Key Considerations When Visiting or Contacting a Care Home

Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one into a care home can feel daunting, but knowing the right questions to ask can give you confidence and clarity. Whether you’re exploring care options in West Sussex or specifically looking at Derwent Lodge Care Home in Billingshurst, this guide is designed to help you identify what matters most.

Exploring the Care on Offer

What kind of support and specialisms are available at Derwent Lodge?

Not all care homes offer the same services. While some provide only residential support, others, like Derwent Lodge, are equipped to handle a range of care needs under one roof. These include:

This range means that residents can often remain at Derwent Lodge even as their needs evolve, whether temporarily (after surgery, for example) or long-term. It’s worth checking with any care home you visit how they adapt to changing care requirements.

How are care plans tailored to each individual?

At Derwent Lodge, every resident receives a personalised care plan that addresses not only their clinical and medical needs, but also their daily routines, hobbies, preferences, dietary requirements and communication styles.

Families are invited to contribute insights, and plans are reviewed regularly, both routinely and in response to any changes in condition or behaviour. A good question to ask when speaking to other providers is who contributes to the care plan, and how often is it reviewed.

Will my loved one need to move if their needs change significantly?

The answer at Derwent Lodge is usually no. Thanks to our diverse care offering, most residents are able to stay in familiar surroundings, with trusted staff, even if their level of need increases. This continuity helps reduce anxiety and unnecessary upheaval. Be sure to ask potential homes how they manage care transitions and whether a change in needs might result in a move to another facility.

Quality of Care and Continuity of Staff

How well staffed is the care home throughout the day and night?

At Derwent Lodge, we maintain a high staff-to-resident ratio across all shifts, including nights and weekends, to ensure timely support and a calm, safe environment at all times. We recommend you ask prospective homes about their staffing levels and how they ensure resident needs are met during off-peak hours.

Are carers permanent team members or temporary agency staff?

Familiarity fosters trust. Derwent Lodge prioritises permanent, in-house care teams rather than relying heavily on agency workers. This consistency means residents can build relationships with staff who know them well, which is particularly important in dementia care. Be sure to ask how many staff members are permanent, and how their new staff are trained before working with residents.

Do staff have training relevant to complex or specialist needs?

All team members at Derwent Lodge receive ongoing training, including in dementia care, palliative care, and complex nursing needs. Ask other care homes what qualifications staff are required to have and how often training is refreshed. For conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, or brain injury, specialist knowledge is vital.

First Impressions and Daily Life

What is the general feel of the home environment?

The best way to get a sense of a care home is to visit in person. At Derwent Lodge, visitors often comment on the warm atmosphere, spacious design, and relaxed, comfortable energy. Look for signs of dignity, calmness, and engagement. Are residents happy? Is the layout accessible? Do communal spaces feel truly lived in?

Can residents personalise their rooms?

Yes, and we actively encourage it. At Derwent Lodge, rooms come fully furnished but can be adapted to feel like home with residents’ own furniture, artwork, photographs, and keepsakes. Ask other homes whether there are restrictions on what personal items can be brought in, and how flexible they are about making a room feel familiar.

What shared spaces and outdoor areas are available?

From landscaped gardens to light-filled lounges, Derwent Lodge is designed to support both connection and quiet time. Residents can enjoy time outside, relax in our café area, or join group activities in communal rooms. When visiting other homes, pay attention to how accessible outdoor areas are and how often residents are encouraged to use them.

Meaningful Activities and Mental Stimulation

How are residents encouraged to stay active and engaged?

Derwent Lodge has a dedicated activities team that organises a rich programme of events designed to promote well-being, stimulate memory, and build community. From arts and crafts to gardening, music, quizzes, and themed days, there’s something for everyone.

Ask any care home you’re considering how often activities are run, and whether residents can choose what to take part in.

Are residents supported to get out and about?

Regular outings are part of life at Derwent Lodge. Whether it’s a stroll in the garden, a visit to a local café, or a trip into Horsham, we believe fresh air and community connection are essential. When speaking to other homes, ask how often outings happen, and whether residents with mobility issues are still able to participate.

Understanding Costs and What’s Included

What does the weekly fee cover, and what’s billed separately?

At Derwent Lodge, we are transparent about pricing. The standard fee includes accommodation, all meals, personal care, housekeeping, and most activities. Additional services like hairdressing, private therapies or personal shopping may incur extra charge, but we always make this clear upfront.

When comparing care homes, ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, and check what happens if funding sources change.

How does funding work: private, NHS, or local authority?

Derwent Lodge accepts privately funded residents and works closely with families and external professionals to guide them through NHS and local authority funding processes when applicable. Make sure to ask about availability of funded placements, waiting lists, and what support the home provides in navigating financial questions.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones

What are the visiting arrangements?

We know how important family is. At Derwent Lodge, we offer flexible visiting hours, including weekends and holidays, so that families can stay close and involved. Ask other homes how flexible they are, whether visitors need to book in advance, and what provisions are made for overnight or emergency stays if needed.

How do you keep families informed and involved?

Regular communication is vital. We offer scheduled reviews, open-door conversations, and encourage family members to attend care plan meetings. Families are also welcome to participate in events and provide feedback on how we’re doing. Ask any care home what role families are invited to play in daily life and ongoing care discussions.

Safety, Transparency, and Quality Standards

What is the home’s current Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating?

Derwent Lodge is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The most recent inspection praised our high-quality nursing support, personalised care planning, and a strong, supportive culture. You can view our CQC report online or request a copy when you visit.

How are concerns handled, and is there a clear complaints process?

We believe in openness. Residents and families are encouraged to raise concerns early, and we have a clear complaints policy in place to ensure all feedback is addressed promptly and thoroughly. When considering any care home, ensure you know the process if something goes wrong and how you’ll know if you’ve been heard.

Book a Tour at Derwent Lodge Today

No matter where you are in the decision-making process, a visit can make things clearer. At Derwent Lodge, we welcome you to come and experience the home for yourself. Meet the team, see the rooms, ask your questions, and get a real sense of whether we’re the right fit.