South Africa Lodge

43 Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville PO7 7LA
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9.6 77 Reviews
  • South Africa Lodge, Waterlooville
South Africa Lodge focuses solely on caring for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological, physical and mental health needs. The home offers a safe environment and has wheelchair access throughout.

A comfortable and spacious interior includes en-suite bedrooms, colourful decorations and a large garden area. Residents are encouraged to make the most of their surroundings and live an active lifestyle.

A full clinical team develops care packages that maximise the individual potential of residents. Every resident is carefully assessed before any placement and care packages reviewed on a regular basis.

The quality of care at South Africa Lodge is underpinned by strong governance processes and the continual development of staff skills.

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 99 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Bart Kulczycki (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • self, local authority, health, third party
  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (99)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (99)

Visiting

  • There is an open visitor’s policy but the care home asks that you are respectful of your relative/friend’s routine when choosing a time to visit. Please feel free to discuss this with staff supporting the individual.


    The reception is manned Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. At the front door, there is a doorbell which connects with reception who will let you in to the building. If there is no one at the reception desk, or you are visiting outside of office hours, please use the bell and one of the team will come to the door as soon as they are able to do so.

Parking

  • Adequate on site parking for staff and visitors. The home has designated parking for those who are less able.

Total of 77, showing 21-40
9.6

South Africa Lodge has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.637) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time South Africa Lodge has 77 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 62
  • 12
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  • 0

Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident at South Africa Lodge since Jan 2024. He has received excellent care and although he has challenging behaviour, the staff have all been very caring and have learned how to manage his frustrating moods, ensuring his safety is top priority. The staff communicate well any
changes or issues that arise whilst caring for my husband and ensure me with any decision making which is reassuring as a relative.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're really glad to hear that your husband is receiving the care and support he needs. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care, and it's heartening to know that our efforts are making a difference. We'll ensure your lovely words are shared with the team at South Africa Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very experienced at dealing with difficult patients

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for recognising the dedication and experience of our staff. We take great pride in providing compassionate care, and it's reassuring to hear their expertise is appreciated. We are sorry to hear there are a few areas that may need some work, please feel free to make contact with the management team to discuss as we would be keen to learn from this. We will pass on your review to the team for their awareness.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have always found the staff and facilities at South Africa Lodge to be of the highest standards. Dad is looked after extremely well and seems both comfortable, safe and happy, which is all we can ask at this stage in his condition.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that your dad feels comfortable, safe, and happy at South Africa Lodge. Providing the highest standards of care is our priority, and knowing he's well looked after means a great deal to us. We will ensure this is passed on to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my dad receives is outstanding, he is very happy in his forever home. Dad is always clean, tidy and is always comfortable.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear your dad feels happy and comfortable in his home. Our team takes great pride in providing outstanding care, and knowing he's well looked after means the world to us. We will ensure this is passed on to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Mum has been in the home for many years and has seen a lot of changes, some good, but not all. The staff are always friendly but I feel it has changed since they moved the staff around. It's nicer for families to have the same staff around as well as the residents. More stability and trust all around.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your review of South Africa Lodge and sharing your experience of staff movements within the service. We are sorry to hear this hasn't always felt comfortable for our residents and families. Please feel free to discuss this with the management team at the service to see if there are things we can consider moving forward.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very proffessional, caring environment giving person-centred and compassionate care.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your great review of South Africa Lodge, we will ensure this is passed on to the team in the service. Should you wish to discuss any of the lower scoring items with the General Manager or Clinical Manager at the service please feel free to do so, we are always keen to understand how we can improve.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my relative came to South Africa Lodge, I have, for the first time in this home, been able to have more quality of my life. If there are any incidents or any concerns, I am immediately contacted, whether it's day or night at my request. I observe only kindness, my relative is not an easy person
to deal with but us always addressed by name and given space and time if required. Staff are always polite to me and I feel very supported. The best home he's been in yet.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your wonderful review of the experience for you and your relative at South Africa Lodge. It's so important to us to ensure our residents feel well supported but families too, so it's great to know you have felt this too. We will ensure your review is shared with the team at South Africa Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle is always very calm and happy when I see him, and he always looks clean and smart. The staff are so kind; nothing is too much trouble for them. It is a good place for my uncle to be. There is always a good atmosphere.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your lovely review of South Africa Lodge, we are always so pleased to hear our residents are happy and content in our homes. We will ensure your review is passed on to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent staff and top care very attentive, my husband is warm comfortable, and well looked after physically and mentally, and my visits are always welcomed either in the main lounge or his bedroom.
He enjoys the company of the staff.
If there is a problem I get called immediately to be informed
of the matter.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your lovely review and feedback, we will ensure this is passed on to the team at South Africa Lodge. If you would like to share any specific feedback or discuss further the lower scoring areas please feel free to get in touch with the General Manager or one of the Clinical Managers at the service.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister-in-law has been living at South Africa Lodge for almost a year. I am thrilled that she has settled well and is so much happier and healthier. This is a testament to the wonderful care she is receiving from all the staff. Everyone is so welcoming, cheerful, friendly and helpful. The home is
always spotlessly clean and bright and cheerful. There is always plenty of activities going on, something for everyone. The staff keep in touch regularly with updates. I highly recommend South Africa Lodge.

