Sussexdown Country House Care

Washington Road, Pulborough RH20 4DA
Submit a Review
9.7 47 Reviews
  • Sussexdown Country House Care, Pulborough
Sussexdown is a Care South Country House Care home, offering state-of-the-art nursing and dementia care in a safe and comfortable environment. This historic home in Storrington, West Sussex, boasts beautiful grounds with lovely views across the surrounding countryside.

Princess Alexandra House, part of Sussexdown, provides specialist dementia care with 20 ensuite rooms.

The experienced and compassionate Sussexdown team work hard to enhance residents' quality of life, with extensive social activities and quality dining.

Care Provided by Sussexdown Country House Care

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 77 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lynne Hudson (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (77)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (20)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 1996

Funding & Fees Guide for Sussexdown Country House Care

  • 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 £1,500
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,820
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,625
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,945
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Sussexdown Country House Care to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Sussexdown Country House Care Reviews (47)

Total of 47, showing 1-20
9.7

Sussexdown Country House Care has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Sussexdown Country House Care has 47 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 33
  • 12
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

47
1
5
15
32
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff were always extremely friendly and helpful. They couldn't do enough to make my dad feel welcome and comfortable. They were very reassuring to my mum and me as this was the first time we had left him for a respite break. There was a wide range of activities on offer and even though Dad was
not able to cope well with some of them he was encouraged to be sociable and join in with several activities he hadn't done before. Every effort was made to make Dad feel safe and included. Thank you so much.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your kind words. The team at Sussexdown will be thrilled.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following a lumbar fracture my elderly mother needed 24-hour care. Upon contact with Sussexdown, the whole team couldn't have been more helpful and supportive. She was quickly assessed and admitted, initially on a respite basis. Due to her pain and limited mobility, the team were very patient and caring.
Since
becoming a full-time resident, she had an easy transition to a new room with views of the well-maintained gardens and South Downs. The maintenance team have been great in sorting things out making her room feel more homely including installing a ramp to access outside.
Daily activities run by the enthusiastic events team mean there is always something going on in the home as well as social trips to different places, picnics and shopping which have all helped in her transition.
Moving a parent into a care home isn't easy but the support from the whole team and seeing how friendly everyone is, has been a relief for us knowing that she is safe, well-fed and so well looked after.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your kind words and rating the overall experience 5* - the team at Sussexdown will be thrilled. I am so pleased that your mother has settled so well at Sussexdown. All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So Mum moved into Sussexdown earlier this month. Mum is 88 and has been living on her own with a meal delivery provision. Her health was declining both mentally and physically. Her relationship with food has always been a difficult one and so this also impacted on her health. She often felt lonely and
isolated. Her mental health was declining rapidly.
From day one the staff have been absolutely amazing, the head nurse is absolutely brilliant and has to spin a lot of plates but is totally 'on it!' The other staff, especially one have been so caring and helpful throughout Mum's transition to a care home. Ensuring she feels at ease and gently encouraging her the join in activities and socialisation.
The home itself is beautiful with stunning grounds and very clean.
I am sure once Mum properly settles and embraces her new life she will improve.
I feel so fortunate to have found such a wonderful for place for Mum to live and feel totally reassured she is in the best hands.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so so much for your kind review of Sussexdown. I will be sure to share your feedback with the team who will be absolutely thrilled. Thank you again and wishing you all the very best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was happy in Sussexdown for the short time he was there. He complimented the chef. We couldn't fault anything.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for your review, the team at Sussexdown will be thrilled. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to all of the team. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sadly, both my parents were in need of the services of Sussexdown Country House Care in quick succession at the end of last year. Mum was admitted to the PAH Dementia Unit in October 2023 and Dad to the DB Nursing Wing in November 2023, followed by the PA Residential Wing in December 2023. This was
a really challenging time for everyone, including both parents, family and close friends. The amazing staff have supported us all through the transitions and we are all secure in the knowledge that our parents are in the best place, with caring, knowledgeable professionals putting their best interests first. We, as family, feel a real part of the establishment. The care leads in each area hold their staff to high standards whilst retaining the friendly touch.
We spent Christmas Day (2023) with Mum and Dad in PAH. The food was amazing, staff were amazing and everyone had a great time, our emotions being catered for as well as Mum and Dad's different needs.
Communication is also to a high standard.
Thank you Sussexdown!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am so pleased to read how well your mum and dad are being cared for at Sussexdown, your feedback will be passed on to the team who will, no doubt, be absolutely thrilled. Wishing you all the very best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for a number of years. For the last five months, she has been nursed in bed. The care she has received has been excellent.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review; I am so pleased that your mother is being so well cared for at Sussexdown. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful, caring and loving environment for my mother in her last days. I cannot thank the staff enough for their professionalism and attention to detail for both my mother and for us as the family. The administration staff were also incredibly helpful to our requests. Can't thank you all enough.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for your wonderful five star review. Reviews like these mean so much to all the team at Sussexdown, wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I contacted Sussexdown Country House Care I have been given friendly advice and support. Nothing has been too much trouble. I live 130 miles away and care for my father so I was concerned about ensuring my aunt's admission happened without delay. I needn't have been at all concerned
as she was assessed promptly and her admission seamlessly facilitated by a member of the home's senior care staff. My aunt was initially admitted for two weeks respite care, however she's so happy and contented she decided to become a permanent resident. Knowing her exacting standards this is a tribute indeed to Sussexdown.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your wonderful five star review, the team at Sussexdown will be thrilled. I am so pleased your aunt has decided to stay with us permanently, we wish you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can't thank the Sussexdown team enough for the fabulous care of my Mother, short as it was.
