By Admin 
Introduction
Choosing the right care home for a loved one is one of the most personal and emotional decisions a family can make. Ashley Gardens Care Home, located in the heart of Eastbourne, offers residential and dementia care with a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. This article provides a complete overview — from services, facilities, and inspection ratings to visiting tips, funding options, and FAQs.
Backed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s detailed inspections, Ashley Gardens has established itself as a trusted name for compassionate elderly care in East Sussex. Whether you’re planning a short respite stay or long-term support, this guide explains everything you need to know — including what to expect on your first visit and how Ashley Gardens compares to other local options.
Quick Facts & Snapshot
Address: Ashley Gardens Care Home, 15 Willingdon Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21
Phone: As listed on CQC site
Registered beds: Around 50
Care types: Residential care, dementia care, respite stays
CQC Rating: Good (latest inspection)
Owned by: Healthcare Homes Group
Visiting hours: Daily (arranged visits recommended)
Facilities: Garden, lounge areas, dining room, on-site activities
For verification and transparency, families can cross-check all information via the CQC official listing and Carehome.co.uk profile.
Who Is Ashley Gardens Best For?
Ashley Gardens is ideal for older adults needing supportive residential or dementia care in a peaceful yet socially active environment. It suits individuals who value both independence and access to 24-hour personal assistance.
Typical residents include those with mild to moderate dementia, mobility challenges, or those who may require day-to-day help with meals, medication, and companionship. For instance, Margaret, a retired teacher with early Alzheimer’s, finds comfort in Ashley Gardens’ routine of group activities, gentle music sessions, and afternoon garden walks.
The home is equally suitable for short-term respite care, giving family carers a needed break while ensuring their loved one receives personalized attention from trained staff. Accessibility features, a friendly team, and the safe community setting make Ashley Gardens a strong choice for families in Eastbourne and surrounding areas.
Services & Facilities in Detail
Ashley Gardens Care Home blends modern facilities with a cozy, home-like feel. Each resident room is furnished for comfort, with some offering en-suite bathrooms and garden views. Communal lounges encourage social interaction, while the dining room serves fresh, home-cooked meals tailored to individual dietary needs.
Key facilities include:
Landscaped garden for relaxation and outdoor events
Spacious lounges and activity rooms
Lift access and wheelchair-friendly design
Wi-Fi and digital entertainment options
On-site hairdressing and therapy sessions
The home emphasizes daily enrichment through group activities such as arts and crafts, gentle exercise classes, movie afternoons, and seasonal celebrations. Families can expect a calm, respectful environment that balances safety and independence — ideal for older adults who wish to maintain a familiar routine with added care support.
Staffing & Care Approach
Ashley Gardens prides itself on a dedicated and well-trained team that provides person-centred care. Staff undergo continuous professional development and dementia-awareness training, ensuring compassionate support at all times.
Every new resident receives a personal care plan created in collaboration with family members and healthcare professionals. The approach focuses on maintaining dignity, independence, and emotional well-being.
Questions to ask during your visit:
What’s the staff-to-resident ratio on each shift?
How does the home ensure continuity of care (same carers assigned regularly)?
Are all carers DBS-checked and trained for dementia care?
Families consistently highlight the friendly staff and family atmosphere, which often becomes a deciding factor in choosing Ashley Gardens over larger, more impersonal facilities.
Ratings, Inspections & What They Mean
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rates Ashley Gardens as Good, meaning it meets the high standards of safety, effectiveness, and compassion expected in UK care services.
The CQC inspects care homes on five key measures:
Safe – proper medication management and risk controls
Effective – personalized care plans and nutrition management
Caring – respectful and empathetic interactions
Responsive – timely support and communication
Well-led – transparent management and staff training
Families can read the full inspection report directly from the CQC page to understand specific feedback and action plans. A transparent inspection history is one of the strongest trust signals for any care home.
Visiting, Admission Process & Paperwork
Visiting Ashley Gardens is simple and family-friendly. Prospective residents are encouraged to book a guided visit through the home’s website or by phone.
Step-by-step admission process:
Arrange a tour and meet the care manager.
Pre-admission assessment (health needs, preferences, diet).
