the week. It's amazing!
Our mum is settling well after only two weeks which we put down to the care of the manager and staff. Mum has also praised the staff for their kindness.
We are so happy and relieved that she is in good hands and that we can visit her anytime we like.
Thank you Fernbank.

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Review from H R (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Dad has been a resident at Fernbank for the past three years, moving in just before lockdown in 2020. Over that time, the level of care he has received has been exceptional. The majority of staff show a real understanding of his anxieties and needs and they also keep a close eye on his physical health.
There are regular activities for residents to take part in to encourage them to socialise with other residents and take part in quizzes, physical activities and singing. I am always made to feel welcome when I visit and most of the staff know me by name. I am kept well informed and often shown photographs of him taking part in activities. The care plan that was written recently to help staff to manage Dad’s anxiety episodes showed a true understanding of his feelings and characteristics and is being implemented when he becomes agitated or upset about any small changes to routine, resulting in there being no need for further medication to calm him down.

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Review from Jane R (Friend of Resident) published on 20 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear friend went into Fernbank Residential Home with a view of staying for only a few weeks but stayed just over a year. He settled in so well and got on with other residents. Members of staff were always cheerful and caring. He had a self-contained room with his own shower and toilet and I know
that once he left his room in the morning he would spend the rest of the day in the main sitting room with the other residents and only return to his room at night. Most days they would be entertained by either the staff playing games with them or outside entertainers were brought in. I couldn't recommend the home enough and was so pleased we were able to find a safe place for him.

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Review from S R (Resident) published on 23 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Fernbank Residential Home is very good in appearance both outside and in. The staff are very friendly and treat the residents with respect. The restaurant is very well organised. Food is of a high standard, and the staff run this in a well-organised way at the relevant meal times. The building is
very well maintained and is decorated to a very high standard. The activities are good, with a good number of entertainers coming into Fernbank for "live" performances.

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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been there for nearly four months. Since being a resident, she has gone from strength to strength. It's been so good to see. My mum loves the staff are so caring to both residents and visitors. Makes it a real pleasure.

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Review from M B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 4 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the first time in 55 years that I have stayed away from home without my husband or other family members. I was very anxious and didn't know how I would manage particularly as I have a neurological condition that seriously impairs my mobility. I shouldn't have had any concerns. My stay was a
delight! If the occasion arises again, I shall have no hesitation in returning to Fernbank to enjoy a wonderful stay.

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Review from Maggie K (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been in Fernbank for two years. She is well looked after the staff are very friendly and caring. It is very extremely clean in all areas. It's also nice that before covid you could come to take your relatives out whenever liked also visit whenever. Would not hesitate to recommend this home.

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Review from Andrew W (Son of Resident) published on 30 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has now been at Fernbank for approximately 4 years. She is generally quite happy there and likes the staff.
I have been happy to know Mum is safe and well cared for.
Any minor problems that may have occurred have been dealt with efficiently and helpfully.

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Review from Debbie K (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Finding the right care for my father was one of the hardest tasks I have had to make until I visited Fernbank. They have never failed to deliver any part of what they promised at that initial visit. Managed by one of the kindest, most professional women I have ever met. Supported by a great deputy too.
The staff are all beautiful. So kind and caring. Nothing is too much trouble. My dad is always clean and well presented and has been very happy there for the last 3 years. The home is always spotlessly clean and well kept. There are always plenty of staff to meet the needs to maintain their high standards. I would highly recommend this care service to anyone who needs a home-from-home experience with the support of amazing people.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.785)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.785) out of 10 for Fernbank Residential Home 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.785 for Fernbank Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (114 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.785

  • 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 Fernbank Residential Home is based on 12 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 46 registered maximum number of service users is 9.2, which has been reached with 12 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 Dec 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (3)

Donna

Donna Harwood

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 1997

My name is Donna Harwood. I am the registered manager at Fernbank Residential Home.
I have worked for SCNH since December 1997. My qualifications include the registered manager's award (RMA) and NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4.
I started at Fernbank as a domestic and worked my way up to manager in January 2007.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with family and walking.


Julie

Julie Carter

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2024

My name is Julie Carter and I am the Home Administrator.
I started working at Fernbank in August 2023 as a Receptionist and progressed to Administrator in January 2024. I received lots of support while settling into my new role and this support is ongoing.
From the day I started I felt very welcomed by the staff and residents.
The home has a real ‘homely’ feel to it and everyone is happy and supportive, I particularly like the way all departments whether its Kitchen, Care, Housekeeping, Activities or Management interact with the residents and their needs are always put first.
In my spare time I enjoy time with my family and long walks with my dogs.


Ruth

Ruth Cherriman

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2023

I'm Ruth Cherriman, head chef at Fernbank since September 2023.


Before Fernbank, my daughter and I ran a beautiful little tearoom in Tarring. We decided to sell our business when my mother became poorly. As much as we loved our job, we felt family came first.


Previously I have worked in hotels, restaurants, private schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes, and a nursery. Even in industrial catering. Blimey I've been around! Throughout this time I single-handedly raised my 2 children to the adults they are today. Yes, I'm proud.
I studied catering at college where I achieved the Copthorne Shield, It's impressive if you know.


In my spare time, I love baking, going for walks and spending time with my family. Which is a lot calmer than my past hobbies of skydiving, zip-lining, swimming with sharks...basically anything that gets the adrenaline flowing.


I describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do. I have been told I'm always happy, laugh a lot and get along with everyone.


I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of kitchens, however I have always come back to care homes. So when the position for head chef at Fernbank came up I jumped at the chance and have not looked back since.


Frequently Asked Questions about Fernbank Residential Home

What types of Care is Fernbank Residential Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Fernbank Residential Home provide?

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

How many Rooms does Fernbank Residential Home have?

There are 46 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Fernbank Residential Home?

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

How far is Fernbank Residential Home to the centre of Worthing?

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