
my mother is being looked after extremely well and her care needs are always being reviewed and metL P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The care home have been excellentClaire V(Wife of Resident/Service User)

Overall, amazing and friendly staffPhilip W(Nephew of Resident/Service User)

my mother is being looked after extremely well and her care needs are always being reviewed and metL P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The care home have been excellentClaire V(Wife of Resident/Service User)

Overall, amazing and friendly staffPhilip W(Nephew of Resident/Service User)

Derwent Lodge is a purpose-built care home in tranquil surroundings close to the centre of Billingshurst, West Sussex, which offers residential, nursing and dementia care for older adults with a person-centred approach.
Derwent Lodge employ a skilled care team that focus on supporting residents to achieve their full potential in a safe and friendly environment.
Residents living at Derwent Lodge have a choice of vibrant and enriching activities and a peaceful...
Care Provided by Derwent Lodge
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 56 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
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
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
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Care fees are based upon an individual need.
Contact Derwent Lodge 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Splendid Care Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Julie Harper(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed with both male-only and female-only unit(s)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 1998
- Last Refurbishment: -1
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (56)
Visiting
- Visiting opens from 10.30am. To enhance the dining experience for everyone, mealtimes are protected. Visitors are welcome to join loved ones for a meal.
Parking
- Car park to the front of the building.
Derwent Lodge Reviews (40)
Derwent Lodge has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.269) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Derwent Lodge has 40 reviews.
I am so happy to have found this place for my mum. The staff are lovely that go above and beyond, and are very good at keeping me aware of any changes or worries. I get an update every time she is seen by a GP, and my mum seems happy there and settled in really quickly. She has had a few problems recently, but the staff do everything to make sure she is looked after and will spend extra time with her if needed to ensure she is content. I could not recommend enough.
Thank you for your feedback. We have passed on your comments to our team and we are extremely pleased to hear you are happy with the care Mum is receiving.
My father is 95 and immobile. He is well cared for and likes the people that help him. He is limited in his use of the facilities, but they are adequate for him when he needs them. I like the fact that I get emails from his nurse if he has treatment or is seen by a GP. As I live 150 miles away, this can be reassuring.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review for Derwent Lodge.
It has also given me peace of mind knowing my father is being well cared for.
A well-run care home staffed by people who care.
Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful review.
My mother has been at this care home for several years and she can be quite difficult and demanding to deal with at times, but the staff are always very caring and empathetic towards her. All the rooms are modern, bright and clean. If my Mum has medical or personal issues, the nurses have always been very quick to inform me and keep me updated.
Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful review for Derwent Lodge.
Staff are considerate and give ladies a hug. The place is good and clean.
Thank you for your feedback. This has been passed on to the wider team.
My close friend moved to Derwent Lodge last November. Her admission was very traumatic for her and the staff immediately recognised this, giving her one to one time so she felt supported which enabled her to settle and feel at home. They also went the extra mile to really understand her and get to know her specific likes and dislikes so they could meet her ongoing needs. Since her admission, my friend has experienced a predictable health decline and at each stage, staff have been aware, responsive to her changing need, and communicated their care plan to me. Even when we have had minor communication issues, staff have ensured I am happy with my friend’s care by meeting with me and explaining their reasoning for certain actions. My friend remains happy at the home, calls it her home and repeatedly tells me she wants to remain living there. I see the efforts staff are making to support her on every visit I make and can’t fault the care she receives. I am very happy with her placement.
Thank you so much for your positive words. We are extremely pleased to hear you are so happy with the care and facilities. We will share your feedback with the wider team.
My father has been at Derwent Lodge now for a number of months and the care he receives is excellent. He is not the easiest of people but his care is always delivered with a smile and reassuring words.
Thank you very much for your positive feedback, we will share your feedback with the wider team.
Great place, can't fault the attention my mum is given, they allow us to take in her favourite yoghurt, which she really likes. So far the service has been exemplary, especially throughout the Covid virus.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We will feed this back to the wider team.
Excellent! I didn't know what to expect on entering the care home, but was relieved almost immediately on entering the building as the staff were extremely welcoming, friendly and supportive in helping me to find my way around without hesitation, delighted!
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is lovely to know people get to see what an amazing team we have, we will share your feedback with the wider team.
She passed away this week, aged 91, peacefully and with dignity, thanks to the outstanding care and kindness of the staff. I was able to be with my mum for the whole afternoon. The staff were so kind to me and also to Mum, they clearly cared about her, but very practical about preparing me for what was inevitable. She was clean, comfortable and her passing was peaceful, thanks to the kindness and professionalism of the staff.
