Downlands

96 The Drive, Hove BN3 6GP
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9.8 44 Reviews
  • Downlands, Hove
Downlands Nursing Home is a twenty-three 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 to pursue personal interests.

The service looks to remain up-to-date with a developing care sector, learning all it can from inspections and keeping strong links with local health professionals.
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Care Provided

Type of Service

    Nursing Home
  • For a maximum of 23 Service Users

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public 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: £1500 – £1750
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1500 – £1750

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

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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Grace Mwai (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 40+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2013

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (23)

Downlands Reviews (44)

9.8

Downlands has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.848) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Downlands has 44 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Downlands
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Review from Margot U (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum spent the last seven months of her life at Downlands and we moved her from another care home that could not meet her needs. Our experience at Downlands could not be more different than her previous care home. At Downlands the staff are welcoming, caring and kind. My mum was very depressed and
at times, very difficult to manage, as she was understandably sad about being old and frail and did not want to be in a nursing home. However, the staff tried really hard to find ways to engage my mum and respected her choices while gently encouraging her to engage in the life of the home. My mum died at Downlands and as I work in a hospice I know how important it is to help people live until they die and to have as good a death as possible. The palliative care was faultless. The nurses listened to me and my mum and we worked together to ensure that she was comfortable and her dignity maintained right to the end.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.

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Review from Karen B (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family and I have nothing but praise for the manager and staff at Downlands, where my stepdad has been so well cared for during the last four years, he has been so happy there, and we feel that we could not have found a better place for him after his dementia diagnosis. All of the staff were so kind,
caring and friendly, and we always received a warm welcome when we visited, and nothing was ever too much trouble. My stepdad enjoyed taking part in the activities that took place and especially enjoyed helping with little jobs in the lovely garden. A special effort was always made on his birthday by the staff, and the wonderful chef always made a lovely cake; this was always very much appreciated. Communication was very good, and we were always informed of any medical issues or appointments. We will be forever grateful to everyone at Downlands for the amazing care that they gave and for looking after my stepdad so well; thank you to you all so much.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your step dad. It was an honour to care for him.

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Review from Nicola B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum recently spent 4 weeks at Downlands having been transferred from the Royal Sussex County for palliative care. Downlands had been recommended to me so I was really pleased when coincidentally, my mum was moved to Downlands through CHC fast track. It was a relief to know she was going somewhere
that had already been given such a glowing report by someone I knew with personal experience of the home. The communication from the manager was excellent at all times, even before my mum moved in. My Mum was very complimentary about the home, telling me the staff were very good, friendly and kind and how she was enjoying the food! The home always looked and smelt clean and fresh and mum was always clean and well presented when I visited. When she reached the last week of her life, again, the staff were brilliant with Mum and myself making sure I knew what was going on and offering support and keeping mum comfortable right up to the very end.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.

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Review from Jen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was at Downlands for over two years and was transferred there as she needed more care than her previous home could give her. From the moment she moved in she was happy and so were my brother and I. Every single time we visited, which was often, Mum was dressed, clean, hair brushed, nails done and
perfume on! She was smiling and was engaging and enjoying herself with the staff and the other residents. It was the most social we had seen her in years! We were always made welcome at any time and looked forward to chatting to the staff about what Mum had been up to. She had trips out, games, exercise and most memorably the Christmas parties and summer BBQs where an Elvis impersonator came along and sang to them whilst holding their hands. We have so many great memories of time spent there with Mum. I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was knowing and trusting in the staff and their care for Mum and their care for my family too when the end came.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you for the kind feedback about the care we provide at Downlands. It was an honour to look after your mum.

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Review from Margaret v (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Downlands is truly a special place and we feel so lucky that we found it for our mum. It is welcoming, warm and very friendly and is extremely well managed. Without exception, every member of staff we met was unfailingly kind, caring, considerate, respectful and professional. Mum was beautifully looked
after there and we are very grateful to everybody there who helped that happen.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.

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Review from Janice A (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The manager and team were very respectful and kind to my mother and me. They worked tirelessly and checked that my mother was comfortable continually. Any request was dealt with quickly. I cannot make a comment on the activities as my mother was too ill to take part and I was not involved. The staff
were wonderful, thank you. Also, visiting was always easy and the welcome perfect.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands

Thank you for your kind review. It was an honour to look after your mother.

