Fernbank Residential Care Home

25/27 Gratwick Road, Worthing BN11 4BN
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9.7 51 Reviews
  • Fernbank Residential Care Home, Worthing
Fernbank is an exceptionally attractive and well-appointed residence for retired ladies and gentlemen in the very centre of Worthing.

The home is within a few minutes of the seafront and promenade with far reaching views across the English Channel and Sussex coastline. Local bus routes and train station are also within walking distance.

Fernbank is designed to care for those who wish to be in comfortable, pleasant surroundings with like-minded company and social environments. The home assures high quality cuisine and the attendance of helpful and caring staff during the day and night.

Fernbank boasts a stunning and substantial new extension completed in Spring 2017. The new building has increased the number of rooms to 46, as well as adding a spacious dining room with air conditioning. Luxurious communal lounges, activity room, a patio and herb garden plus a very popular hairdressing salon were all included in the extended home. Most bedrooms are en-suite and are beautifully decorated and furnished. Each room has a plasma TV, Wifi and a free private telephone.

There is an air conditioned dining room and lounges for comfort in the warmer summer months.
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Care Provided by Fernbank Residential Care Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 46 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1102
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1127

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Fernbank Residential Home to find out the exact price for your requirements. There are no extras except for newspapers, hairdressing and chiropody.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Fernbank Residential Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Fernbank Residential Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Contact Fernbank Residential Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Donna Harwood (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (46)

Visiting

  • Well behaved family pets may be brought to visit.


    Regular activities and entertainers, to which visitors always welcome to attend, no invitation required.

Parking

  • Limited on site parking, there is on street parking that is usually free.

Fernbank Residential Care Home Reviews (51)

9.7

Fernbank Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.711) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fernbank Residential Care Home has 51 reviews.

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Review from Barbara C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am constantly impressed by all of the staff at Fernbank, in Gratwicke Road. There is such a warm cheery atmosphere from the staff when they help Mum. I couldn't expect anything more from the staff and l have no concerns in the level of professional care that is given to my elderly relative. I know
she is well cared for and have never had reason to doubt that over several years
Reply from Fernbank, Home Manager at Fernbank Residential Care HomeBarbara, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We will pass your kind words along to the team. Thank you.
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Review from Jenny D (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was very anxious about having to go for respite care in a residential home while we had a holiday, but the staff helped her to settle in pretty quickly. We were grateful for everyone's kindness and attention to detail, and their quick response to rectify small problems. Mum's room was lovely, and
she reported that the food was very good. Whenever we visited we witnessed a very caring environment, with attentive staff, and happy residents.
Reply from Fernbank, Home Manager at Fernbank Residential Care HomeThank you for taking the time to share your experience. We will pass your kind words along to the team. Thank you.
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Review from M W (Resident) published on 13 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After four months at Fernbank I can say that it is an excellent place to retire to in old age. It is not in any way institutional and I have found that I can just do my own thing or take part in activities as I choose. The staff are all very friendly, helpful and caring,nothing is too much trouble.
Reply from Fernbank, Home Manager at Fernbank Residential Care HomeThank you for the review and for your kind words about our home.

The Team at Fernbank
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Review from Jim E (Respite Resident) published on 17 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In Fernbank for two weeks respite care. My wife and I had been shown around the premises prior to our arrival. The staff we met then were friendly and happy to explain how things worked, even before a booking was made. They said they would phone us if a room became available on the dates required-
and they did. A good start.
I had never resided in a care home before so felt quite apprehensive and nervous but it was obvious staff were familiar with this sentiment. From that moment and for the rest of my stay all staff were friendly and helpful whenever they saw me looking lost as I came to terms with a new way of life.
My room was simply furnished with wet room, WiFi, TV and sufficient storage space. I found the bed comfortable but hard to get out of quickly because of the wooden edges (hospital bed). If I'd been staying longer I would have asked to change.
I was impressed with the food. Regular meals, but flexible enough if you were out. And tea and coffee offered frequently.
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Review from Julie R (Niece of Resident) published on 1 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our aunt has resided at Fernbank for over 3 years and is very happy here and can highly recommend! Fernbank really is a 'home from home' and doesn't feel like a 'care home' at all, more like a 5-star hotel, along with the dedicated team who work there and who go above and beyond in providing a caring,
friendly, nurturing approach for all. I could write a long list of all the amazing features about the home, but a previous comment on here (1st July) sums it all up. All I can add is just go and look for yourself, and I promise, you won't be disappointed.
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Review from Sally W (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been here since March 2025. She started in respite, but then decided to stay. The staff are genuinely really kind, caring and obviously efficient. Feels like a family environment. Very helpful and responsive to any requirements or questions. The food is great. Varied with daily choices,
special requests etc, well presented, healthy, appetising. Lovely communal dining room, or clients can eat in their own room if they want.


