The West Gate

2-4 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8JJ
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9.6 37 Reviews
  • The West Gate, Westgate-on-Sea
The West Gate is a specialist care home in Westgate-on-Sea providing restful nursing and residential care for people living with dementia and mental health issues.

The modern home with its friendly staff offers a warm, welcoming and conveniently located environment. The home is only a short walk from the seafront town with shops, cafes, a cinema, a library, churches and beaches.

The care is flexible and can accommodate long-term and respite needs, promoting residents' independence. The person-centred care extends to each family member as the home aims to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.

Residents benefit from a spacious garden and inside there is a TV lounge, a quiet lounge and dining rooms.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1400 – £1600
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1400 – £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700

Fees are assessed on an individual basis on completion of our holistic pre-admission screening. Fees are inclusive of Meals, Toiletries and Activities Provision.


Chiropody and Hairdressing and other sundries are not included

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The West Gate to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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 £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Owner

  • Bedstone Ltd

Person in charge

  • George Brown and Monika Liszka (Registered Managers)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • The West Gate has no restrictions on visiting times. However, during outbreaks the home may implement additional precautions for visitors such as wearing of masks.

Parking

  • On street Parking

The West Gate Reviews (37)

9.6

The West Gate has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.613) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The West Gate has 37 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to The West Gate
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Total of 37, showing 21-37
Review from Carole S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was moved to The West Gate from hospital on palliative care. She was bedbound, not eating, and had difficulty swallowing, hospice were also involved. Within a couple of months she was eating, drinking and looking much better. Now she enjoys days out with staff, walking with a Zimmer frame and interacting
with activities, of which there are plenty. The staff are excellent, they really care for the residents. The home is bright and airy with a lovely garden. No hesitation in recommending this home to care for a loved one. Thank you all for your great care of Mum.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your review, I will pass your kind words onto our staff team. Mum is a pleasure to care for and I am so pleased she is doing so well.

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Review from Nicky P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and prior to moving to The West Gate, he was living in another local care home. He has limited verbalisation and was displaying challenging behaviour during personal care, refusing medication and lost a great deal of weight. However, since moving to The West
Gate in December there has been a vast improvement in his presentation. Despite being bed-bound he is settled and happy with no challenging behaviours, he is compliant with medication and is eating well and gaining weight. He smiles at staff and has told them he likes them. The home is bright and clean and my father has a lovely room. Every staff member is extremely friendly and welcoming and has knowledge of my father’s needs. They record all daily activities electronically on a portal that the family can access to see how my father is on a daily basis. The food is varied and plentiful and staff are very competent. I would have no hesitation in recommending the West Gate nursing home.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your kind review, Dad is a pleasure to care for. I will pass your kind comments on to the care team.

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Review from Teresa C (Wife of Resident) published on 26 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband is having better care at The West Gate than I am able to provide at home as he is now in late-stage dementia. All the staff at the home treat him with great care and dignity. My son and I are so pleased that he feels at home at The West Gate. Our thanks to everyone at The West Gate.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you we are glad he has settled in so well with us. He is a lovely gentleman to take care of thank you for your review.

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Review from Janet S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum came to this home in the middle of covid, so we could not see her surroundings, staff or conditions. We felt very uneasy about this but when the lockdown was eased, to our great delight, the choice had been the best one made for her. We had a couple of things that needed sorting out but this was
done straight away without question. During Mum`s last six months there, she had a dislocated hip which caused a great deal of pain but the staff cared for her and did their best for her, causing the least pain as was possible. Mum's last days of end of life care, were met with compassion, love and dignity. We stayed with Mum for the last three days of her life and I have never seen care like it, not only for Mum but for myself and my daughter. The staff you could see were upset but carried on professionally. They helped us when Mum passed and advised us accordingly. The choice, we made under difficult circumstances but I would say to anyone thinking of placing a loved one here, do not be in any doubts about the care.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you so much for your kind review. I have passed it onto the team. Mum was a lovely lady and it was our pleasure and an honour to be able to care for her in her final days.

