Rookhurst

17 Rookhurst Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2NZ
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10 17 Reviews
  • Rookhurst, Bexhill-on-Sea
Rookhurst Lodge provide services to individuals with a diagnosis of learning disabilities, Autistic Spectrum disorders, mental health needs and those that display moderate to high behaviours that challenge.

Medical conditions will be secondary to the primary diagnosis of learning disabilities, mental health needs or Autism. The care provided has a person centred focus highlighting the uniqueness of the individual within a homely environment.

The home has a fully integrated kitchen, en-suite showers and also a Jacuzzi bath. Sea-views also make a great addition and there is a wide range of activities for residents to enjoy, such as art groups and traditional day services, as well as a focus on putting individuals who chose to be supported to get involved with voluntary work and or supported employment.

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Care Provided by Rookhurst

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 6 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Anorexia/Bulimia/Self Harming
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Profound & Multiple Learning Disabilities
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Fiona Gibbs (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Our admission policy ensures that every prospective resident receives a thorough and personalised pre-admission assessment to determine whether we can meet their needs safely and competently. We involve the individual, their family, and any relevant professionals in this process, aiming to provide clear, accessible information so they can make an informed choice about moving into the care home. Key steps in our process: Initial Enquiry: We log all enquiries, provide an information pack, and invite the prospective resident to visit the home. Pre-Admission Assessment: We assess physical, psychological, and social needs, ensuring any necessary equipment or specialist care can be arranged before admission. Capacity and Consent: We follow the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring the individual consents to the process or that decisions are made in their best interests if needed. Financial and Legal Clarity: Funding arrangements (private, social care, or NHS-funded) are confirmed upfront, and legal agreements are put in place before admission. On Admission: The resident is welcomed, introduced to staff, and supported to settle in. Key risk assessments (such as falls and evacuation plans) are completed within 12 hours, and personalised care plans are finalised within the first week. Ongoing Review: A formal review is held within 28 days to ensure the placement is suitable and to gather feedback on the resident’s experience. Our approach is person-centred, aiming to make the transition into the home as smooth, informed, and supportive as possible. We also conduct regular audits to maintain high standards and ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (6)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Rookhurst

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The team value the importance of visitors in the lives of residents and fully support their right to maintain contact with family, friends, and loved ones. The visitors policy ensures that visits are welcomed, safe, and respectful of each resident’s personal wishes.


    Key points of the policy:


    Open Visiting: Visitors are welcome at any time, unless a resident personally requests limited visits or there is an outbreak of infection, in which case the home will follow health and safety guidance.


    Resident Choice: Each resident can decide who they want to see, and this choice will be recorded in their care plan. If a resident lacks the capacity to make this decision, the Mental Capacity Act will guide the process to ensure visits still support their best interests.


    Visitor Registration: All visitors must sign in and out at reception and follow any health and safety procedures in place.


    Privacy and Respect: Residents have the right to refuse visitors, and this will always be respected. Visitors will not be allowed into other residents’ rooms without express permission.


    Food and Personal Items: Any food or personal items brought in for a resident must be declared to staff to ensure safety and dietary needs are considered.


    Infection Control: Visitors who feel unwell, especially with symptoms of transmissible infections (such as flu, COVID-19, or norovirus), are asked to postpone their visit until they are well.


    Conflict and Safeguarding: If a visitor’s behaviour poses a risk to residents, staff, or the home environment, management will intervene. In serious cases, visits may be restricted or conditions imposed, with advice from the Safeguarding Team if necessary.


    Outbreak Management: In the event of a public health incident, the home will follow local and national guidance, offering alternatives like video calls or window visits if needed.


    Feedback and Complaints: Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback and raise any concerns, which will be handled through the Complaints, Suggestions and Compliments Policy.


    Our goal is to make every visit a positive, safe, and supportive experience for all.


  • Parking

  • On road parking


Rookhurst Reviews (17)

10

Rookhurst has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Rookhurst has 17 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from D H (Father of Resident) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son has been here, he has achieved a lot and gained confidence in the things he does now. His speech has improved which has helped with his behaviour and frustrations, as he can get over what he needs to say. Staff are very helpful and friendly and help those, who find it difficult to manage
their emotions and self-help issues. Rookhurst Lodge is a family environment, a very Happy place and relaxing place for residents and their families. Rookhurst Lodge gives residents the opportunity to take part in, outside community activities and in-house activities.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your review and the opportunity to work with your son. We are all so very proud of him and his achievements both within the service and in the local community. It is a pleasure to support and care for him and to watch him undertake and participate in new challenges with confidence. He is an absolute inspiration to us all.


