Care for Veterans

Gifford House, Boundary Road, Worthing BN11 4LJ
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9.9 27 Reviews
  • Care for Veterans, Worthing
Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 to care for those soldiers returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities.

Today, Care for Veterans provides long term Nursing and Residential care and short stay Respite Care to ex-Servicemen and women and their families. Care is also provided in separate wings for those with mild dementia symptoms and those with Learning Disabilities. Whilst priority is given to accommodate residents who have military connections, someone with sympathy for military personnel may be considered for admission if there is an available room.

Therapy options include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and a counselling service.

Care for Veterans provides daily social and recreational activities and a chaplaincy service. Events and Outings are organised on occasions – all delivered from the charity's facilities in Worthing, West Sussex.

The Home is surrounded by gardens, has benefit of a small library, a sunny conservatory and a large Day Room to receive visitors and participate in talks, quizzes and musical sessions.

A Day Care facility use has recently been added to the service, which can assist someone as per individual need.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • 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

  • Vanessa Devenish (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 18 +
  • Ages from 18 to 102

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (28)

Visiting

  • Here at Care for Veterans, visitors are welcome at any time of the day. However, Care for Veterans reserves the right to implement visitor restrictions during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Please ask for the latest visitor guidelines.

Parking

  • Visitor parking on site.

Care for Veterans Reviews (27)

9.9

Care for Veterans has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Care for Veterans has 27 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Care for Veterans
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Total of 27, showing 1-20
Review from Trevor P (Father of Resident) published on 14 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has now stayed at Care for Veterans several times for respite care and on each occasion we were made to feel welcome and nothing seemed to be any trouble. There is a very warm welcome given by the reception staff on arrival and the care staff are fantastic and the close attention they give to
residents gives us the reassurance that he will be looked after when we leave him. Our son has complex needs and the range of staff from the care assistants to the senior nursing staff ensures that he gets excellent care for the duration of his stay. The booking arrangements and management also deserve recognition as the whole home is clearly focussed on the residents coming first. We would strongly recommend anyone to this home and we hope to continue visiting for respite care in the future.
Reply from Pauline Jones, Commissioning and Placements Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for lovely review and we are so glad that you now feel confident enough to leave your son with us, so that you and your wife can enjoy some well deserved respite from your caring duties. I know that you were naturally very anxious to begin with, so the confidence you now have is testament to the great care our staff provide. Always a pleasure to look after your son and we hope he continues to enjoy his stays with us.

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Review from Nanette C (Respite Resident) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was admitted to Care for Veterans on the 5th June 25 having spent the beginning of June in hospital following a fall. With no care package in place and not able to walk properly I had to go into the veterans for respite care. This helped me to gain confidence and better mobility as I also live on
my own. The care I was given was wonderful and restored my confidence. Have returned home to see how I manage with occasional help from my daughter.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

We are so pleased to have you stay with us and to have been of help in your recovery. we wish you all the best and keep well. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to submit a review

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Review from Amanda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We contacted Care for Veterans when mum was discharged from hospital too soon and unable to walk or manage to look after herself following a blood clot in the top of her thigh. The staff and everyone involved in looking after mum from the first day she arrived have been, amazing - kind, caring and treating
mum with compassion, respect and encouragement when she is walking with her frame. They have also been a support to us as a family when we were so concerned about mum. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who works at the Care For Veterans and we look forwards to attending the summer fayre and other events! Thank you
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for taking time to submit a review. We are so glad to have been able to provide care here for your mother and enable her to recuperate , especially at such a tumultuous time for her and you as a family. It was so lovely to see her benefit from her stay and be able to support you all.

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Review from Brendan L (Friend of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The wonderful welcome starts at reception with very friendly staff, from light-filled rooms and attentive staff to fun/informative filled activities.
I have seen and visited many care homes, and this is a five star residence.
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Review from Bernard S (Stepfather of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One of the best care homes for the elderly and incapacity in the area.
Always made to feel welcome by the staff.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are so glad that you are happy with our service. It is an honour to be caring for your stepson and we always value his input toward the Home.

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Review from Mark M (Brother of Resident) published on 9 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are very helpful and welcoming. Reception is very helpful and are interested in how my brother is doing. My brother needs a high degree of nursing care and the nurses care for him in an efficient and friendly manner. My brother's condition did deteriorate they kept me informed without
my needing to keep ringing for updates. Overall they provide a high standard of care to all their patients.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for giving us your valuable feedback. As with all of our residents, it is a privilege for us to be providing a home and care for your brother. It is noted by our staff, that as a family you too show empathy and understanding and are considerate of the needs of your brother and the interaction that our staff provide. Staff also informed me that your brother responds well to the' Therapy dog' visiting him. Thank you again for taking the time to post your review.

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Review from A M (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 28 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel very comfortable going in for respite care. Enjoy the physio room and help with recreation going on. Love the food.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. We are glad that you enjoy your frequent stays here with us. Thank you.

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Review from Allyson F (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum recently visited this wonderful care home for two respite stays following a prolonged period of ill health. Despite an initial nervousness on her part at never having stayed at a care home before, this was quickly dispelled when she met the lovely staff there who put her at ease straightaway
with their warm and friendly personalities and genuine interest in her as a person. This warmth also extended to us as a family where cups of tea and no shortage of biscuits were always offered when visiting. The standard of care received on both occasions our mum stayed with you was exemplary, where everything from medical needs to checking in on her and having a chat was always professionally and considerately done. Most importantly, the welcoming atmosphere of your home has allowed our mum not only to regain her health but also to make new friends again following the isolation she felt during the pandemic. Thank you all for being the most wonderful and caring people that you are!
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. It has been a pleasure to give care to your mother and see her recuperation from when she first came to stay. Her positivity also brought so much into the home and seeing her leave on both occasions more rejuvenated was a joy. We were also pleased to be able to support and reassure you as her family.