There is a choice of communal areas, some quiet, some busier. Plus an outside courtyard and garden. Rooms are good. We were given a tour and a choice of rooms available. It's very close to Worthing Town centre, so easy for trips out. This really is a good safe place with caring staff. Highly recommend. We took a tour of several care homes before concluding this was the best place to try initially for respite care, now long-term care. We are all happy with our choice.

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Review from K R (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Fernbank for over a year now and the family are very satisfied with level of care and support she receives. The staff are very friendly and helpful and there is always a very welcoming feel when you enter the home. Her room is comfortable and clean and the home has
two spacious lounges for relaxation, socialising with other residents and group activities. There is also an enclosed conservatory area and outdoor gardens, where my mother likes to sit when it's warm and the sun is out. The garden areas could perhaps do with bit more attention regarding the planting to make it an even more enjoyable place to sit. My mother enjoys the food and staff are always on hand for those additional cups of tea or coffee when required.
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Review from Dave M (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff have been outstanding in the care of my mother who has dementia!
The constant care and supervision she receives has been outstanding in the 12 months she has been a resident. It is reassuring for us as a family that if anything untoward happens, she will get immediate attention!
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Review from H R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been a resident at Fernbank for just over 5 years and, in that time he has received an excellent standard of care ....both physically and mentally. The staff are always friendly and cheerful when I visit Dad and his room is kept clean and tidy. On the one occasion we did have to complain
about something, the matter was dealt with appropriately and swiftly and with the residents' well being in mind. My one suggestion for improvement would be for the garden area to be more accessible for residents and visitors but. with limited space I appreciate this is not easily rectified.
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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has received excellent care since she went into Fernbank a couple of months ago. All the staff have been so friendly and helpful and genuinely care about the residents. Nothing is too much trouble, and they have gone the extra mile to help with on-going care. The facilities are really good
and the place is kept very clean and tidy. Food is also very good and the staff will always offer to provide a drink and biscuits or cake when we visit. I am happy to recommend Fernbank Care Home.
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Review from C H (Respite Resident) published on 6 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is the second time I have been here for respite care and it has not disappointed me again. All the staff are first class, food very good, and the surrounding are spacious and well maintained and very clean. What more could you want.
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Review from A B (Resident) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very well looked after during my respite time at Fernbank. The staff are very helpful and very friendly. Very well run home I would definitely recommend. Many thanks to the excellent staff.
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Review from Denise P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fernbank feels like a family. Every member of staff from carers to maintenance and kitchen staff knows and treats the residents with respect and compassion. The home is very clean and well maintained and everyone is warmly welcomed.
There is always staff popping in for a friendly chat or just making
sure mum is okay. I am very happy with the care and attention mum receives and more importantly, mum is happy at Fernbank. I would not hesitate to recommend this very caring home.
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Review from G W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in Fernbank since May this year and I can not praise this home enough. My mum has improved in so many ways I am delighted with the care and support she receives and also the feedback on my mother's ongoing care. The food is amazing, and there are so many activities to occupy the residents.
The staff are friendly and I am so impressed with the level of attention from all levels of staff. I would recommend this home to anyone. Well done Fernbank and South Coast Nursing Homes.
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Review from Patricia T (Resident) published on 19 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have received the best of care at Fernbank. The staff have treated me with respect at all times and my health both physically and mentally has improved enormously.
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Review from K P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A huge thank you to everyone at Fernbank for putting on such a great Christmas party - thanks for all the hard work put in by all.
It was so lovely to see Mum having such fun, and the video of her joining in the singing and dancing with her grandson has brought much joy to our family - we made a very
special memory yesterday
Thanks once more too for everything you’ve done for Mum this year - it’s been up and down, as you know. But Mum couldn’t be in a kinder, more supportive place and we are all really appreciative of that.
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Review from M R (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 28 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very caring staff. Always a calm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Managers were very helpful when I was discharged from hospital and have done everything possible to prevent me having falls.
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Review from A S (Respite Resident) published on 28 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Right from the first contact on the telephone, I was treated with consideration and care. The staff are wonderful, nothing is too much trouble.
Attractive surroundings and very clean. Good food, coffee, tea and biscuits or cake are served during the day. Entertainment provided and walks arranged with
a member of staff to accompany.
During my month's stay, I was able to see their doctor and get my pain under control and get walking again. I would not hesitate to recommend this home.
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Review from Katie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My dad has settled in very quickly. The home has a happy and friendly environment. The staff are always helpful and will put themselves out if assistance is needed. He has been very happy with the meals provided.
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Review from Sheila H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All I can say is thank you to everyone at Fernbank, you are so lovely with my mum. She has been at the home since she broke her hip in 2021. She enjoys the banter with ‘the Elaines’ (as do I) she joins in with all the fun! Is a regular companion on shopping trips into town! (When she remembers her hearing
aids) she enjoys socializing with all her new friends! Thank you to the whole Fernbank team.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.711)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.711) out of 10 for Fernbank Residential Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.861 for Fernbank Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (143 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 166 Ratings = 4.861
  2. 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 4.85 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Fernbank Residential Care Home is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.85
    2. 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 46 registered maximum number of service users is 9.2, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 24 Mar 2026

