Downlands Nursing Home is a twenty-three capacity Hove residential facility with a versatile care portfolio, from a local provider with over two decades of experience in achieving effective daily care packages.
Secluded gardens and homely interiors combine with a friendly team of staff who are keen to ensure that service users are able to achieve an active daily lifestyle, in which they feel respected and able to pursue personal interests.
The service looks to remain up-to-date with a developing care sector, learning all it can from inspections and keeping strong links with local health professionals.
Downlands has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.856) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Downlands has 40 reviews.
Overall Experience
36
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0
Date Published
40
6
10
16
24
Reviewer Connection to Downlands
23
6
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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36
4
0
0
0
Date Published
40
6
10
16
24
Review from Margaret v (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2022
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Downlands is truly a special place and we feel so lucky that we found it for our mum. It is welcoming, warm and very friendly and is extremely well managed. Without exception, every member of staff we met was unfailingly kind, caring, considerate, respectful and professional. Mum was beautifully looked
after there and we are very grateful to everybody there who helped that happen.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.
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Review from Janice A (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience4.0 out of 5
The manager and team were very respectful and kind to my mother and me. They worked tirelessly and checked that my mother was comfortable continually. Any request was dealt with quickly. I cannot make a comment on the activities as my mother was too ill to take part and I was not involved. The staff
were wonderful, thank you. Also, visiting was always easy and the welcome perfect.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you for your kind review. It was an honour to look after your mother.
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Review from Michael L (Son of Resident) published on 10 December 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mother spent 8 months with Downlands receiving Palliative Care after a stay in hospital. She was treated with the utmost care and respect. The staff checked in on her on a regular basis and she had every opportunity to take part in the nursing home activities. She had particular dietary requirements
which they accommodated without question and ensured she had access to a GP and other personal care facilities. Inevitably, she passed away but especially at that time the staff and on-site nurse could not have done more for us. Particular mention must go the Manager, who always gave her time and extensive knowledge freely. Finally, a special mention to the Handyman who performs so many non-medical functions so well and with such enthusiasm.
I would recommend Downlands without hesitation.
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Review from Wendy T (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mother was cared for in a kind, considerate way. The doctor was called when necessary. All care was taken to keep her comfortable. A member of staff looked in on her regularly when she rested in her room. The staff always explained to her what they were doing, for example taking blood pressure. They
helped feed her when she was unable. The staff were very approachable with any requests. A lovely safe environment.
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Review from Julie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Mum was moved into Downlands after a brief stay in hospital. From the very beginning, the staff were very friendly and informative. I always felt mum was being cared for really well and had no concerns regarding her wellbeing. I am thankful that the staff were so kind to us all at the end.
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Review from Christopher F (Resident) published on 16 June 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
The care and compassion I have received has been second to none. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and the family atmosphere they have created is exceptional.
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Review from Julia H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
The care my mother-in-law has received whilst at Downlands has been excellent.
I was sceptical when I looked around when they stated it was like one big family. I was proved completely wrong. The staff are well led by an excellent manager. Communication has been excellent. Medical intervention/referrals
when necessary have been swift and appropriate and we have been kept well informed. The home was swift to respond to the Covid regulations and have made a fantastic effort to allow visiting when it could be safely executed. My mother-in-law has been very happy whilst there and that has been a great comfort to us as a family during these long periods of isolation.
The decor may not be the best but that is easily surpassed by the high-quality care given.
I have worked in many homes over the years in a medical capacity and this is one of the very few I would highly recommend.
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Review from Rita W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2021
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our Father was transferred from hospital to Downlands in November 2020 for end of life care and we were so grateful for the respect, kindness, compassion and professionalism that the dedicated team gave to Dad. Although we were all going through the COVID-19 constraints and lockdown we were kept informed
of everything happening and we were able to telephone each day for an update and chat and never made to feel it was a problem. Thank you to all the staff.
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Review from Peter H (Nephew of Resident) published on 13 October 2020
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My Aunt was transferred from the hospital for end of life care in November 2019. Although initially, she was reluctant, however, she settled in really quickly. She was bed-bound throughout her stay and I was not local to Downlands. With the added problem of COVID-19, we were unable to visit as often
as I would have liked. We kept in contact via weekly telephone calls and letters, which the staff read for her due to failing eyesight. The staff were always polite, her room was clean, with a large window giving her outside views. I would highly recommend Downlands and the staff.
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Review from Lou C (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2020
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
I just feel I have to express how happy I was with the care of my mother, recently deceased.
This is a lovely nursing home with a lovely care team. I was kept up to date with every decision with my mum.
The staff were amazing with my mum at her end of life care and I was always impressed with the
cleanliness of my mum and her surroundings. Thank you so much to the manager and all your staff.
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Review from Gary F (Son of Resident) published on 6 March 2020
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
To all the carers and staff who looked after my mum, my family and I would like to say a massive thank you for the care and support that you gave to her and the support that was given to me. We never thought that we would be in the situation where Mum had to go into a nursing home, however, we can not
fault the care that she received whilst in there. The care and compassion did not stop at Mum's care in her final few days. I felt so at ease with the staff who gave me so much support whilst Mum was in her final days. The care from all staff can not be rated highly enough as there are not enough stars to do so. I have returned to the home since Mum's passing, with donations in her memory, and I was welcomed with open arms. I will be staying in contact with them, attending any BBQ, future events, etc. that they have. The home and all the staff that work there are 100% dedicated to looking after and caring for not only residents but also their families.
