Skylark House

St Marks Lane, Horsham RH12 5PU
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9.8 126 Reviews
  • Skylark House, Horsham
The skilled team at Skylark House in Horsham, West Sussex, provides an extensive range of care services, from residential and nursing care through to dementia and end of life care. Every resident is treated with dignity and respect and receives care that’s personalised to their needs and wishes.

The home has excellent facilities, including a large, secure garden overlooking a riverside walk, as well as a coffee shop, hair salon, bar and cosy cinema.

There’s also an innovative range of group and one-to-one activities for residents to enjoy, tailored to their interests. Residents’ family members and friends are always welcome to visit whenever they wish, and they can join their loved one for a meal or take part in outings and activities.

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Care Provided by Skylark House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 82 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Dorota Woloszyn (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (82)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (82)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Skylark House

  • 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 £1,794
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,884
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,034
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £2,004
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £2,094
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,244

  • Fees are subject to a pre-admission needs assessment which is required to fully understand the level
    of care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
    Nursing fees include the Funded Nursing Contribution (FNC) if you are eligible.


    What’s included?
    • All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
    • All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
    • In-house café with homemade cakes, and a variety of speciality teas and coffees
    • Use of in-house cinema
    • Access to landscaped gardens
    • Activities and lifestyle programme
    • All utilities and other accommodation costs
    • Housekeeping and laundry services
    • WiFi internet access


    Please note, the weekly fee does not include hairdressing, chiropody or other healthcare visits or
    appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
    medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
    other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
    an agreed hourly charge for this service.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Skylark House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • on-site


Skylark House Reviews (126)

Total of 126, showing 101-120
9.8

Skylark House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Skylark House has 126 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 108
  • 15
  • 1
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  • 1

Date Published

126
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Review from Barry W (Son of Resident) published on 28 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

During the course of a week, carers including the person in charge of or shift change problems have occurred because of failure to keep an adequate record in the communications log(?) so that things/events known to a carer(s) are not passed onto the next carer on shift.
Also, specific requests are
sometimes not actioned. The food at lunch and tea/dinner is often disappointing or unappetizing, and the service is sometimes very slow. There may also be insufficient staff at busy times including meal times.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Skylark House

Thank you for your feedback of Skylark House and we are delighted with the positive comments and scores, particularly for the care and team at the home. I understand you have already spoken with the home manager who has been able to allay your concerns – I would like to further assure you that we always make sure that there are enough people on hand and that any information is properly recorded and communicated. In regards to the food at Skylark House, our chef is constantly refreshing and adapting menus to meet the needs and wishes of residents, making meals in-house with fresh ingredients and making sure we have plenty of delicious options, particularly for those with special dietary needs. If there is anything that you and your mother would like added to the menu, then, of course, please do let us know. Many thanks again for your feedback and please do speak to the home manager or member of the senior management team if you have any comments, questions or suggestions now or in the future.


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Review from M L (Wife of Resident) published on 6 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was in respite care for one week following a spell in hospital. We found the staff very friendly and attentive. The facilities were excellent and everywhere was spotlessly clean. His room was well equipped, light and airy. The ground floor lounge area and was delightful. Overall an excellent
experience.

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Review from M G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been a resident of Skylark House for a few weeks now and so far, it has delivered on its promises. The care has been excellent. The staff are friendly and cheerful, there is a choice of food and variety of activities. He loves his room with a view of the garden. He would, however, prefer a more
comfortable bed. Maybe you could offer a choice.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Skylark House

We are grateful for your constructive feedback of all aspects of care within Skylark House and we are delighted with the positive comments and scores. We are sorry to hear the bed did not meet your expectations on this occasion. These are profiling beds that we are using in our home and are designed to provide comfort and promote independence to get in and out of bed by using the control to raise or lower the bed. This should not prevent us from delivering the service that you expected.
We do appreciate your feedback and we will, of course, undertake a review of your dad's bed at Skylark House and aim to come to a solution to your request.


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Review from Stuart C (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 22 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband enjoyed his stay at Skylark and hopefully will be able to go there for respite care again.

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Review from Susan P (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely place. My stepmother is happy here and is improving almost daily.