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Review from S F (Sister of Resident) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visited Rookhurst in December to see my sister, the staff are always so friendly, welcoming and supportive, my sister is very happy there. The facilities are very homely and the residents are often downstairs together dwelling and spending time.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your review. It is lovely to see your sister so settled and engaging with the staff team and her peers. We aim to promote a family atmosphere and encourage the people that we support to participate fully in the running of their home. Welcome to our Rookhurst Lodge family.


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Review from J U (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 14 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every time we visit the house, we are greeted by the incredible team - the compassion, care, and importantly, fun, they bring to the residents is outstanding, plus there is always a warm welcome for us. The house itself feels like a family home and it's not only our family member that is happy, but
very evidently all of the Rookhurst family. Thank you for all you do team Rookhurst!

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for the lovely review. It is a privilege to work with your loved one and to receive your continued support as a family. We look forward to your visits to the service and to welcome you into our Rookhurst family with open arms.


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Review from K H (Mother of Resident) published on 13 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son has lived here at Rookhurst, he has come along and gained confidence and self-help skills. He has just finished a college course, which he has enjoyed very much, I'm so proud of him. Staff are very friendly and helpful to the service users, and their families, it's a family environment,
which is so lovely. If anyone is looking for a relative, I would recommend this beautiful home.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your lovely review it is much appreciated. It is a pleasure to support your son. Likewise, we are so proud of him and his achievements. He is an absolute inspiration to us all.


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Review from N U (Brother of Resident) published on 6 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have written a few reviews over the years, having seen very significant improvements on a regular basis, to the extent I thought, well everything is just as it should be now. However, that is not the attitude of the care team. They still look to further enhance the lives of the residents, whether
it be skills, life experiences, or new equipment. The excellent ratings I have given on all of the individual items listed I believe speak for themselves.
My continued thanks to all.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. As a staff team, we all continue to strive to pursue the best possible care for those that we support. We are passionate and committed about the work that we do and are inspired and enlightened by the impact of the responses from the service users of the opportunities and new ideas that we have supported them with, and introduced them to, in order to promote their independence, lifestyle and wellbeing. We thank you as a family, for your continued support to our Rookhurst family.


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Review from Oliver B (Nephew of Resident) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team always gives genuine care through the meaningful relationships they build with each member of Rookhurst. They provide a level of kindness and attentiveness that is both heartfelt and personal.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your positive review. We strive as a team to offer the best quality care to those that we support, including to each other as colleagues, in a person-centered manner unique to the individual's needs.


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Review from Tracey B (Sister of Resident) published on 14 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although this review is being submitted in November it applies to my experience of Rookhurst over the past year and beyond. I feel that my brother receives the very best care at all times and is very happy in his home, with his Rookhurst family.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your review. On behalf of the team and myself, it is a pleasure and a privilege to provide the support and care to your brother. He is an inspiration to us all.


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Review from Samad B (Brother of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I always find the staff very friendly and helpful. They are always welcoming and accommodating with visitors and the residents are always happy. It is a very caring and comfortable environment which is very reassuring for the family.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Dear Samad, thank you for your kind review.
We strive to ensure that our service users and their loved ones feel welcome and comfortable at Rookhurst Lodge.


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Review from M B (Niece of Resident) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle, who resides here, is, without a doubt, looked after to the highest degree and level of care here. Everyone is so warm, attentive and kind, making sure he is comfortable and happy, but also caring and understanding what is best for him personally and what gives him the most joy out of the everyday.
I know he is in the safest of hands, and we trust them completely.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for the wonderful review of our service. We take pride in the care and support that we offer to ensure that it is tailored to the individual and of the highest quality.


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Review from S U (Niece of Resident) published on 27 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy to find out that my uncle is being looked after so well by the team and in particular by his carer.
He is very lucky to have such a fantastic team around him that care for him so dearly.
I am very much looking forward to seeing my uncle soon!
Thank you for everything that you
do!

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your review.
It is a pleasure to care for and support your uncle. He is much thought of by all staff.
We look forward to seeing you when you visit the service.
Kind regards,
Fiona


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Review from Reece D (Nephew of Resident) published on 28 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle has been living at Rockhurst for a few months now and he loves it. He enjoys all the coming and going and there always seems to be an activity going on. It is a home-from-home. He also gets along with all staff and residents.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Dear Reece,
Thank you for your review.
It is a pleasure to support your uncle. He is an inspiration to us all!


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Review from Melanie D (Sister of Resident) published on 11 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't be happier with the service my brother receives at Rookhurst. All the staff I've met are amazing.
I must admit I was very apprehensive when we first decided as a family that my brother needed more hands-on care than we could give. But from my very first visit, the manager and staff put
my mind at ease. My brother loves it. He has lots of extended family who he is very fond of and whom he now lives with. I can honestly say it is the best care home I have ever visited. And I've worked in a lot. There is always something going on, and that is something that my brother loves and keeps his mind stimulated.
My family thank you all.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Dear Melanie,
Thank you for your review.
Our aim is to provide a homely, friendly, safe and happy environment where the people we support have the opportunity to flourish and live their best lives.
Both I and my staff team would like to thank you for your recognition and your kind words.