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Review from Doris B (Wife of Resident) published on 22 January 2020
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
During the time that my dear husband was being cared for in Downlands, I said many times how relieved we were that he was with you. I now put on record what I saw every time I visited, the loving-kindness and care, the willing attention to his many needs, the times when someone just sat with him when
he was distressed and agitated, the dignity accorded to him and the unending patience of all staff. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, not least for recognising that I too was in despair.
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Review from Robert H (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 6 January 2020
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
We have been incredibly impressed for the past eleven months by the high standards of professionalism, courtesy and respect shown by the manager and all her staff at Downlands. The care staff consistently honoured our loved one's wishes and her individuality. They built a bond with our loved one during
difficult changes in her health. We always felt confident with their care, and their scrupulous liaison with other health professionals to ensure full support of health changes was always maintained.
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Review from Elsie M (Sister of Resident) published on 24 September 2019
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our brother was at the Downlands care home for almost two years, he passed away on 22nd July 2019. In that time, he was treated just like a family member, the staff took care of him with compassion and kindness. The staff adjusted to his needs very well. He tended to just get up and walk away, so a
special mat was put on the floor to detect movement. The staff also, interacted with his sister's, one that lived in America, the other in Israel. Calls were made each day to the home and information was given, the phone always was taken to our brother. The one sister that lives in America came to Downlands at the beginning of July and was treated just like family. The support and care that our brother needed were given in abundance for which we are and will be, eternally grateful. The home was always very clean, the food varied and nutritious, his washing was exceptionally clean, as was his room.
We have nothing but praise for the home and staff.
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Review from Ann S (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2019
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at Downlands for a few weeks at the end of her life. She was treated with kindness, skill and compassion and was able to come to the end of her life in a comfortable and dignified manner. The staff gave her individual care and showed great compassion and communicated very well
to us, her family. I am very grateful to Downlands Nursing Home.
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Review from Caroline D (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2019
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Mum has been at Downlands for some time and staff have become skilled at anticipating her needs, as she is unable to communicate. All her care has to be provided for her. When I visit, she is always happy, clean and comfortable and I am more than satisfied with the standard of care that she receives.
I feel reassured that she is safe and well-looked-after. Mum enjoys the activities, especially the music sessions and staff always bring her downstairs for these. The home manager and her team are always available to talk to if I have any questions or concerns and they keep me informed of any changes in mum's condition. The decor at Downlands is a bit dated and needs some attention but, to me, it is the care and the attitude of the staff that matters, rather than the fixtures and fittings. I also like the fact that the staff group has remained fairly constant since mum moved here, so she has been able to get used to the same people and they too, have been able to get used to her.
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Review from Vanessa B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2018
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
As a family, we were very pleased with the care given to my mother in the five months she was at Downlands before she peacefully passed away. The staff were very caring and compassionate to my mum and also very supportive to myself. I will miss them all! I found it to be well managed with adequate amount
of staff. The nurses made sure everything ran smoothly and contacted doctors for advice or visits when needed. I literally didn't have to do anything except visit my mum. The home's decor is a bit dated in areas but steps are being taken to rectify this. Overall it is a wonderful care home.
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Review from Maria N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2018
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
I am a local GP and my father spent 6 months in excellent, diligent, professional and kind care. The home has an excellent manager and the entire team are all kind and have great interest in people as individuals and personalise the care. There was always timely communication with family and coordination
of care with the GP and/or relevant specialist community care teams.
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Review from B C (Friend of Resident) published on 29 August 2018
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience4.0 out of 5
We were very impressed by the standard of care given to our friend in his last days. The gentle and compassionate approach was reassuring for us and there was a concern for us in the situation of anxiety and bereavement. We appreciated his light and airy room and the general feeling of the nursing home.
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Review from J F (Son of Resident) published on 7 August 2018
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience4.0 out of 5
Nice care home and staff, very caring and polite.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.856)
Overview of Review Score
The Review Score of 9.9 (9.856) out of 10 for Downlands is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.856 for Downlands is calculated as follows:
(
(156 Excellents x 5)
+
(22 Goods x 4)
+
(2 Satisfactorys x 3)
)
÷ 180 Ratings = 4.856
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 Downlands is based on 16 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 23 registered maximum number of service users is 4.6, which has been reached with 16 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: 4 Sep 2018
Overall Good
Caring
Good
Effective
Good
Responsive
Good
Safe
Good
Well-led
Good
Key
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
Outstanding - the service is performing exceptionally well.
Good - the service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
Requires improvement - the service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
Inadequate - the service is performing badly and we've taken enforcement action against the provider of the service.
No rating/under appeal/rating suspended - there are some services which we can't rate, while some might be under appeal from the provider. Suspended ratings are being reviewed by us and will be published soon.
Ticks and crosses
We don't rate every type of service. For services we haven't rated we use ticks and crosses to show whether we've asked them to take further action or taken enforcement action against them.
There's no need for the service to take further action. If this service has not had a CQC inspection since it registered with us, our judgement may be based on our assessment of declarations and evidence supplied by the service.
The service must make improvements.
At least one standard in this area was not being met when we inspected the service and we have taken enforcement action.
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
