Choosing a Care Home
Your questions, answered
Choosing a care home is a big decision, for the person moving in and for everyone who loves them. Here are honest answers to the questions families ask us most, and some pointers to help you compare any home you visit.
Visiting Any time, no need to book
Fees From £1,150 per week
CQC rating Good overall
Is Healey House right for us?
Who do you care for? We provide residential care for adults who need support with daily living. Since 1921 our charity has specialised in supporting people with sight loss, and today we also welcome adults with a wide range of other care needs, including people with hearing loss.
Do you provide nursing care? Healey House is a residential care home, not a nursing home. Our team provides personal care day and night, and nursing care is provided by district nurses and other NHS services. High Glades Medical Centre visits the home regularly.
How do you know if you can meet someone’s needs? Every admission starts with an assessment. Before anyone moves in, we meet them, and their family if they wish, to understand their needs and preferences and to make sure Healey House is the right place for them.
Can someone stay for a short time? Yes. We offer respite and short stays, to rest, recover after a hospital stay, or give family carers a break. Stays usually start from one week, but we are always happy to talk about what works for you.
Visiting the home
Can we visit before deciding? Of course. Visitors are welcome at any time, with no need to book. There is free parking on site and nearby, and a step-free entrance. We will show you around, introduce you to the team and answer your questions over a cup of tea.
Can we see a room? Yes. Just ask when you visit and we will show you the rooms that are available.
What to look for in any care home
Wherever you are looking, these are good things to notice and ask about on a visit:
How staff speak to residents, and whether residents seem relaxed and at ease
Whether the home feels clean, bright and comfortable, and how it smells
What activities are on offer, and whether residents can choose what they take part in
What the food is like, and how special diets and preferences are catered for
How care plans are written, who is involved, and how often they are reviewed
What the fee includes, and what is charged as an extra
The home’s latest inspection report from the Care Quality Commission
Rooms, fees and funding
How much does it cost? Fees start from £1,150 per week and depend on the level of care each person needs. We agree the right fee together after the assessment, so there are no surprises.
What does the fee include? Your furnished single room, all your meals, personal care from our day and night team, and activities at the Taplin Centre, HRVAB’s day club. A few personal items, such as newspapers and private taxis, are paid for separately.
Who pays for care? We welcome residents who fund their own care, and residents funded by East Sussex County Council. If you are not sure whether you are entitled to help with the cost, East Sussex Health and Social Care Connect can arrange an assessment on 0345 60 80 191.
Can I bring my own things? Yes, please do. We encourage residents to bring their own furniture, pictures and treasured belongings, so their room feels like home from the very first day. Pets can be welcomed by arrangement.
Moving in
What happens after we visit? If you would like to go ahead, we arrange the assessment, agree the fee and give you a written agreement to read before you sign. You are welcome to ask a family member or adviser to look at it with you.
How is care planned? Your care plan is written with you, and with your family if you wish. It reflects how you like things done, and it is reviewed with you every month and whenever your needs change.
Life at Healey House
Can family and friends visit? Visitors are welcome at any time and can join residents for a meal. Please give the kitchen a little notice; a small donation is appreciated.
What is there to do? There is something to enjoy every day, planned around residents’ own interests, both in the home and at the Taplin Centre. You can see what we have been up to on our Facebook page.
How do residents get to appointments? HRVAB volunteer drivers can take residents to and from appointments, and hospital transport is usually arranged through the NHS.
Peace of mind
Are you inspected? Yes. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission, and our latest rating is Good overall. You can read about our CQC rating and what we have done since.
What if we are unhappy about something? Please tell us. We want to hear about any concern, and we deal with every complaint fairly and promptly. See How to Make a Complaint.
Where can I read the terms? Our Contractual Details page sets out the main points of our agreement, and our Statement of Purpose explains how the home is run.
The best way to choose a care home is to visit. We would be glad to show you around and answer any questions you have. Call us on 01424 436359 or email homemanager@hrvab.org.uk.