





Downlands Nursing Home is a twenty-two single rooms and one double -capacity Hove residential facility with a versatile care portfolio, from a local provider with over two decades of experience in achieving effective daily care packages.
Secluded gardens and homely interiors combine with a friendly team of staff who are keen to ensure that service users are able to achieve an active daily lifestyle, in which they feel respected and able...
Care Provided by Downlands
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Learning Disability / Autism
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol / Drug Misuse
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 23 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
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Downlands for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Downlands 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
- Brighthelm Care
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Grace Mwai(Registered Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (21)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (4)
Visiting
- Open visiting
Parking
- Car park available
Downlands Reviews (52)
Downlands has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Downlands has 52 reviews.
It's a scary decision picking a nursing home as naturally we wanted somewhere our mum would feel comfortable, safe and looked after. After visting several in the area, we just had such a good feeling from our first visit to Downlands and they absolutely didn't let us down. We're so pleased that we decided to go with them.
All of the staff care deeply and operate with utmost kindness and compassion.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum, appreciated.
My parent was a resident of the Downlands Care Home till they sadly passed away and they received excellent care throughout from the staff on a daily basis. I am so grateful to Grace and her team for the caring and compassionate care that they provided as my relative was comfortable and became part of the Downlands family.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the person centred care we provided to your dear parent. We try to maintain a homely atmosphere for the people we support.
Each time I visited my mother I could tell that she was in good hands. She was given the utmost of care with comfort and dignity.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum, appreciated.
She was admitted with advanced dementia and had her every needs catered for by the dedicated and friendly staff at the Home.
She was always treated with dignity and respect in what were at times difficult and stressful circumstances.
I was always given a warm welcome by the Manager and Staff whenever I visited the Home, and I would like to express my grateful
thanks to all at Downlands for taking such good care of my wife throughout the final years of her long battle with dementia.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear wife, appreciated.
My husband and I cannot praise Grace and the team enough whilst they cared for our Uncle who moved in to Downlands in October 2025. He has never looked more comfortable and well fed thanks to the care and attention the team gave him. He constantly had wonderful people looking out for him and caring for his day to day needs. Everyone of the team from Grace to the nurses, carers and chef were all amazing and what a wonderful job they do...thank you so much.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the person centred care we provided to your dear uncle. We appreciate your kind comments on the improvement he had through the care provided by the entire team, regular support to venture outdoors and support to visit his favourite Cafe.
The staff are really friendly, patient and kind with the residents, and the care seems very tailored to everyone's specific needs and personalities. Also they make guests feel very welcome. Special mention to Grace, Arleen and Smitha, very special people.
Thank you for your kind review of the care we provide to the people we support. The entire team is happy to know that the care we provide is person centred, guests fell welcome and the environment in the home is homely.
We are very impressed with the care provided by all of the staff at Downlands. Our mum is well looked after and is able to socialise with the other residents and join in activities when she feels well enough. All of the staff are caring and attentive and we couldn't have hoped for more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide to your dear mum, appreciated.
I cannot thank the management and staff enough for the care and compassion they showed. They made it feel like a home from home and all the staff work hard, they are friendly, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to take care of your loved one.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your friend, appreciated. We are pleased to know that as a team we met your friend's needs.
The Manager & all the staff were so kind to him & myself & my family. There were many shows of kindness such as the name on his door with a painting of an angler as they had asked about his former hobbies & the posy left of his bed when my daughter & I made our final visit.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear husband.
Ever since my mother moved to Downlands I have been repeatedly impressed with the level of care she has received. The staff are always so respectful of the needs of all residents and visitors alike. Everyone is so accommodating and friendly, that I find this particular nursing home to be outstanding in all areas. I am kept informed if there is anything that needs my involvement or if I need to be notified of any changes. I genuinely feel happy that my mother is receiving the best possible care in a respectful environment that is both friendly and professional at all times. The staff are incredibly compassionate and I am so very grateful that my mother is happy and comfortable and supported by such wonderful people. The chef is amazing and creates beautiful cakes when there are occasions to celebrate and the meals are nutritious, home cooked, and tailored to individual needs. The manager is so nice and welcoming and has a fantastic team beside her supporting the residents.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide in the home, appreciated. We are pleased to know that as a team we are meeting your mum's needs and will continue striving to do so.
Although no longer able to cope at home, my mother was initially reluctant to go to a Nursing Home. However, she settled in well at Downlands, which I believe was mainly due to the excellent care and kindness she received there. The staff team is very stable, which allowed my mother to become familiar with and build up relationships with the individual team members. There are different activities and opportunities to socialise on offer each day, and residents are invited to take part if they feel able to. The home is well-led by the manager, and all my mother's medical and other needs were addressed promptly and efficiently as and when they arose. I would highly recommend Downlands Nursing Home as a place where the staff truly care about their residents. Thank you very much to all at Downlands!
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide in the home and entrusting your mum's care to team at Downlands.
Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Downlands for looking after my aunt with such kindness, compassion and outstanding nursing care. When she moved in the chef visited her to ask her what she liked to eat and she has continued to enjoy delicious home cooked meals each day that she really enjoys. The home's activity worker also spent time with her when she moved in to find out about her life story, her likes and interests and routines and also asked us, her family. All staff know her well and this is really reassuring for us as a family to know that she is so well looked after. My aunt enjoys spending time in the lounge with other residents, and she joins in with the home's activities and is always busy doing something that she enjoys! The home was also keen that we personalised her room and she is very happy to have her things around her. The home's communication with our family has been excellent. We would highly recommend Downlands it is an outstanding nursing home.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide to your dear Aunt.
My mother moved to Downlands in November 2024, for end of life care. During her time here she was treated with great dignity and respect. The staff took care to respond to her needs as her health deteriorated. I was comforted to know that my Mum was safe and comfortable. At the end of her life Mum was treated with sensitivity and compassion. I couldn't ask for anything more. A big thank you to all of the staff at Downlands.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum.
Downlands looked after our dad at the end of his life. He was treated at all times with the greatest respect and kindness. Every member of staff was warm and welcoming; we knew dad was in safe hands, and for this we will be forever grateful.
Thank you so much for taking time to provide a review of the care we provide, appreciated.
We are very grateful to everyone at Downlands for their kindness and cannot recommend them enough. Mum was deteriorating quickly yet her doctor believed she wasn't palliative, so we initially planned for respite. Downlands quickly saw this as a possibility and the discussion with the family of palliative care was done with great sensitivity. She was only there 4 days but we are glad we got her there in time so she could receive the care she needed. The manager was kind and patient throughout, helping us feel confident she would be in the best hands. We could see a small change in her there - she looked cleaner and more comfortable than she had in weeks. Everyone was kind and patient when feeding her, as it was becoming challenging. They offered us food, drinks and bedding as we sat by her during her final night, even providing a spare room so we could have somewhere quiet nearby to nap. Nurses would come in regularly and there were no delays with administering medicines.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum.
We are so grateful to the wonderful caring staff at Downlands who made our Mother's final months so comfortable. Mum had Alzheimer's, so found it difficult to settle at first but the staff were so patient and always smiling so she soon began to feel at home. She was placed there after spending 61/2 weeks in hospital and immediately started to enjoy food again despite needing a puree diet as the fantastic chef purees home-cooked meals. The staff treat everyone as one big family. They were so friendly to my brother and I who visited regularly. The manager is always welcoming and ready to talk things through. The nurses were so caring towards Mum and ensured she was free from pain and comfortable. Highly recommend this nursing home to everyone, we couldn't have asked for more caring palliative care. The staff are always consistent which really helped Mum feel safe. Thank you Downlands for looking after Mum and supporting us in saying goodbye.
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide - appreciated. It was an honour to care for your dear Mum.
My mum spent the last week of her life at Downlands. When we were looking for palliative care homes the week before mum was admitted, I visited Downlands and it felt so comforting as soon as we entered the front door. The Manager and her staff are wonderful, so kind and attentive. The home itself won't be the most attractive but the staff more than make up for it. I am so pleased I chose Downlands for mums last few days and would recommend it to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
Our mum spent her last 14 days at Downlands. The end-of-life care that she received was excellent. The staff were so caring and respectful of mum. They worked very collaboratively with us and the live-in carer who had supported her previously. It was impressive that they were so open to learning from and with people with previous knowledge of mum. Whenever we highlighted something that she would want (e.g. specific music; her curtains being open) they implemented this immediately. Mum was not keen to eat and they found ways to try to encourage her whilst respecting any clear 'no' - however communicated. In the final hours of her life, they were beautifully gentle, caring and respectful (of both her and her children). Their communication with us was reassuring, caring and gently clear. As a consequence, the end of mum's life was peaceful and loving. We are so pleased we chose Downlands, a well-managed home, for our mum's last days.
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide, we appreciate it. It was an honour to care for your dear mum.
We knew Downlands would be my mum's final home and feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to place her there. In her final few weeks, she was treated with the utmost dignity, respect and most importantly, gentle care and kindness. The team are extraordinary in all aspects of their work. Despite not being able to eat a great deal, the chef prepared her an appropriate meal at all times, not deterred by it returning with only a spoonful taken. The manager is a joy. I would like to thank every person who took care of my lovely mum, they were all beautiful souls who made her final days and final hours comfortable, pain-free and dignified. We in all honesty couldn't have asked for more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
Mum spent her final days with dignity and I take great relief knowing that her pain relief was managed and she was in a home from home. The communication I received along with the support from absolutely everyone I encountered was so reassuring to us all and I would highly recommend Downlands. The individual rooms are homely and you can add familiar touches. The new extension will be amazing. When Mum needed to make a trip to A&E a lovely carer went with her and stayed with her for many hours beyond her working day until I could get there! That special carer when I return to see everybody have my special thanks along with all those from the day and night teams who looked after every aspect of Mum's care. I am so glad I found Downlands!
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide - appreciated. It was an honour to care for your dear Mum.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 04 September 2018Good
- CaringGood
- 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.
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Awards / Recognitions (0)
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Accreditations
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Frequently Asked Questions about Downlands
What types of Care is Downlands registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Eating Disorders, Alcohol / Drug Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Downlands have?
There are 21 Single Rooms and 1 Couples/Companion Room.
What are the Facilities & Services at Downlands?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Downlands to the centre of Hove?
0.9 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 Downlands to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Downlands has an Enhanced Service -more info.