St. Rita’s is one of two purpose-built care homes located in the grounds of St. George’s Park. The home offers the best in modern facilities combined with the traditional principles of care which has been offered by the Augustinian Sisters at St. George’s since 1868.
The Sisters oversee the care homes taking an active part in the day to day running and pastoral care of the residents. The home on Ditchling Common is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and has views of the South Downs and across the 250 acres of gardens and farmlands, much of which is accessible to wheelchair users making it ideal for friends and family to take residents for a stroll through the beautiful countryside.
The home is built over two floors and offers sixty single en-suite bedrooms which are all furnished to a high standard including built-in wardrobe and dressing table. The rooms are all over 20 square metres with spacious en-suite which consist of wash hand basin, WC and level access shower which are ideal for wheelchair users, if they are required. We actively encourage our residents to bring treasured items and possession and of course are pleased to welcome family and friends to visit at any time. All this helps to make it your home rather than just a room.
There are numerous cosy communal lounges which accommodate approximately 10 residents, these are furnished with TVs and radios and all have adjoining kitchenettes where light refreshments are able to be prepared, ideal for a family gathering.
The large dining room can accommodate all the residents and has the facility of an adjoining lounge with large screen TV and a small bar area allowing residents to socialise when away from the more offering views across the grounds of St. George’s, perfect for alfresco eating or just sitting enjoying a warm summer day. All paths have recently been laid with rubberised material for extra safety.
Our chefs provide an excellent and varied menu to meet the nutritional needs of our residents and are pleased to cater for individual dietary requirements. At St. George’s Park we have our own beef cattle which provide meat to the home. Seasonal local produce is used to ensure residents are offered tasty options throughout the year. St. Rita’s received a 5 rating on the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
There is a large activities room, with a superb balcony where residents can continue to follow their own hobbies or take part in various planned events. St. Rita’s has its very own Activities Organisers who spend time with the residents to ensure that there are varied and interesting options available. The activities include an art class, film shows, keep fit and gardening troughs have recently been introduced which allow residents to grow their own flowers and vegetables.
Residents can also visit the animals on our farm, there are miniature ponies, donkeys, alpacas, highland cattle, pigs and various types of rabbits and guinea pigs.
Musical entertainment is particularly popular and this is provided by outside entertainers. Reminiscence therapy in small groups is also a regular event. Residents who lack mobility are offered passive exercise on a one-to-one basis.
St. Rita’s has its own hairdressing salon where residents can make an appointment with a qualified hairdresser who makes regular visits.
The home also has a quiet room where residents can spend time in the tranquil atmosphere reading or other quiet activities without television or radios.
The shop is stocked with a range of everyday items such as toiletries and cards and enables residents and visitors to make purchases.
The Home welcomes visitors and residents have an opportunity to meet with them in private or with the group, as they desire. Residents have the chance to enjoy refreshments with their families and arrangements are made for special occasions, eg. birthdays. Residents are encouraged to go out for visits and trips with their relatives and friends.
The Home is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for care with nursing for 60 residents of both sexes. It provides nursing care for older people suffering from dementia type conditions and confusion. For further information on admissions criteria please call 01444 873740/1
Staff at the home have attained Accreditation for the Gold Standards Framework for End of Life Care.
The Registered Manager at St. Rita’s is Karen Shrimpton.
My name is Karen Shrimpton, I am the Home manager at St Rita's care home and have been in post since 24th February 2020.
I have worked in Health and social care for the last 26 years, 16 years of these in management of care homes - Supported living,
Learning disabilities, Dementia, Residential and Acquired brain injuries. I enjoy working with older people and find my role to be
both rewarding and fulfilling, which in turn meets my strong values in the care sector.
My qualifications are:
If you or any member of your family wish to visit St. Rita’s to view the facilities, service and care on offer then please call 01444 873740/1 and we would be delighted to book you an appointment.
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