Reply from Leanne Parmenter, Head of Business Development at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to write this fabulous review. We're really pleased to hear your sister-in-law has settled well over the last year and is much happier and healthier too. We will be sure to pass on your lovely words to the team at South Africa Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unfortunately, Dad passed away in Wisteria last weekend, but the care and compassion that all members of staff showed to him were immeasurable. They all went above and beyond to make his final few weeks comfortable. Management should be proud of the exemplary care that was delivered. They could not
do enough for our father but also supported all of the family through this difficult time.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Firstly I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing last weekend. Please accept our condolences to you and the family. Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review at what must be such a difficult time for you all. It is lovely to hear how the team at South Africa Lodge supported you all through this time and gave your father the most wonderful care. We have passed on your kind words. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum came from another care home, they were unable to lower Mum's blood sugar. South Africa Lodge managed to control her blood sugars and this had a beneficial effect on her behaviour. Mum did very well at South Africa Lodge.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the environment was a bit bland
and institutional and it would be nice to have a meal with Mum.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for your review. It's great to hear how well the team at South Africa Lodge have managed your mum's health and condition. Regarding South Africa Lodge's environment, the home is designed to have both a clinical and therapeutic benefit for residents with complex needs which, compared to some traditional nursing homes, can appear bland. Caring for people in a complex care service means that some facilities such as dining with relatives are not always possible to support.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident of South Africa Lodge for the past six months and I cannot begin to say how happy I am with the care and attention he is given every day. The staff are all so kind and caring and have helped him to settle in and look after him so well, they also are very attentive to the
needs and worries of the family, always willing to talk and explain everything to the family which is really reassuring especially when they are very worried abought their loved ones. Thank you South Africa Lodge for everything.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, it is much appreciated.
It's great to hear that your husband has settled in so well. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to the team at South Africa Lodge!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whenever I visit, I find the staff kind, caring and attentive. You can see and feel the loving and respectful atmosphere they have created. There is always plenty of staff around, so residents aren't left unattended. Although the level of care residents in this home require is challenging, the staff
take it in their stride and provide care in a respectful manner. It's always nice to see the staff chatting and engaging with residents in the lounge as friends, rather than just in a staff-resident relationship. Staff go out of their way to keep residents entertained by singing with them, styling their hair, painting and cutting their nails. There is also regular entertainment arranged for residents, and they recently had a 'bring your pet to work' day, which allowed residents to interact with animals, which was lovely.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for this wonderful review. Feedback such as this makes our colleague's day, so we will be sure to pass on your lovely words to all the team at South Africa Lodge. Thank you once again!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with the care Mum is receiving at South Africa Lodge. Everyone from the reception staff to the cleaners are caring, helpful and understanding. Nothing is too much trouble. They have been particularly welcoming to our elderly father who visits Mum regularly. In August, when they celebrated
their 64th wedding anniversary, the staff decorated her room and made them a lovely cake. The garden is well looked after and there is plenty of entertainment, which Mum thoroughly enjoys. It's reassuring to know Mum is well looked after and in a safe and comfortable environment.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Thank you for this lovely review, which we will be sure to pass on to the team at South Africa Lodge.
It's great to hear that everyone at the home takes an active part in caring for your mum and the family when they visit.
Thank you again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We visited our brother recently and were pleased to find him much more alert than he had been prior to admission. He is happy and relaxed. The atmosphere in the home was warm and friendly, and the staff were very attentive to both ourselves and our brother, who has severely limited verbal communication.
His room was spacious and full of his pictures. We feel very reassured that our brother has settled in so quickly.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

