The Wheelhouse
The Wheelhouse is a residential care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex (TN37 7HA). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About The Wheelhouse
The Wheelhouse is a residential home in St Leonards on Sea supporting younger adults. We are a small house, which is deliberate, because it keeps things calm and means staff know everybody here properly rather than in passing. The people who live with us are at a stage of life when they should be building something, not winding down, and we try to support that. Everyone has a say in how the house runs, in what is cooked and in how their own room looks. We start from what somebody already manages and work outwards, whether that is cooking, handling money, travelling independently or keeping up with friends and family. Support is agreed with each person in a way they can follow, and staff are expected to work to that rather than to a general house routine. Where routines need to stay exactly the same to keep somebody settled, we respect that without making an issue of it. Being near the sea and close to the town means getting out is easy, and we arrange whatever support makes that possible while staying out of the way when it is not needed. We also offer respite stays, which give family carers a break and give the person coming to stay a change of scene. Our most recent overall rating from the Care Quality Commission is good. You would be welcome to visit.
Care provided at The Wheelhouse
- Younger adults care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 19 November 2019
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of The Wheelhouse. Report published 19 November 2019.
- 30 September 2019. CQC published the report on 19 November 2019.
- 4 places, 3 people were using the service at the time
Safe
Inspectors found that people were safe. Staff knew people and the risks to their wellbeing. There were risk assessments for people and the building, and people received their medicines safely from trained and competent staff.
Effective
Inspectors found that staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people's needs. They had specialised training in positive behaviour support, autism and epilepsy, as well as an induction and regular supervision. People had regular input from health and social care professionals, and their nutritional needs were met.
Caring
Inspectors saw people looking relaxed and happy around staff they knew well. They observed people smiling and holding staff members' hands. Staff told inspectors they had mutual respect for the people they supported.
Responsive
Inspectors found that people were supported to take part in activities they were interested in. These included holidays, trips to the zoo and London, horse-riding and swimming. Staff knew people's communication needs well. No complaints had been received since the previous inspection, and there was a clear complaints process.
Well-led
Everyone inspectors spoke to was complimentary about the registered manager and deputy manager and felt the service was well-led. Staff felt involved in a supportive team culture. Feedback was regularly sought from people, staff, relatives and professionals to improve the service.
What people told the inspectors
A relative spoke highly about the staff. Everyone inspectors spoke to was complimentary about the registered manager and deputy manager.
Meeting the staff at The Wheel house was absolutely amazing. A relative of a person living at the home
Since the last inspection
Rated Good in November 2019, the same overall rating as before (Good).
Safe is still Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Responsive is still Good; Well-led is still Good.
- 19 November 2019: Routine inspection, rated Good. This inspection gave the current rating.
- 30 November 2016: Routine inspection, rated Good
- 26 November 2014: Inspection looking at part of the service
- 5 July 2014: Routine inspection
- 5 September 2013: Routine inspection
- 4 April 2013: Routine inspection
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How The Wheelhouse compares in Hastings
Measured against the 61 care homes registered in Hastings. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 4 places. Smaller than 49 of the 61 homes. The local average is 24 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 50 of the 61 homes (82%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across East Sussex the figure is 79%.
- Latest report
- 19 November 2019. 50 of the 61 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- December 2010. One of the longer established homes. 52 of the 61 registered more recently.
- Food hygiene
- 5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 44 of the 46 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes in Hastings.
The local picture: Hastings
What the numbers say about care for older people in Hastings, in East Sussex.
What care costs in East Sussex, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | £929 | £1,500 to £1,809 (South East figure, because too few East Sussex homes publish this price. 107 homes. Median £1,600.) |
| Nursing care | £994 | £1,617 to £2,080 (South East figure, because too few East Sussex homes publish this price. 63 homes. Median £1,933.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,571 to £1,942 (South East figure, because too few East Sussex homes publish this price. 82 homes. Median £1,709.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,975 to £2,226 (South East figure, because too few East Sussex homes publish this price. 37 homes. Median £2,050.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 9,700. Rising to 11,300 by 2035, up 17%
- People aged 85 and over: 2,500. Rising to 3,700 by 2035, up 50%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 1,300. Rising to 1,600 by 2035, up 26%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 64%. The NHS ambition is 67%. East Sussex as a whole is 61%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 133. East Sussex average is 88.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 0 closed
- Care home beds filled across East Sussex: 83%. The 12 month average is 83%.
- Who pays, across East Sussex (estimate): 33% council, 47% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about The Wheelhouse
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 7 December 2010, so 15 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 21 March 2026.
- Run by
- Ferguson Care Limited, which runs this service only.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near The Wheelhouse
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- Conquest Hospital, Hastings, 0.7 miles away
It is about 0.7 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
- High Glades Medical Centre, 0.4 miles away
- Sedlescombe House, 0.7 miles away
- The Station Practice, 1.5 miles away
Nearest dentists
- Battle Road Dental Practice, 0.3 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Arthur Blackman Clinic, 0.4 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Harrow Lane Dental Practice, 0.4 miles away (NHS.uk details)
Nearest pharmacies
- Hollington Pharmacy, 0.4 miles away
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, 0.5 miles away
- Laycock Chemists, 0.5 miles away
Nearest railway stations
- St Leonards Warrior Square Station, 1.5 miles away
- Hastings Station, 1.5 miles away
- Ore Station, 1.6 miles away
Around The Wheelhouse
- H: The Wheelhouse
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Common questions about The Wheelhouse
Where is The Wheelhouse located?
The Wheelhouse is a residential care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7HA. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does The Wheelhouse provide?
The Wheelhouse is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Younger adults care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is The Wheelhouse's CQC rating?
The Wheelhouse is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 19 November 2019. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does The Wheelhouse offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. The Wheelhouse offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about The Wheelhouse
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
No. The Wheelhouse is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. The Wheelhouse is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. The Wheelhouse offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
Yes. Yes. The Wheelhouse supports younger adults as well as older people.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the South East
The Wheelhouse has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from The Wheelhouse. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
Explore more
More care homes in St Leonards-on-Sea
- 43 Sedlescombe Road South — CQC Outstanding
- Amber House — CQC Good
- Bannow Retirement Home — CQC Good
- Barchester Tower — CQC Good
- Bethune Court — CQC Good
- Bishops Corner — CQC Good