Amazing team, so kind, so caring. You are all so lovely.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for leaving Sussexdown a five star review; the team will be absolutely delighted. All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Initial visit in Jan - we are local to the area but had some doubts in view of a rather adverse CQC report. My doubts proved unfounded. Action to address CQC shortcomings had been taken; the viewing gave a very positive feeling. I booked my 98-year-old mother into the home for two weeks of respite care
from 22/6/23 while on a one-week holiday. I cannot praise the staff too highly.
Under a new manager and shift leaders, the staff are all highly motivated. Physically able for her age, my mother is suffering from a degree of dementia but was accepted into the ordinary care home unit. The staff were all very attentive, friendly and helpful. We visited her several times and later for a “music in the garden” event. It was heartwarming to watch the way in which the staff interacted with all the residents and how caring they were.
A successful stay and a most valuable opportunity for her to experience life at Sussexdown before permanent residency becomes necessary.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave Sussexdown a review. I am delighted with your comments, as will all the staff at Sussexdown. We look forward to welcoming you all back at another of our fantastic home events. All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle has now been at Sussexdown for exactly nine months. The new manager and deputy manager arrived at exactly the same time; they and all the other staff could not have been kinder. Nothing is ever too much. The food is very good indeed (the head chef is outstanding) and the gardens are a wonderful
place for walking.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your lovely review; the team at Sussexdown will be delighted.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad visits for two-week spells to give us a break. He does not take part in activities at all he really wants to do is watch TV. He also likes to sleep a lot. Very pleased with the way is cared for. Staff always seem very supportive and caring.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for taking the time to review Sussexdown. I am so pleased that the team at Sussexdown have been able to support both you and your father. Wishing you all the very best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having arrived in Sussex Down two years ago (which I knew about from being in the RAF), it is beyond my expectations. You can still see the connections to the RAF, e.g. the Bar is an ex-RAF bar. The accommodation is excellent, and the food is very good, varied, well-prepared and served with adequate
portions. The activities are varied too, and I can do something on a daily basis if I choose to do so. The minibus takes us out on various trips, and the garden is truly amazing, tranquil and generally a lovely place to sit or wander.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review; I am so pleased that you are enjoying life with us at Sussexdown. All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Eleven months ago I was in a bad place. My visiting care group told me they were no longer able to provide the care my wife required, and our doctor advised that I should consider a care home option. We visited Sussexdown together, and after a discussion with the head of the dementia unit and the care
home manager, I came away without her. I had been told that they would not only care for her, but they would also care for me since, after many years of being a full-time carer, I was embarking on a totally new existence.
On reflection, they have done just that... consoling me when I have been down and keeping me informed of her well-being. She is in a secure environment, has a nice ensuite room, is well fed and is kept clean. Over time, the hate and aggression that had become part of our daily lives have disappeared, and she seems content. The wonderful care team are now her family, and the unit is her home. I'm just someone who visits her now and again, but she tells me she loves me.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for taking the time to review Sussexdown. I am so pleased that the team at Sussexdown have been able to support both you and your wife since she joined us. Wishing you all the very best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From admission to discharge, my whole experince was very positive in every way. I was treated with respect and kindness at all times.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for taking the time to review Sussexdown; I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has now been a resident in your dementia unit for nearly eighteen months. During that time, he has overcome many ups and downs (including Covid), and the dedication of the staff to his wellbeing has been 100%. I cannot fault them for the wonderful care they have given them. They have also
been excellent in keeping us informed regarding his health etc, which has been a great help to us as a family.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your review; the team at Sussexdown will be thrilled to read your comments. Wishing you and your husband all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family really appreciated the care and attention given to my mother for her birthday on the 23rd of December and also to her and our family at Christmas. She was made to feel very special for her birthday with gifts etc. Also, the same for Christmas, her first in the home. We were able to spend four
hours with her, and we really enjoyed having Christmas lunch with her at the home. The food and attention given to us all were excellent and made our Xmas much easier with Mum. They had a lot of entertainment during the festive season, and I know she really appreciated and enjoyed every moment. A big thank you to all the staff.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you so much for your lovely review; the staff will be so happy to read your comments. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always welcome.
At present, seems to be experiencing regular staff leaving agency in place, which sadly, some are not as good as others.
Has a very relaxed feeling - always has enough lovely food.
Staff generally doing a good job - not an easy one to do.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for your review Jennifer, your comments are appreciated. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having been living independently, my mother was admitted to Sussex Down in May 2021, initially just for a weekend as an emergency admission. Their rapid intervention and the care she received were brilliant. Unable to return home and live independently, she is now a permanent resident. The environment
is great, with a stunning, easily accessible garden that looks out to the South Downs, and I spend most of my weekly visits with her and my cocker spaniel, who she loves to see, in the garden. The care she receives is excellent. Everyone knows her by name, and they all greet her as we move around the property. She loves the food, and whilst her diabetes can be a challenge due to what she chooses to eat, they manage it very well. It is such a relief to me and my siblings to know that she is safe, well-fed and so well looked after.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for your review. I am so happy to hear your mother has settled in so well. All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother was in Sussexdown for five years; she was happy and very well looked after and loved by all staff. Unfortunately, she died on 03/02/22 due to Covid, having managed to avoid it for two years. I visited every week and miss my visits and seeing the staff - it had become part of my life - miss
it.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Sussexdown Country House Care