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Review from Amie W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A care home that goes above and beyond. I cannot thank you enough for the care you give to my grandfather and the ongoing support you give to my granny. You’ve made hard times that little bit easier. You make the holidays filled with joy for the children visiting and still magical for the residents.
My little girl especially loved the Elf walking around on Christmas Day. Thank you for all you do.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for your kind words and feedback. It is an honour to be caring for your grandfather. We are so glad that your family also feels welcome and supported here and that the extra actions made by our staff mean such a lot for both residents and visitors.

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Review from Clare S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father is currently a resident. He is treated with great care and dignity. The nurses are amazing and they care just as much for us as a family as they do him.
Home from home where the care is second to none.
Thank you!
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Review from N G (Son of Resident) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Care for Veterans provide compassionate and resident-centred care at all times. All the staff are willing to ensure my father's stay at Care for Veterans is enjoyable and overall a real pleasure. He is encouraged to participate in as many or as few activities as he would like, including physiotherapy
and off-site events. Moreover, his residency has provided him with a safe and secure environment with medical care and welfare oversight. Very reassuring for the whole family. Thank you.
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Review from J M (Wife of Resident) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has respite three times a year. We find it a superb place for him to stay with all the things going on in the physio and activity rooms.
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Review from Christine C (Sister of Resident) published on 22 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing, dedicated and caring. Nothing is too much trouble. The home is immaculate, and the facilities are numerous. The ambience is warm and welcoming.
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Review from Lee W (Father of Resident) published on 20 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is 20 years old and is in a permanent vegetative state. We could not wish for a better place for him to be cared for. Every member of staff is so caring, with the thoughtful, little considerations making all the difference.
Reply from Vanessa Devenish, Clinical Support Officer at Care for Veterans

Thank you for your review. It is a privilege to care for your son and to be here as support to you and your family.

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Review from Caroline P (Friend of Resident) published on 6 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my friend received from all the staff in Care for Veterans, Gifford House, Worthing was second to none. My friend was treated with the care and respect you would hope them to have. My friend's spouse was also looked after well on all the days they visited, nothing was ever too much trouble.
For this, I thank all the staff at Gifford House. I myself visited a couple of times, as my friend was only in for respite but, unfortunately, their health deteriorated quicker than anyone realised and they passed away surrounded by the love of their spouse and the staff. I found the home to be clean and every need catered for, the staff were welcoming and very approachable.
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Review from Janine P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From initial to final contact with the staff at Care for Veterans I cannot fault the help, service and support, it was truly outstanding.
My mother spent five and a half weeks there receiving palliative end of life care, she could not have been in better hands.
My initial enquiry was promptly and
efficiently dealt with. Reception staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful, yet always mindful to meet and enforce Covid safety measures. The staff on the Richmond wing were quite simply amazing, they responded to my mum's needs well, were very friendly and soon settled my mother in. As my mother's condition declined they kept me well informed, reacted quickly to her needs and gave me fortifying cups of tea. They were so supportive. After my mother's death, everyone from the lady on reception, the nursing and care staff to the manager went out of their way to help and support me. I will be forever grateful to them. I would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful organisation.
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Review from Yvette D (Sister of Resident) published on 30 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our brother has been at the Care for Veterans home for eighteen months.
He has been treated with care and dignity, the staff are exceptional from the management to cleaners all showing kindness to us and our brother.
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Review from Keith C (Son of Resident) published on 21 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad was moved to the palliative care team at Care for Veterans from a hospice (due to an aneurysm). We were initially anxious about the move, but it turns out we could not have done better. Dad was there for the month of May, and we visited every day. We were allowed to decorate the room with photos
that were meaningful to Dad. The care was great, both medical and the support team. Dad was coeliac, and they always had a good offering, despite his poor appetite. The team who cared for Dad were enthusiastic and empathic. We always found he had been shaved, and his hair combed, and as his condition got worse nothing seemed to faze them or their kindness. As visitors, we were always welcomed and could talk to the staff if we had any concerns. When the end came they were both professional and sensitive. I cannot fault them.
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Review from Debbie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father came to stay at Care for Veterans after being in hospital.
The care and commitment of the staff are beyond excellent. Having worked many years in nursing I can honestly say it is the best home I have ever visited.
My father especially enjoyed the therapy side.
But the staff didn't just
care for the resident they were also fantastic with the families.
Their end of life care is unsurpassable..the respect and love of the staff..and the dignity for my father.
I highly recommend Care for Veterans
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Review from J S (Wife of Resident) published on 29 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Care for Veterans took my husband on discharge from hospital. He had been extremely ill I felt he needed further time for recuperating from sepsis. I found all the staff to be kind and were sympathetic to my needs.
During his stay, he did have 3 sessions of physiotherapy which were useful. The nursing
staff were superb and efficient and endeavoured to make his stay as pleasant as possible. I will use the home again.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.885)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10 for Care for Veterans is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.885 for Care for Veterans is calculated as follows: ( (147 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 165 Ratings = 4.885
  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 Care for Veterans is based on 14 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 14 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: 6 Apr 2023

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Pauline

Pauline Jones

Job Title: Commissioning and Placement Officer Joined: 2010

Pauline Jones
Commissioning and Placement Officer
Care for Veterans

Frequently Asked Questions about Care for Veterans

What types of Care is Care for Veterans registered for?

Dementia, Physical Disability & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Care for Veterans have?

There are 60 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Care for Veterans?

Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Care for Veterans to the centre of Worthing?

0.6 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 Care for Veterans to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Care for Veterans has an Enhanced Service - more info.