The CQC reports don’t reflect the quality of the staff that work here, they have been remarkable throughout COVID and before, going the extra mile to care for every resident, deserving much so more credit than CQC ever gives them. I shall always be grateful and give them every support.
Very friendly staff, always polite and ready to help you. The staff are all committed and dedicated to their jobs and role. They all seem to work well in a team or independently. The staff will always contact you if there is a problem and very good at accompanying my mother-in-law to various medical appointments outside the home. Will recommend this particular to friends and family. The manager has been superb at communicating with us with weekly emails and updates regarding Covid-19.
Thank you so much for your lovely kind words. It really means a lot to the team to have this great positive feedback.
Keep safe and hopefully see you soon.
My mother has Alzheimer's and vascular dementia and has been at the home for 15 months. The CQC report I have seen does not accurately represent the care home I have come to know over this time. The hard work, commitment and cheerfulness of the manager and staff create a warm, caring, competent atmosphere. My mother can be demanding and it is lovely to see how tolerant and loving the staff are with her. I have confidence that she is in a good place where she is being well treated and looked after even through this awful pandemic.
Thank you so much Carole, it's so lovely to have your brilliant feedback. You know that we are all very fond of your mum!
They have nursed my 96-year-old mother through a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis and all the challenges that presented, especially as she is not the easiest patient to deal with and have kept me informed of her progress on a regular basis. Despite getting disappointing results in the latest CQC report I would like to say that my mother has been a resident at the home since 2009 so they are obviously doing something right!
Thank you so much, Carrol, your kind words mean a lot to the team at this difficult time. The team are indeed pulling together fantastically at this time.
During the current crisis the manager and staff at my mother’s nursing home have been magnificent. Several of them have moved into the home, leaving their own families to minimise risk of infection. They are doing as much as they safely can to keep our loved ones entertained and happy. There are regular very informative emails and photographs of the residents so we can see how they are doing. I cannot praise them highly enough and we as a family are extremely grateful for all their efforts. My mother has had Covid-19, but through their care and nursing is now officially a Covid-survivor at 96. Thank you to everyone at the home. They recently received a disappointing CQC report which does not reflect their tremendous hard work and dedication.
Julia thank you so much for your kind words, you know how fond we all are of your mother, and we have all been so pleased to see her respond so well. Thank you again.
During these difficult times, the staff have worked tirelessly, fully committed, sacrificing so much, keeping relatives informed with many updates and guidance as to protocols carried out in accordance with government instructions. Maintaining the safest and healthiest environment expected during this lockdown while keeping up the morale.
The home gets top marks from me and I can’t thank you enough for your total dedication professionalism understanding and care.
You are the best.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean so much to us at present. The team are indeed giving their all and still come in each day ready to smile. Mind you, looking after your lovely mum helps that.
Thank you.
My father has been a resident for four years and we have nothing but praise for the home. The staff are what make it so special. Their caring and supportive treatment of all the residents ensures that life there is safe, well structured and fun. They organise many activities and have an individual rapport with all of their residents. During the current COVID-19 crisis they have kept us fully informed on a regular basis as to what is going on at the home and with our father in particular. They even managed to ensure that his 95th birthday was celebrated with cake and candles!
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review. Your kind words mean so much to the team at this current time. Your father is an absolute pleasure to look after.
Thank you, Beverley.
We are so thankful and relieved for what the team at the home does for Mum and especially so when she was recently taken ill, when they went above and beyond what is expected of them, but so appreciated by us. Mum has recovered and the team continues to ensure the progress of her recovery whilst also assisting her to have a positive outlook. We are looking forward to visiting the home when the current restrictions are lifted, getting together with Mum and thanking the team personally.
Chris, thank you so much for your kind words. It is an absolute pleasure looking after your mother, particularly when she offers to help me sort the staff out!
Bless you all.
Hello, and a big thank you for your kind words. It is an absolute pleasure looking after your mother, and she makes us all smile with her loving nature. I will as always pass on your kind words to the team. Thank you for taking the time to give this lovely feedback.
We were very happy with the care my mother received.
Kind regards
Beverley Gregory
With regard to the question of food and drink, there has been no chef here for months and the food is poor, the meat is tough, the vegetables are always over cooked and the general standard has gone downhill. Outside there is a lovely garden area but as I am not at all mobile once I have been taken outside, I'm stuck there as there is no way of attracting anyone's attention.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 10 May 2023Good
- 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.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Derwent Lodge.
There are no upcoming events for Derwent Lodge.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Derwent Lodge.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Derwent Lodge.
Meet the Team (1)

As Home Manager for Derwent Lodge, I strive to ensure my team makes the care home feel welcoming both for residents and their families.
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