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Review from Emma Y (Niece of Resident) published on 6 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Aunt was admitted to the Westgate on a palliative care pathway, following a hospice admission. From day one, the staff were kind and compassionate towards her and me, making allowances for visiting around work patterns, despite juggling Covid restrictions. Her medical and personal needs were attended
to promptly and with professionalism, as well as care and gentility. In her last 72 hours, she was attended to round the clock, with someone with her to read to her, talk to her, play music to her and just make sure she wasn’t alone. For this, I will be forever grateful.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your review, I will pass your comments onto our team. We are glad we were able to provide some comfort at such a difficult time.

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Review from E A (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is very happy and seems to be doing really well, especially with her mobility. The staff are all very friendly, polite and helpful. Lovely feeling from them, a happy environment.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you very much for your kind review. We are glad Mum is doing so well.

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Review from Tyler K (Grandson of Resident) published on 17 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely garden. Brilliant staff. Nanny seems very happy here. We all felt really cared for and the staff are very attentive.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your kind review we are glad that Nanny is happy in the home.

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Review from Roy G (Son of Resident) published on 3 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very friendly and helpful staff who always give a welcoming greeting when visiting or phoning. More importantly, my mother who is convalescing there, is being looked after very well, medically. Any minor problems she has had since being placed here were quickly resolved and she always tells me how nicely
and cheerfully the staff treat her, when we visit. Since arriving, there has only been one occasion my mother has told me about when, in her opinion, a member of staff spoke quite abruptly to her, but overall she is very comfortable and being well cared for. One thing I must comment on is the ability to log into her daily care, it is an excellent, informative system.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you very much for your review. I am glad you are finding the access to Mum's care records helpful. If you have any concerns about Mum's care, please ask to speak with one of the management team. We will always be happy to meet with you. Kind regards, Louise.

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Review from Clare D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What I love about The West Gate is the caring, friendly and helpful staff. It breaks my heart that my Mum has to be here but I am greatly comforted by the fact that I know my Mum is well cared for, and all members of staff are always ready, willing and more than happy to give her a much-needed cuddle
whenever she wants and this speaks volumes to me.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you very much for your review I will pass your kind words onto our care team, Mum is an absolute pleasure to look after. Kind regards, Louise.

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Review from Larry S (Husband of Resident) published on 6 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After experiencing other care homes, I have found The West Gate a real breath of fresh air. It is well run with easily approachable management at all levels, and they obviously are careful about staff selection. As, in my experience, they are all pleasant, smile and appear to care about what they are
doing. The home also provides a website where we can check on loved ones any time of the day or night and is updated immediately by the staff every time they visit, in my case, my wife.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for submitting your review; I will pass your kind comments on to the staff team.

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Review from Kerena B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My dad is a resident at The West Gate and has been now for nearly two years. We cannot fault the care my dad receives. The home is in constant contact regarding my dad and any concerns they have. The staff are friendly and always go above and beyond to ensure Dad is comfortable. Would definitely recommend
this home.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your review, I will pass your kind words on to the care team. Louise

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Review from Helen B (Wife of Resident) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I cannot really comment on all the internal workings of the home due to having only been inside the home twice and was taken straight to the room due to the Covid infection, so wasn’t able to look around, but everything has been expertly carried out to care for my relative. I have been treated with
understanding and care when phoning for updates, and also changes in health have been relayed promptly to me, even though I’m not allowed in the home due to lockdown at the moment.
Reply from Louise Vickers, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your review, I will ensure your views are passed on to the care team. Louise, Luke and Adam

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Review from Jess P (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 18 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Great Grandmother went to stay at The West Gate for six weeks for Respite after she was quite sick. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, her room was homely and clean. We cannot recommend The West Gate highly enough.
Reply from Senior Registered Manager, Denise Benson, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for reviewing our home Jess. The team wish your great grandmother the best for her future and are happy we were able to help her gain some independence back.