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Review from Adrian M (Son of Resident) published on 8 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The management and staff at Skylark House Care Home have been wonderful in their nursing care provision to Mum and Dad. In the last hours of Mum's life, the care and compassion given to her was truly superb and reflective of the devotion given to their roles. The reassurance that comes with knowing
that all concerns will be dealt with in a speedy and resolute manner is really comforting - including the excellent connection to local medical services. Additionally, the comfort, cleanliness and facilities of the new home are much appreciated when compared to others that were viewed.

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Review from Andrea W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Skylark House Care Home for about five months. The home is a beautiful home from home and the staff are great. They always have time to stop and talk and nothing seems too much trouble. I am so glad I found this place for my mother and I am confident every time I leave
her that she will be comfortable and well looked after in such a lovely place by such lovely people.

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Review from Shirley O (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 19 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was at Skylark House for nearly 2 weeks' respite. I did feel very apprehensive when I first went in because I had never done this before. However, the staff were very friendly and soon made me feel safe and at home. The home itself is very comfortable and it is easy to move around. Help is always
at hand, even to assist with a walk around the gardens. As a widow, it was lovely to have the company of others and to chat over meal times and tea and cake. Although I love being in my own home, knowing that I can come back to a safe and friendly haven for respite is a very comforting feeling.

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Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff made Dad feel very welcome and looked after him very well. Dad enjoyed the company and activities and food. The rooms were kept very clean and tidy. The administration staff were very supportive.

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Review from Joan C (Respite Resident) published on 18 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay at Skylark House Care Home has been very helpful and enjoyable. Every attention is given to my needs and comforts. All carers have been very gentle and kind. The coffee shop is great and greatly appreciated by my visitors. The lounge is comfortable and roomy, dining was good and nothing needs
changing. The garden is easily accessible and relaxing with plenty of seating. At times I needed a little more nursing care.

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Review from V M (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has recently become a resident of Skylark House and the management team have been nothing short of fantastic in ensuring this has been a smooth and dignified process with all his special requests catered for.
As his family, any queries or comments we have, have been dealt with efficiently
and appropriately.
The somewhat scary and daunting process of realising you can no longer care for a family member at home has been made much easier and more manageable knowing he is in a friendly environment with a brilliant team looking after him.

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Review from Lesley I (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no hesitation in recommending the care at Skylark House Care Home. My mother has been very well looked after ever since she has been a resident and all the carers are extremely kind. They cannot do enough. For example, when she was poorly and lost her appetite, they tried really hard to find
something to tempt her to eat. The management has a good grasp of what is happening with the residents and I trust them to do their best for Mum. Thank you to all the staff for everything you all do.

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother used Skylark House for 1-week respite in March 2017. It was her first experience of a care home. The home is brand new, so the look of the rooms and facilities was excellent. The staff were caring and attentive.
The main complaint was the food, very mixed standard, I believe a relief chef
was in place for the week.
Generally, I would have appreciated more attention paid to residents and their food needs at mealtimes.
Overall, however, a positive experience.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Skylark House

We are grateful for your constructive feedback of all aspects of care within Skylark House and we are delighted with the positive comments and scores. We are sorry to hear the food offering did not meet your expectations on this occassion. There was a relief chef working during the week of the stay, however this should not prevent us from delivering the meal time service that you expected. We can confirm that we have a new permanent chef on site to prevent this from happening again in the future.
We do appreciate your feedback and we will of course, undertake a review of our meal time service at Skylark House and why this has not happened on this occasion.


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Review from Tony M (Husband of Resident) published on 23 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife used the care home for respite care. The experience was excellent. Nurses were knowledgeable and caring. The carers were second to now. Very good. The ambience encouraged well-being. The general layout was thought out. Good quality activities were provided on a regular basis. Staff involved
were enthusiastic. Food quality was excellent. Thanks to all at the care home for helping my wife recover from a very serious illness.

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Review from Marie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are a large, very close family and placing my Dad into Skylark has been a very difficult and emotional experience for my mum, my sisters and all the grandchildren. The manager and his team have been fantastic in helping Dad to settle, reassuring us that he is definitely in the best place to ensure
his continuity care needs are met and we're very grateful for their support.

