
I couldn't recommend this home more highly. Very professional as well as being very friendlyC M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



I couldn't recommend this home more highly. Very professional as well as being very friendlyC M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



Gittisham Hill House is a charming converted manor house set within its own 12 acre parkland, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, providing personalised residential, nursing and dementia care to older people.
Situated within Gittisham Hill Park Retirement Village, close to the bustling market town of Honiton in Devon, the home and village form a thriving community within a beautiful setting.
The whole team at Gittisham Hill House take the...
Care Provided by Gittisham Hill House Care Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 39 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Smoking not permitted
- Minibus or other transport
- Gardens
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Gittisham Hill House Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Gittisham Hill House 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)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- HC-One
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Rachael Rix(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2014
Room Information
- Single Rooms (37)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
Gittisham Hill House Care Home Reviews (61)
Gittisham Hill House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.529) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Gittisham Hill House Care Home has 61 reviews.
We have just returned from Gittisham Hill House where we were treated to Christmas Day lunch with my mother. The staff worked tirelessly to make this a really special day. There were masses of visitors, some staying for lunch and some just visiting. All were treated to a warm welcome from all the staff who were calm and efficient despite being extremely busy.
The staff make a huge effort to keep everyone amused/engaged.
My uncle has had an average service from October-November. He moved rooms and can't complain as the staff have been extremely helpful. His previous room was very poor and far too small for anyone to live in, more like a rabbit hutch. In that room, the hot water is still not available!! Appalling.
I am always made welcome as soon as I arrive. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Thank you to all.
This is a kind and caring home with patient staff. It is extremely well led. Senior management, although always busy, find time to discuss problems which are well dealt with. They also have time for the relatives of the residents. My husband's difficult behaviours were thoughtfully dealt with. If I were to need care I would not hesitate to stay here.
Lunch was delicious and served very nicely. All freshly cooked. The sweet of ice cream and homemade mango sauce was excellent.
My mother spent her last years at Gittisham Hill House. I cannot fault the care she was given from everyone, even though she was difficult to deal with at times, she was still treated with care and respect. Gittisham is the nicest and cleanest I have seen, and I did look at quite a few. I would recommend this care home to everyone.
My grandmother had complex needs which were very well dealt with at the home. She could be rather abusive and rude at times but was always cared for in a polite and dignified way.
Mum is happy in her surroundings. I feel that she is in a safe and secure environment and is well looked after.
All staff have a real connection with residents and display genuine love and affection. Standards of care together with facilities, activities and entertainment have all improved considerably since the new manager took over earlier this year.
Personal care, such as cutting fingernails, care of spectacles and dressing in the morning could be improved.
As a son, and coupled with family dynamics, I feel that my concerns and need for updates on Mum's health and care needs have been overlooked in the past while first (and sometimes only) contact is with my sister. Interestingly, I find this more of an issue with social services, GPs etc. The manager has responded positively to my concerns on this matter.
Thank you so much, Richard, for your comments, and I will pass on your feedback to the team. I am really pleased to see the 'even better if' feedback regarding fingernails and care of spectacles, and we will ensure this is acted on; we recently purchased 6 x manicure sets for the home so there is no excuse for ensuring excellent personal care at all times. Thank you again.
Management is excellent, they contact family on visits and any queries are welcomed. Patients have activities - quizzes which are stimulating for them.
Thank you very much for your kind review; we still have things to make 'even better' but I know the team will be very thankful for your review. Carol.
The new manager has positioned herself within the residential home and is, therefore, more accessible to residents, family and staff. It has become more homely and friendly. Improvements being made all the time.
Dear Lorna,
Thank you very much for your review which will help us make Gittisham even better. I know you understand that we are still 'work in progress' but striving to get excellent in all our categories. Thank you again for the feedback.
Kind Regards,Carol
Always clean. Residents are very well looked after, clean fresh clothes, tidy groomed hair and fantastic entertainment daily, with trips out. My family member joined this care home a very poorly lady, the first class care in this home, with the in-house nurse and daily visits from the doctor, has brought her back to life.
Dear Amy,
Thank you very much for your review, and I will ensure that your feedback is included in our Staff Meeting this afternoon; the team, I know, will be thrilled. If there are any even better (if's) to make care even better then I hope you will let me know, but again my sincere thanks.
Carol.
New manager is improving facilities and activities in the home. There is a more welcoming feel to the home.
Choosing a care home for my father had to meet all the qualities of care, facilities, cleanliness, caring nurses and staff and room facilities, basically what equated to a platinum care home for my dad. After visiting 26 care homes within a 20-mile radius of Sidmouth, Gittisham Hall was the only one that met these important criteria. Not only for my dad but the whole family are happy and content, knowing my dad is really well looked after, safe and happy. Thank you Gittisham.
Many thanks Louise for your super review; I am so pleased that we continue to meet all of Dad's needs. I will ensure the team sees your feedback, and again my sincere thanks. Carol
The team have also helped me to come to terms with the fact that I cannot look after my mother myself due to the progression of dementia.
Thank you for your kind review. We know it is early days for both you and Mum, but it is lovely to see how settled she has become, and we are glad that we have been able to help you as a family too - caring for our residents is also about caring for their families and I am glad that we have been able to help you during this period. Thank you again.
My husband was welcomed in March and settled well. The staff treated him kindly and with humour, especially when he asked for a beer or glass of red wine! He was always dressed well and shaving and manicures were fine. The lady running the activities worked hard to make the events enjoyable and appropriate. He enjoyed his meals and I was always offered coffee or tea. The atmosphere was peaceful in what could be difficult situations.
Thank you Maureen for your kind words and taking the time to add a review. It is appreciated. We continue to look for ways to continually improve and feedback is always welcome, thank you.
She is settled at Gittisham, is kept clean and dressed in a thoughtful manner. Staff demonstrate that they understand my Aunt's preferences and her personality. Her room is kept spotless with clothes neat and tidy in cupboards and drawers. When we bring flowers, staff will take time to find an appropriate vase for her room and they are kept watered and tended. My Aunt's particular needs are cared for well. When she has falls, we are informed promptly and she is well cared for.
Our family are made welcome when visiting and staff are happy to discuss our concerns. The care home is always clean when I visit and I see staff wearing protective aprons when serving refreshments.
It has been pleasing recently to see plenty of staff in living areas, garden being used, doors open and to see staff taking residents out for walks.
I've put good against areas I don't have enough knowledge of to give excellent.
Thank you very much for your kind review and your comments which we will pass back to the team. I am glad that the increased usage of the garden and outings is proving popular. Thank you again.
Clean, organised and friendly. The staff truly know and care for my Grandfather.
Alexander, a sincere thank you for reviewing Gittisham Hill House, and the care that your Grandfather receives. I will ensure that the staff are aware of the review, and your comments. We don't always get it right, but it is fabulous to hear when we do. Thank you again.
My father has been a resident for 4 years, he is nearly 96 years old. No matter what time of day I visit, the welcome is always warm (from staff) and dad is happy. The staff are endlessly patient and kind with my father whose behaviour can be challenging on occasion. Whilst busy the staff tend to find time to chat and update me on my father's condition. Other residents generally seem relaxed, happy and well cared for.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 26 February 2024Good
- CaringOutstanding
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (17) & Events (0)
- 19 Jan 2026
HC-One’s Gittisham Hill House Care Home in Honiton, Devon, was filled with music, laughter and dancing as residents enjoyed another much-loved visit from singer Tom Wills, whose performances have become...
- 18 Sep 2025
HC-One’s Gittisham Hill House Care Home in Honiton, Devon, welcomed visitors and guests from their local community to participate in this year’s Care Home Open Week celebrations from Monday, June...
- 24 Jun 2025
Residents at HC-One’s Gittisham Hill House Care Home in Honiton, Devon, were all smiles as they welcomed back a very special visitor—Treacle the therapy dog—after a short time away. Treacle,...
There are no upcoming events for Gittisham Hill House Care Home.
Meet the Team (1)