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.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Donna

Donna Harwood

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 1997

With nearly 30 years of dedication to South Coast Nursing Homes, including 19 years as the Registered Manager right here at Fernbank, Donna Harwood's long-standing leadership has made the home a true cornerstone of high-quality care in Worthing.


Here, Donna shares what makes the Fernbank family so uniquely special:


"Welcome to Fernbank"


"When families visit us, they often ask me what sets Fernbank apart from other care homes in Worthing. My answer is always simple: our exceptional support and respect for our residents who have trusted us with their care, driven by our proven track record and our people. I am incredibly proud that we have consistently maintained our ‘Good’ CQC rating, backed by an array of 5-star reviews on carehome.co.uk from our residents and their loved ones.


To me, exceptional care relies entirely on consistency. That is why I am delighted to say that we have not used a single hour of agency care staff in the last 24 months. If we ever need extra cover, we only ever source staff from our trusted sister homes. This means every person stepping through our doors is trained to our exceptionally high South Coast Nursing Homes standards, understands our ethos, and already feels like family.


We also look to the future. If your loved one’s care needs change over time, you don't have to worry about the unknown. Through our close-knit network, we can seamlessly refer to our sister homes, ensuring they continue to receive the exact same high standard of care you expect from us, without the stress of starting over.


Finally, life at Fernbank is full of joy. We are just a short walk from Worthing town centre, the seafront, and our local theatres. We have a wonderfully active relationship with our sister homes, Berkeley Lodge and The Poets, where our residents are always invited to join in on activities and events. It is a vibrant community, and we cannot wait to welcome you into it."


Donna Harwood
Registered Home Manager, Fernbank

Julie

Julie Carter

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2023

As the Home Administrator, I love that our home has a genuinely warm, 'homely' feel where everyone is happy and supportive. What stands out to me most is how every department - from Care and Kitchen to Housekeeping, Activities, and Management - works together to ensure our residents' needs always come first.

Melanie

Melanie Baker

Job Title: Receptionist Joined: 2024

My name is Melanie, and I am delighted to be the Receptionist at Fernbank, having joined the team in November 2024.


From the moment you contact Fernbank, I aim to ensure you feel welcomed, supported, and valued. It has been a pleasure getting to know our residents and their families, and I enjoy being part of the warm and caring community we have here.


With previous experience in care, reception, and secretarial roles across the care, finance, and education sectors, I understand the importance of providing a friendly, professional, and compassionate service. Whether you are making an enquiry, arranging a visit, or simply calling for information, I am always happy to help.


I look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to Fernbank.

Ruth

Ruth Cherriman

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 2023

Ruth joined the Fernbank team as Head Chef in September 2023, bringing a wealth of diverse culinary experience from hotels, restaurants, private schools, and care homes.


While she has worked in a variety of kitchens, her heart has always been in care catering. For Ruth, Fernbank was the perfect opportunity to return to what she loves most.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fernbank Residential Care Home

What types of Care is Fernbank Residential Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Fernbank Residential Care Home have?

There are 46 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Fernbank Residential Care Home?

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

How far is Fernbank Residential Care Home to the centre of Worthing?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Fernbank Residential Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Fernbank Residential Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.