Southdowns Nursing Home

1 Hollington Park Road, The Green, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0SY
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9.5 49 Reviews
  • Southdowns Nursing Home, St Leonards-on-Sea
Situated in a quiet area of St Leonards, Hastings the newly refurbished Southdowns home provides nursing and dementia care for 48 residents tailored to suit their individual needs and covers those needing long term or respite care.

Part of a family run group the philosophy at Southdowns Nursing Home is simple – it provides an environment where the highest standard of care is delivered, where dignity is respected, where talents and individuality are encouraged and where life may be enjoyed to the fullest potential.

The home has four separate lounges, beautiful landscaped gardens and a lovely courtyard available to residents and families with a wide ranging activities program led by a full time activities co-ordinator.

Care Provided by Southdowns Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 51 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kerry Ingram (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Private, respite and social services residents are all welcome
    • Ages 43+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (49)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Southdowns Nursing Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Fee is subject to care needs assessment


Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Visitors welcome at anytime and one of the team will be happy to show you around. Please get in touch to arrange a time or just pop in when convenient to you.


  • Parking
  • Free parking is available in the on site car park.


Southdowns Nursing Home Reviews (49)

Total of 49, showing 1-20
9.5

Southdowns Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.464) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Southdowns Nursing Home has 49 reviews.

Overall Experience

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  • 8
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  • 0

Date Published

49
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14
35
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad was at Southdown's Nursing Home for the last 3 years of his life. He went at a very difficult time in his life, our beloved Mum had died and he had broken his hip and could no longer manage at home. The staff helped him and us cope with our loss. The staff have always tried to work with Dad who
was desperate to maintain as much independence as possible. To dad the staff became friends and nothing was too much trouble. At the end of his life when he could no longer do the things he wanted they always made sure he was as smart as he would have wanted to be which was so important for him. We were welcome to visit at any time and involved in his care to keep him as comfortable as possible. Dad was treated with dignity and respect at all times. I consider ourselves lucky to have found such a lovely home and be part of the Southdowns family. On the rare occasion we thought something could be improved we simply spoke to management and it was sorted. I can't praise or thank them enough.

Reply from Kerry Ingram, Home Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Dear Karen. Thank you for your kind words, as ever.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All of the staff at this Care Home are totally awesome. They really get to know each resident and are so kind and caring and can anticipate the resident's needs. I was lucky to be present at one of their special afternoons with a singer who sang all the songs that we all recognised and enjoyed, most
of the residents were present and so were a lot of the staff, I could see several examples of such love and care from the staff to the residents I was so impressed. It was a lovely afternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I could see that the residents did too, thank you Southdowns for such considerate kindness and care it just confirmed my first impression when I came to choose a place for my husband.

Reply from Kerry Ingram, Home Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback, I will forward your words on to the team. We are now preparing for the Christmas festivities - Let the fun begin! - (Home Manager).


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved in just over a week ago, I can't thank you enough, the home is clean, the staff are lovely and my mum settled in well few tears and upset at first. Reassurance from staff all ok. I can't thank you enough. I can tell the home is well managed, thank you and it shows throughout South Downs.
Always keep my mum engaged and lots going on. Hard decision for me and my sister but can see the right one. Thank you.

Reply from Kerry Ingram, Home Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your feedback. So glad your mum is settling in well and as a family, you feel reassured.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been visiting the home for the last ten months since my wife died at the home after being a patient there for three years.
From what I observe it is well run and clean and the carers are very pleasant. The people I visit seem to be happy and well cared for.

Reply from Kerry Ingram, Home Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your feedback, and so glad you still feel welcome. We love seeing you!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All of the family visit Mum on a regular basis. We are all pleased with the open door system where we can visit anytime. We are always met by a cheery greeting from reception through to carers. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone and problems are solved without a fuss. Keep up the good work.