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Review from Linda D (Mother of Resident) published on 1 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son has been at Rookhurst, which has only been a few months he has been happy and settled. The manager and staff are focused on giving the best care to all the residents. It's lovely to see my son interacting with the staff and the other residents because he will only do this where he feels
safe and happy. He sees Rookhurst as his home from home. I look forward to seeing his achievements in the coming months.

Reply from Fiona Gibbs, Registered Manager at Rookhurst

Thank you for your review.
It is a pleasure supporting and caring for your son. He is a real inspiration to us all with the achievements he has made over the past few months.


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Review from Angela C (Sister of Resident) published on 9 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother is looked after very well and is always clean and tidy. He has a lovely room and the food is good.
The staff are always pleasant and helpful.
Could not ask for more.

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Review from D M (Sister of Resident) published on 4 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother has been a resident at Rookhurst for nearly 3 years now. The standard of support and care he has received is excellent. The support staff and manager are very proactive in keeping him active, happy, comfortable and safe.
Friendly atmosphere - clean, tidy and welcoming, what more could you
ask for!

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Review from Maureen O (Sister of Resident) published on 18 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The all round care and general atmosphere is excellent. Attention to detail is always of the highest standard.

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Review from N U (Brother of Resident) published on 10 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relative has lived in Rockhurst since it opened and was made very welcome from the outset. He is very happy living here and from what I can see, personally is extremely well cared for by all staff. The direct management of the house is effective in dealing with other service providers and outside
services to ensure my brother's needs are met.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10 for Rookhurst is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 5.000 for Rookhurst is calculated as follows: ( (114 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 114 Ratings = 5

  • 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 Rookhurst is based on 10 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 6 registered maximum number of service users is 1.2, which has been reached with 10 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: 8 May 2019

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 (2)

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Meet the Team (4)

Fiona

Fiona Gibbs

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2021

I have been employed in the housing and health and social care industry for the past 30 years within a variety of roles, from support worker, senior carer, housing manager, staff development officer, registered manager and area manager.
Historically, I was involved as a lead member of a green initiative identifying and developing waste disposal systems with local councils and housing associations in the Susex area.
I enjoy gardening and growing my own organic fruit and vegetables.
I spent a number of years living and working in Cyprus as part of the United Nations.
I write poetry and have had my work published.
Things that are important to me are, spending time with my two daughters, working in a person centred manner, working in a happy environment, having a sense of humour, smiling and laughter, service user involvement, honesty and respect, being approachable, promoting a positive attitude, being able to make a difference.
I'm proud to manage and lead the staff team at Rookhurst Lodge and I believe in maintaining a good working relationship with both the service users their family and friends is a valid contribution to the successful running of our home.


Suzanne

Suzanne Barker

Job Title: Support Worker

Joined: 2021

My name is Suzanne, I have been working at Rookhurst Lodge since September 2021, but I have worked in social care for 25 years in a range of roles from care staff to team leader to manager.
My degree was in linguistics so my original plan was to work for a couple of years and then train as a speech and language therapist. In the meantime, though I fell in love with care and the rest was history.
Things that are important to me are my family, my two cats (Badger and Biddy) nd books. Material things do not matter to me.


Tracey

Tracey Clarke

Job Title: Support Worker

Joined: 2022

I have been a full-time stay-at-home mum for the past 19 years. I have previously been employed in the health and social care industry as a supper cook. Whilst in this employment, I witnessed the dedication of the care and support workers and felt that I had the same passion and commitment to give. I have now achieved employment at Rookhurst Lodge since 2022, and I'm eager for forward learning. I feel that I have now settled into my role and thoroughly enjoy the interactions with the staff team and the service users.


I feel that in the short months that I have been here, I have inspired and been inspired by the person-centred approach that the staff team use to support the service users.


After several years of being a mum, I feel that my position as a support worker has allowed me to rediscover new passions for this role and this client group, and it has also promoted my confidence.
In my downtime, my other passions include crocheting and diamond art.


Lorna

Lorna Thompson

Job Title: Support Worker

Joined: 2021

I have worked at Rookhurst Lodge since 2021.


I have worked in previous care settings historically, but I can honestly say that my current job is one of the best.
I enjoy watching the people I support to achieve their goals. They are an inspiration to us all


Frequently Asked Questions about Rookhurst

What types of Care is Rookhurst registered for?

Learning Disability, 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 Rookhurst provide?

End of Life Care is an additional type of care provided.

How many Rooms does Rookhurst have?

There are 6 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Rookhurst?

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

How far is Rookhurst to the centre of Bexhill-on-Sea?

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