Thank you, Penny, for this wonderful review. It's great to hear that your brother has settled so well and the comfort that this gives his family. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to the team at South Africa Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for a few months now and she has truly settled in. The staff are so kind and caring to her and manage her needs exceptionally well. This month mum had fun when she went swimming for the first time in years and she had the most wonderful time dancing and
singing to 50s/60s music during the garden party. According to Mum, it was the best time she had had in a very long time. Huge thank you to all the staff who care very much and work so hard to make SAL such a warm and welcoming home for their residents and visitors.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My experience of this care home is quite different to their publicity. During my wife’s time there she was on 1 to 1 care but still suffered 9 recorded falls, one broken hip and a broken knee plus many unexplained bruises on her body. The home is split over six lodges so I can only comment on the one
she was in. A few of the staff were excellent but many were lazy and inattentive to residents. Interaction and stimulation was not given on a daily basis. Drinks were not mixed correctly and cutlery and crockery dirty to name a few of my observations. I used to visit for a large part of each day to spend as much time with my wife, a situation the staff didn’t care for as I witnessed the daily failings. This was reported back to the management who restricted my visiting time and also threatened to exclude me from the home. Very difficult to give accurate star ratings as the service provided was very erratic from day to day. In my experience, I could not recommend this home.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

We are sorry to read your personal view about one of the lodges and the experience that you feel you have had. Sadly your wife had a number of falls due to her deteriorating health but it is important to add that having 1:1 support will not stop a person from falling, from our meetings and reviews by the commissioners this was always made very clear to you, all of these incidents were reported to the relevant authorities, investigated and no further actions required.
Our last CQC Inspection in October 2022 rated us Good in all areas and was a very comprehensive inspection carried out over many days by an experienced team of inspectors. We have recently been reviewed and subsequently have been awarded as the leading specialist care provider in the country.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

This review refers to one lodge in particular, I cannot speak for all the lodges but some comments relate to all. Extreme understaffing; sometimes no carer in the lounge, leaving residents vulnerable. There is no routine, staff are often unsure of what they should be doing, or where they should be.
Far too many untrained and agency staff with no previous knowledge of caring. Residents are left alone in their rooms with little or no interaction from anyone. When they are in the lounge they are constantly told to 'Sit down'. Activities consist mainly of outside entertainers coming in. Daily activities do not happen and there are no one to one 'chats'. Management and (some) carers resent the presence of relatives and are unwelcoming. There is no respect or care for personal items and very little effort made to resolve this issue. There are some very good carers and I'm sorry that they have been included in this review. There is a very negative attitude all around.

Reply from Natasha Gwyther, Special Projects Manager at South Africa Lodge

We are sorry to read your personal view about one of the lodges and the experience that you feel you have had. We feel it is important to comment that despite many meetings you have had with both local and senior management you have not been able to move forward in your opinion from practices that you feel you have experienced in the past. Our last CQC Inspection in October 2022 rated us good in all areas and was a very comprehensive inspection carried out over many days by an experienced team of inspectors. We have recently been reviewed and subsequently have been recognised as a leading specialist care provider. Currently we have no vacancies for staff. All staff have a comprehensive induction of 17 days. Our staff retention is currently at an industry leading 80%. Care is specific to the resident, each person’s individual needs. Feedback from external professionals was that your relative, whilst in our care, and all our residents are thriving at South Africa Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

South Africa Lodge staff and the group have been incredibly supportive of our family. They know, understand and truly care for their residents. Our father has been in the home for three years. They know his personality, his likes and dislikes and are supporting him appropriately with his dementia needs
and any changes medically or physically, but also trying to ensure he is included in the activities of the home where possible (this has even included a llama visiting his bedroom!). Communication is good between the home and our family, and knowing we can trust their care gives us comfort and peace of mind.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.637)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.637) out of 10 for South Africa Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 35 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 4.637 for South Africa Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (289 Excellents x 5) + (106 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 416 Ratings = 4.637

  • 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 South Africa Lodge is based on 35 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 99 registered maximum number of service users is 19.8, which has been reached with 35 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.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 25 Oct 2022

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.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Bart Kulczycki

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2025

Bart brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of General Manager at South Africa Lodge.

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