Reply from Kerry Ingram, Home Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback. I will pass these kind words to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has recently moved into the home. She and we have been made to feel welcome by the friendly team. It was obvious from speaking with the manager that she had conducted a thorough handover with the hospital my mum was transitioning from and also sought extra information from me to enable the home
to effectively support my mum when she does become unwell again. The home seems to be having work done to it, which is a good thing. The lounge is large, airy, clean and spacious, and I can see from the home's Facebook page that my mum is beginning to join in with the activities that are available.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review of the home. We are so pleased you are happy with the care we provide and the refurbishments to enhance our resident's comfort when staying with us. It is lovely to hear that your mum is enjoying all the wonderful activities.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mum moved to Southdowns, I have noticed a huge improvement in her well-being. Staff are very present and friendly - I have been asked by different members on different occasions about things Mum likes and dislikes. The home itself is immaculate, and I feel relieved she is well cared for.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for such a lovely review. We are all pleased you have noticed a huge improvement and are happy with the care we are providing.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandmother was in your care for roughly eighteen months, until she sadly passed away. The manager and her staff, the head nursing staff and one ex member of staff in particular my gran got on with so well. They made her experience a loving, friendly, family atmosphere. She made friends with a few
ladies and the staff would also try their best to sit them all together.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

New manager in situ, many changes. There is to be a new entertainment manager and assistant manager, as the patients have been without stimulation for some months.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely lovely care home. When mum moved into the care home she wasn’t to kind. But, once she realised the staff were there for her needs and to support her where required, she settled well. Mum enjoyed joining in all the activities. She loved all the staff and they looked after Mum to the end.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My Husband has been at Southdowns for 6 months and I am very distressed and worried about him as I feel the care given to him is very poor. When I attempt to raise concerns I am met with resentment and apathy. I visit him at least once each week and there has never been one visit yet where things are
running smoothly and he is happy. Simple things as well as more important issues are left undone. I would not recommend this home to anyone. It is heartbreaking to see the state he is left in. Furthermore, the stench of urine throughout the home is considerable.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to say the staff went above and beyond caring for my nan in her last year of life. She had people around her that not only cared for her needs but also made her laugh, putting a smile on her face, which is priceless. Her dignity was kept right to the end. The staff also was very polite
and forthcoming to the family after my nan had passed, so felt included, not pushed aside. Thank you for your patience with other family members.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very caring and understanding of service users' needs.
Staff are always available to help.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Compassionate, caring, clean, understanding and accommodating staff and management team.
Very helpful.

Reply from Nikki Stevenson, Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Many thanks for taking the time to complete a review. It was a pleasure looking after your loved one. Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When you enter the home, you see a sign 'this home runs on love and laughter' this has been our experience the whole time my husband has been resident here. The home is very clean and smells lovely, everybody we've met has been very kind and helpful, everything we asked for they try to accommodate.
My husband is very happy and content which tells me he is treated so kindly even when I'm not there. Very satisfied with everything. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was only in the home for a few months but was treated with respect. I was made to feel part of his care. Despite being busy, the staff were caring and helpful, listening to concerns and giving him the care that I could not give him at home. I would recommend this home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been in Southdowns Nursing Home for two months now, and at first, I was worried about her going into a home; however, the management and staff have been amazing, and the care she is getting is first class, and therefore, this has given me peace of mind that she is in the best place and getting
the care she needs.
My aunt is comfortable, and the nurses and carers often stop to have chats with her or paint her nails.
The staff at Southdowns made our Christmas special as we all had Christmas Day dinner there in their family room, and nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you, Southdowns.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I want to thank the staff at Southdowns for taking care of my sister. All the staff are friendly and treat my sister with kindness and respect. My sister is being very well looked after, and I appreciate all they are doing for her.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for such a kind review, and we are so pleased you are happy with the care we provide.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are very pleased with the care my dad receives at Southdowns Nursing Home. He has settled in really well. The team work really hard to make the residents feel like its home from home. We get regular personal assessments and updates, which is always good as it keeps us all in the loop.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Southdowns Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind review, Sally; it is very much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Step-mum has been at Southdowns for nearly two years. In that time, her Alzheimer's has got much worse. She has lost her speech and mobility and needs full nursing care.
We are so grateful to the Southdowns staff for the exemplary way they look after her.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.464)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.464) out of 10 for Southdowns Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 14 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 4.464 for Southdowns Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (15 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (5 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 166 Ratings = 4.464

  • 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 Southdowns Nursing 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 51 registered maximum number of service users is 10.2, 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: 26 Feb 2024

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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (4)

Kerry

Kerry Ingram

Job Title: Home Manager

Kerry is the Home Manager of Southdowns Nursing Home and Assistant Director for The Mulberry Community.