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Review from Alan P (Brother of Resident) published on 11 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has been in Skylark House Care Home for seven weeks. In this time her health has greatly improved thanks to the care of the nursing staff. Her walking with a zimmer frame has improved and her general outlook on life is more positive. This is a great benefit for my wife and myself. We visit
regularly and often. The reception that we receive is always very welcoming from all the staff which makes us feel as part of their large family.

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Review from Anna P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother became a resident in late February 2017. On arrival, she was very confused, depressed and often distressed. Although it has taken a while for her to settle, the excellent staff, together with the very high standard facilities have given her a real quality of life.
She is now willing to join
in the well organised and varied activities and socialise with the other residents and staff.
Her depression seems to have lifted and anxiety lessened.
She appears happy in her environment and enjoys her surroundings.
Although it was a difficult decision to make, myself and my sister feel that the home provides our mother with everything that she needs, delivered with genuine care and kindness.

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Review from F D (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum was a resident at Skylark House for approximately 4/5 weeks. Initially, although extremely expensive we were happy with the care received until once we came into contact with one of the residents with dementia. Mum was on the second floor but was very unhappy that this one resident was allowed
to upset her by aggressive behaviour (we know she was ill and didn't realise what she was doing). This was a big decision in Mum deciding to leave and go elsewhere.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Skylark House

We are grateful for your constructive feedback and are delighted with the positive comments and scores for the care and support we provide. We are sorry to hear about what happened with your mum, we do take a fair and consistent approach with residents and they are given rooms in the home based on assessment and needs, and in this example, we did feel that the assessment matched the care type. We are however very sorry about what has happened and will endeavour to ensure we monitor all behaviour to prevent similar situations like this from happening again in the future.


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Review from Sarah K (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are extremely happy with Skylark House Care Home for our Mum. She is really happy there and we enjoy visiting her there too. All the staff are very kind and helpful and there is a lovely atmosphere there too. It is also in a very nice setting with attractive gardens and a small river below. There's
lots of birdlife. It is the type of place that Mum and us can be proud of which means a lot.

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Review from M P (Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a beautiful care home the facilities are excellent. The staff are very caring and polite. My only criticism would be the menu. As I understand it the chef is not allowed to adjust the menu according to residents preferences e.g most residents I have spoken to would like plain semolina, not chocolate
flavoured. This is one example.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Skylark House

We are grateful for your constructive feedback of all aspects of care within Skylark House and we are delighted with the positive comments and scores. We are sorry to hear the food offering did not meet your expectations. The mealtime service within care UK lets the chefs create a menu around the resident's requirements, so we will make sure that with any of our residents we will find out there likes and dislikes in order to provide a high standard meal time experience.


We have a very good supply chain using local produce and we also provide training to all of our kitchen team so we can adapt to the trends of meals in our care homes. We do appreciate your feedback and we will of course, undertake a review of our meal time service at Skylark House and why this has not happened on this occasion.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.763)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10 for Skylark House 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 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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 4.763 for Skylark House is calculated as follows: ( (367 Excellents x 5) + (58 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 439 Ratings = 4.763

  • 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 Skylark House is based on 36 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 82 registered maximum number of service users is 16.4, which has been reached with 36 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: 11 Apr 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (88)

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Meet the Team (1)

Dorota

Dorota Woloszyn

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2020

I joined the Skylark House team in 2016 as Deputy Home Manager in 2016. Care UK’s reputation as a respected care provider was well-known. It prioritises its people’s development and the wellbeing and happiness of all residents, and I wanted to join a company with that clarity of vision.


Being with residents is the best part of my job and I do everything I can to make a difference to their day. I start and finish every day with a smile, and that makes me happy.
I was thrilled to be named one of the top 50 leaders in care by Care Home Professional magazine. I’m so proud to have worked my way up from Care Assistant to Home Manager in eight years. I’m now determined to take Skylark House to an ‘outstanding’ CQC rating. I have a great team around me and we’re dedicated to residents’ happiness and wellbeing, and to fulfilling their dreams. I look forward to seeing you at Skylark House.