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Review from Kaye S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father was placed at The West Gate for end of life care in his final stages of Dementia.
The staff were always supportive and caring to us when we were there and looked after my father very well. We were very happy he ended his life in such a positive and friendly environment.
Thank you very much
to the nursing staff and carers for looking after him so well.
Reply from Denise Benson, Registered Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your review of our home. We are pleased we were able to support your father and all of the family during this very difficult time. Your thanks will be passed on to the rest of the team here and we wish you all the very best.

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Review from Colin M (Son of Resident) published on 31 May 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad has been with The Hockeredge for a few months now and I am so pleased to see him becoming settled.
We are always warmly welcomed when we visit dad and the staff take time to talk to us about how his day has been.

Staff are really caring and go out of their way to support him when he is in his
busy work mode.


Dad had lost a lot of weight before coming to The Hockeredge and I can see his appetite is well and truly back now.
There is always plenty of good food to eat and drinks on offer.


I know how much he trusts his carers when he is willing to have a hug or even give back a peck on the cheek. Something previous homes have not even got close too.
I've even known staff pick up little bits and pieces for him while off duty.
Not only do staff care for Dad but they also actually like him.


It is fair to say that it has not always been a bed of roses for him, but clearly, the people caring for Dad have helped him to cope better in his own little Alzheimer's world.

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Review from Dan (Son of Resident) published on 9 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stepdad is a resident at the Hockeredge, he has been a resident for a good few months now. So far we are really happy with the care he gets. Staff are very friendly, happy and caring, and nothing seems to be a problem. We visit every day and feel like we are welcome at any time, we are offered Tea/Coffee
on pretty much every visit, this is lovely as my stepdad loves having a 'cuppa' with us.


The food is fantastic and cooked on-site, the cooks are often cooking cakes and biscuits for the residents in addition to the home cooked meals.


The rooms are lovely and are cleaned regularly to perfection!


Medication seems to be given on time (Refreshing change compared to other care homes we have experienced)


Currently we are really happy with the Hockeredge, and are looking forward to the refurbishments.


We are relieved he has now found somewhere where he is cared for, and his needs are meet on a daily basis - We can only say thank you.

Reply from Mary Noone, Home Manager at The West Gate

Thank you for your lovely review. It is a pleasure to care for your Step-Dad and to welcome you all into the home.

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Review from Robert H (Father of Resident) published on 21 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son was moved to other care homes before moving to Hockeridge Care Centre, and he is well looked after and has settled well and I am pleased that he is there.
Reply from Vanessa Cornfoot, Home Manager at The West Gate

We would like to thank you for taking the time to write a review and are pleased that you are happy with the services provided.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.613)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.613) out of 10 for The West Gate is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.613 for The West Gate is calculated as follows: ( (99 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 150 Ratings = 4.613
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The West Gate is based on 13 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 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
    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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 13 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: 7 Jun 2024

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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 (3)

Meet the Team (3)

Adam

Adam Balcombe

Job Title: Peripatetic Manager Joined: 2010

Adam has worked in social care since 2010. He has worked his way up through the service from apprentice support worker to his current role as Peripatetic manager supporting all 3 homes within the organisation.


Adam has achieved his NVQ level 5 in Leadership and Management.


Adam is an excellent communicator and is dedicated to the work community and strives to make the West Gate a warm family environment for residents, staff and visitors

George

George Brown

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2008

George has worked for the West Gate since 2008. He quickly excelled in his roles and has worked from being a carer to a senior Carer to the home's Head of Care. George then studied at University to become a Registered Mental Health Nurse and has vast experience both in mental health and caring for our lovely residents and their mental health needs.


George became the Registered Manager in 2023

Monika

Monika Liszka

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2015

Monika came to the West Gate many years ago as our head of care whilst her nursing qualifications were being transferred. Monika then became a Registered General Nurse for the Home and since then Monika has done some amazing work with palliative and wound care and is now one of our Registered Managers. Monika has great drive and is very passionate about her job and always ensures the residents receive the appropriate care they need.

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