I dedicated my early adult life, to being a full-time mother to my 3 children. Once they reached a more independent age, I wanted to branch out and find my own independence and carve out my own career for the future.


I started work in children services as a Nursery Practitioner. I then changed direction and started working within the adult care sector - firstly domiciliary, then care home services.


In 2012, I started work at ‘Queen Mary’s Nursing Home ‘ which was to later become Mulberry House - Specialist Residential & Nursing Care. My first role was Senior Care Assistant. After about a year and a half of working night shifts, I changed to day shift, and this was when my progression really started.


It was quickly recognised that I naturally took a managerial lead in situations, and the support I received within the company was welcomed and valued.


I became the first Assistant Practitioner for the company, leading teams of staff and liaising more with external professionals.


I then took on the role of Unit Lead and completed my QCF level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. This led to being appointed as the Deputy Manager of Mulberry House.


Working within the company for the last 11 years has not only allowed me to develop and grow my skill set, but it has also been the most rewarding 11 years of my career.


I am very excited to embark on the next stage of my journey as the Registered Manager of Southdowns Nursing Home and the Assistant Director of The Mulberry Community.


Roy

Roy Carley

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2023

Born and bred on a farm in the historic village of Bodiam surrounded by outstanding countryside and a backdrop of the picturesque Bodiam Castle led to the start of my career in hospitality at the local Inn. I worked there on and off for many years in several roles: Barman, Bar Manager, & Chef.


1989 Travelled to Australia, spending a year there, seeing the sights and picking up temporary work to fund my travels. On my return, I undertook a City & Guilds cookery course at the local college.


Following a move out of the countryside to St Leonards on Sea, I briefly worked for The Co-Op, British Telecom Operator Services, and the CSA, always keeping a casual bar job on the side.


1996 saw the opening of a new Motor Insurance Company, in Bexhill, and I was there for the set-up, starting as a Telesales Operator, rising through the ranks to Team Leader, Supervisor, Deputy Customer Service Manager, New Claims & Business Services Supervisor. I achieved an ILM management diploma, as well as CII certification. After 14 years there I was made redundant, so started looking for a new venture.


2010 I bought a café/restaurant in Bexhill and spent the next 3 years working hard to make it a success before selling it in 2013.


I took a few months out to re-energize then started temping in administration at Mais House Poppy Home in Bexhill, eventually being appointed Head of Administration. I then took on the role of Business Manager for a family-run care group that had homes in Surrey and Sussex- One of them being Queen Mary’s and Mulberry House. The company built a new home and I helped in the Commissioning of the Home, staffing and recruitment and dealt with enquiries, setting up the Bistro for public use and anything else that needed to be done. The Home was then sold after a year and I remained at the Home as Business & Hospitality Manager and did so for 6 years until I became tired of the travelling. That’s when I was made aware of the opportunity at Southdowns, met with Tara & Kerry, and the rest, as they say, is history.


I look forward to helping the Southdowns Team move onward and upward.


Donna

Donna Gilbey

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2018

Donna is the Administrator for Southdowns.


Jennifer

Jennifer Negus

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2007

Jenny is the Administrator at Southdowns.


Frequently Asked Questions about Southdowns Nursing Home

What types of Care is Southdowns Nursing Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Southdowns Nursing Home provide?

Own GP if required is an additional type of care provided.

How many Rooms does Southdowns Nursing Home have?

There are 49 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at Southdowns Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public 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 Southdowns Nursing Home to the centre of St Leonards-on-Sea?

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