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Review from Michael L (Son of Resident) published on 10 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother spent 8 months with Downlands receiving Palliative Care after a stay in hospital. She was treated with the utmost care and respect. The staff checked in on her on a regular basis and she had every opportunity to take part in the nursing home activities. She had particular dietary requirements
which they accommodated without question and ensured she had access to a GP and other personal care facilities. Inevitably, she passed away but especially at that time the staff and on-site nurse could not have done more for us. Particular mention must go the Manager, who always gave her time and extensive knowledge freely. Finally, a special mention to the Handyman who performs so many non-medical functions so well and with such enthusiasm.
I would recommend Downlands without hesitation.
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Review from Wendy T (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was cared for in a kind, considerate way. The doctor was called when necessary. All care was taken to keep her comfortable. A member of staff looked in on her regularly when she rested in her room. The staff always explained to her what they were doing, for example taking blood pressure. They
helped feed her when she was unable. The staff were very approachable with any requests. A lovely safe environment.
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Review from Julie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was moved into Downlands after a brief stay in hospital. From the very beginning, the staff were very friendly and informative. I always felt mum was being cared for really well and had no concerns regarding her wellbeing. I am thankful that the staff were so kind to us all at the end.
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Review from Christopher F (Resident) published on 16 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and compassion I have received has been second to none. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and the family atmosphere they have created is exceptional.
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Review from Julia H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mother-in-law has received whilst at Downlands has been excellent.
I was sceptical when I looked around when they stated it was like one big family. I was proved completely wrong. The staff are well led by an excellent manager. Communication has been excellent. Medical intervention/referrals
when necessary have been swift and appropriate and we have been kept well informed. The home was swift to respond to the Covid regulations and have made a fantastic effort to allow visiting when it could be safely executed. My mother-in-law has been very happy whilst there and that has been a great comfort to us as a family during these long periods of isolation.
The decor may not be the best but that is easily surpassed by the high-quality care given.
I have worked in many homes over the years in a medical capacity and this is one of the very few I would highly recommend.
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Review from Rita W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our Father was transferred from hospital to Downlands in November 2020 for end of life care and we were so grateful for the respect, kindness, compassion and professionalism that the dedicated team gave to Dad. Although we were all going through the COVID-19 constraints and lockdown we were kept informed
of everything happening and we were able to telephone each day for an update and chat and never made to feel it was a problem. Thank you to all the staff.
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Review from Peter H (Nephew of Resident) published on 13 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Aunt was transferred from the hospital for end of life care in November 2019. Although initially, she was reluctant, however, she settled in really quickly. She was bed-bound throughout her stay and I was not local to Downlands. With the added problem of COVID-19, we were unable to visit as often
as I would have liked. We kept in contact via weekly telephone calls and letters, which the staff read for her due to failing eyesight. The staff were always polite, her room was clean, with a large window giving her outside views. I would highly recommend Downlands and the staff.
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Review from Lou C (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I just feel I have to express how happy I was with the care of my mother, recently deceased.
This is a lovely nursing home with a lovely care team. I was kept up to date with every decision with my mum.
The staff were amazing with my mum at her end of life care and I was always impressed with the
cleanliness of my mum and her surroundings. Thank you so much to the manager and all your staff.
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Review from Gary F (Son of Resident) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
To all the carers and staff who looked after my mum, my family and I would like to say a massive thank you for the care and support that you gave to her and the support that was given to me. We never thought that we would be in the situation where Mum had to go into a nursing home, however, we can not
fault the care that she received whilst in there. The care and compassion did not stop at Mum's care in her final few days. I felt so at ease with the staff who gave me so much support whilst Mum was in her final days. The care from all staff can not be rated highly enough as there are not enough stars to do so. I have returned to the home since Mum's passing, with donations in her memory, and I was welcomed with open arms. I will be staying in contact with them, attending any BBQ, future events, etc. that they have. The home and all the staff that work there are 100% dedicated to looking after and caring for not only residents but also their families.
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Review from Doris B (Wife of Resident) published on 22 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
During the time that my dear husband was being cared for in Downlands, I said many times how relieved we were that he was with you. I now put on record what I saw every time I visited, the loving-kindness and care, the willing attention to his many needs, the times when someone just sat with him when
he was distressed and agitated, the dignity accorded to him and the unending patience of all staff. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, not least for recognising that I too was in despair.
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Review from Robert H (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been incredibly impressed for the past eleven months by the high standards of professionalism, courtesy and respect shown by the manager and all her staff at Downlands. The care staff consistently honoured our loved one's wishes and her individuality. They built a bond with our loved one during
difficult changes in her health. We always felt confident with their care, and their scrupulous liaison with other health professionals to ensure full support of health changes was always maintained.
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Review from Elsie M (Sister of Resident) published on 24 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our brother was at the Downlands care home for almost two years, he passed away on 22nd July 2019. In that time, he was treated just like a family member, the staff took care of him with compassion and kindness. The staff adjusted to his needs very well. He tended to just get up and walk away, so a
special mat was put on the floor to detect movement. The staff also, interacted with his sister's, one that lived in America, the other in Israel. Calls were made each day to the home and information was given, the phone always was taken to our brother. The one sister that lives in America came to Downlands at the beginning of July and was treated just like family. The support and care that our brother needed were given in abundance for which we are and will be, eternally grateful. The home was always very clean, the food varied and nutritious, his washing was exceptionally clean, as was his room.
We have nothing but praise for the home and staff.
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Review from Ann S (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at Downlands for a few weeks at the end of her life. She was treated with kindness, skill and compassion and was able to come to the end of her life in a comfortable and dignified manner. The staff gave her individual care and showed great compassion and communicated very well
to us, her family. I am very grateful to Downlands Nursing Home.
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Review from Caroline D (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been at Downlands for some time and staff have become skilled at anticipating her needs, as she is unable to communicate. All her care has to be provided for her. When I visit, she is always happy, clean and comfortable and I am more than satisfied with the standard of care that she receives.
I feel reassured that she is safe and well-looked-after. Mum enjoys the activities, especially the music sessions and staff always bring her downstairs for these. The home manager and her team are always available to talk to if I have any questions or concerns and they keep me informed of any changes in mum's condition. The decor at Downlands is a bit dated and needs some attention but, to me, it is the care and the attitude of the staff that matters, rather than the fixtures and fittings. I also like the fact that the staff group has remained fairly constant since mum moved here, so she has been able to get used to the same people and they too, have been able to get used to her.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.848)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.848) out of 10 for Downlands is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.848 for Downlands is calculated as follows: ( (175 Excellents x 5) + (27 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 204 Ratings = 4.848
  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 Downlands is based on 18 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 23 registered maximum number of service users is 4.6, which has been reached with 18 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: 4 Sep 2018

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

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