Thank you for your lovely comments. I am so pleased to hear your mother was happy in our home. I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing. We have taken steps to improve our activities programme at Sussexdown by appointing a new activities lead.
Wishing you all the very best for the future.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.693)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10 for Sussexdown Country House Care is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.719 for Sussexdown Country House Care is calculated as follows: ( (131 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 178 Ratings = 4.719

  • 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 4.974 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sussexdown Country House Care is based on 15 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 77 registered maximum number of service users is 15.4. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.4 = 0.974

  • 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 Nov 2022

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Requires improvement
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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 (7)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Meet the Team (1)

Lynne

Lynne Hudson

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

“I am passionate about delivering high standards of care and maintaining dignity, and I love making a difference – particularly when someone is in the later part of their life. I also have a 12 year old dog, who is thoroughly enjoying trips out in the beautiful West Sussex countryside!”


Lynne joined Sussexdown in November, just after our recent CQC report. Lynne has worked in the health sector for over 46 years and successfully managed care homes for the past 22 years, ensuring they are not only rated good by CQC but exceed resident and family expectations.


Lynne has relocated from the north of England to take on the role of Home Manager at Sussexdown, as well as being closer to her family. In the past she has run her own health and social care enterprises, worked in the NHS and local communities; including councils developing work and communications between the statutory and non-statutory sectors.


Having immediately settled into life at Sussexdown, Lynne has brought experience, stability and the highest quality of care, both medically and holistically that benefit each and every resident in our care – and judging on the feedback, their families and the team can’t speak highly enough of her either. If you are considering care for yourself or a loved one, do get in touch, meet Lynne and discuss how she and her team at Sussexdown can help you.


Frequently Asked Questions about Sussexdown Country House Care

What types of Care is Sussexdown Country House Care registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Sussexdown Country House Care provide?

Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Sussexdown Country House Care have?

There are 77 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Sussexdown Country House Care?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Sussexdown Country House Care to the centre of Pulborough?

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