Introducing Rachael Rix, Home Manager at Gittisham Hill House Care Home, Honiton.
What does ‘kind care’ mean to you?
“Ensuring that residents feel safe and comfortable under our care and are supported to live their best lives.”
Over their career, Rachael has gained a wealth of experience in providing care and nursing support to elderly people, to enrich their lives. They are a knowledgeable and dedicated leader who is passionate about delivering the highest standards of care and quality of life for residents.
Having worked at HC-One since April 2017, Rachael closely shares HC-One’s vision in aiming to provide the kindest care for each and every resident. They extend this caring approach to their colleagues and work closely with them to deliver care and support to residents in a way that they gain the most benefit, in a warm and welcoming home.
When asked what they enjoy most about their role, Rachael remarked:
“Having the privilege to get to know the wonderful characters of residents under our care, leading developments in the quality of service provided in our home and having the opportunity to support my team to learn and grow.”
Rachael lists her proudest achievement as progressing to the position of home manager at Gittisham Hill House. Asked why they chose to work in the care sector, they said:
“I chose to work in the care sector because it is a service that provides genuinely rewarding experiences in the day-to-day delivery of care. My HC-One name badge says 'Kindness feels amazing' because we achieve a positive sense of personal well-being and satisfaction by delivering kindness to others.”
Outside of work, Rachael likes getting into the great outdoors, and particularly enjoys hiking across Dartmoor.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Gittisham Hill House Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Gittisham Hill House Care Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.