Care plan review created jointly with family input.
Funding discussion and contract completion.
Move-in day — orientation, introduction to staff, and settling assistance.
Visit Checklist (Printable):
Bring ID, medical info, and a GP contact
Prepare questions about daily activities, meals, and medication
Ask for the sample weekly menu and staff rota
💡 Tip: Print a “visit day checklist” and bring it along to make sure all practical questions are covered before committing to a placement.
Costs, Funding & Payment Options
While prices vary based on care needs, Ashley Gardens’ fees typically align with Eastbourne’s average residential care rates, often ranging from £1,000 to £1,400 per week.
Funding options include:
Self-funded residents paying privately
Local authority funding (means-tested)
NHS Continuing Healthcare for complex medical needs
Before deciding, families should discuss:
Additional charges (laundry, trips, hairdressing)
Deposit and notice periods
Availability of short-term respite stays
To ensure fair comparison, review other homes via Carehome.co.uk or Lottie.org — many show average costs, ratings, and care types side by side.
Life Inside: Activities, Meals & Community
A typical day at Ashley Gardens starts with breakfast in the dining room followed by morning group activities — from music therapy to gentle exercise sessions. Afternoons often feature movie screenings or craft workshops, while evenings bring quiet reading time or TV in the lounge.
Meals are freshly prepared on-site, accommodating special diets such as diabetic, vegetarian, or soft-food menus. Residents are encouraged to eat together, promoting social engagement.
Families can join seasonal events like garden tea parties and charity fundraisers, making residents feel part of a vibrant community rather than an institution.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Good CQC rating with transparent reports
Dementia-friendly environment
Attractive garden and communal spaces
Warm, family-like staff approach
Cons
Limited public nursing facilities (not a full nursing home)
Pricing not publicly detailed on the main site
Slightly smaller than some regional competitors
Overall, Ashley Gardens stands out for its personal touch, ideal for families prioritizing quality of life and emotional comfort.
How Ashley Gardens Compares to Local Alternatives
| Care Home | CQC Rating | Care Type | Weekly Cost (Approx.) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Gardens | Good | Residential / Dementia | £1,000–£1,400 | — |
| The Chaseley Trust | Good | Nursing / Neuro | £1,200–£1,600 | 1.2 mi |
| Avalon Nursing Home | Requires Improvement | Nursing | £1,000–£1,300 | 1.5 mi |
| Milberg Care Home | Good | Residential | £950–£1,200 | 2.0 mi |
This table provides a snapshot of local care home comparisons so families can assess both pricing and quality before visiting.
Practical Checklist for Families
Visit Checklist
Confirm CQC rating and inspection date
Tour bedrooms, dining, and communal spaces
Ask about staff training and turnover
Review sample meal plan and activity calendar
First 90 Days After Move-In
Attend care-plan review at week 4 and 12
Meet the home manager and activity coordinator
Join at least one family event
Check medication and GP arrangements
Printable versions of these checklists can be offered as downloadable PDFs for family use.
FAQs
Does Ashley Gardens provide nursing care?
No, Ashley Gardens is primarily a residential and dementia care home. Those requiring complex medical care may be better suited to a nursing facility.
How do I book a visit?
You can arrange a visit by calling the home directly or filling out the online contact form on the Healthcare Homes website.
Can residents bring personal furniture or pets?
Small personal furniture and décor items are often welcomed to help residents feel at home. Pet policies vary — check with management before moving in.
What dementia support is offered?
The care team receives specialized dementia training, focusing on communication, sensory stimulation, and structured activities tailored to memory care.
Is there parking available for visitors?
Yes, limited on-site parking is available for family visitors, with additional street parking nearby.
Conclusion
Ashley Gardens Care Home offers a trusted and compassionate environment for older adults seeking residential or dementia care in Eastbourne. With a Good CQC rating, strong community focus, and caring staff, it provides both comfort and peace of mind for families.
Whether you’re exploring options for a loved one or planning ahead, a personal visit remains the best way to experience the atmosphere firsthand. Download the printable visit checklist, compare nearby homes, and see why Ashley Gardens Care Home continues to be a highly recommended choice in East Sussex.