The Downes Residential Care Home is situated in the Foundry area of Hayle, on the North coast of Cornwall. It is set within 7 acres of Grade 2 Registered Historic Gardens, overlooking Hayle estuary.

The Downes offers the highest quality of care and accommodation in a welcoming, warm and friendly environment. Combine this with the freedom to live with as much independence as suits the individual ability and wishes, the service offered at The Downes is truly exceptional.

We are a new care home, registered with The Care Quality Commission to provide care for seven older people, requiring care by virtue of old age. In the future we have plans to develop the service to extend the number of placements we can offer. This will enhance the service we already provide.

Originally associated with Harvey’s Mining and Smelting Company, The Downes is renowned for its grand, yet tranquil setting. At the turn of the last century ‘The Downes’ was used as a convent for the Congregation of the Daughters of Liege. They remained in occupation until 2002.

The house was built in the Victorian era, in a Tudor gothic design and offers great character. It has many of its original features in place. The extensive grounds boast an orchard and kitchen garden which is currently under renovation.

Services offered

The Downes Residential Care Home offers the choice of both long and short term / respite stays. The safe and friendly environment encourages as much social interaction as the residents want and the extensive gardens and accommodation provide opportunities for a wide range of activities, supported and encouraged by our staff.

Our fees range from £500 to £1000 per week, dependant on an assessment of the individuals needs and the location of the bedroom facilities. Additional charges may be applicable for services including amongst others newspaper, hairdressing and chiropody.

Our bedrooms are all individual in character, with many rooms boasting original features. Each bedroom has en-suite facilities, a television and telephone point and 24 hour call bell system. Individuals can choose to bring in items of furniture to furnish their rooms or we can provide such items. We actively encourage service users to personalise their rooms.

There are several communal rooms of different sizes offering the scope for service users to enjoy space on their own or to mix easily with others. Each of the communal areas is accessible by wheelchair and there is a stair lift in situ for access to four of our placements.

Our aim at The Downes is to meet the needs of our service users with appropriately skilled and trained staff, in a supportive and caring manner. Staff are in attendance 24 hours a day and are there to provide assistance in whatever shape or form.

In addition to the GP and Community Nurse visits, within the care home, we have regular visits from healthcare professionals including a domiciliary dentist, chiropodist and an aromatherapy masseur.

A hairdresser visits The Downes weekly. We can arrange for you to use the professionals who visit the home or if you so chose, we can get you to appointments within the local community. The Downes offers the use of a mini bus for service users for activities, trips out and for access to appointments.

At The Downes we appreciate that meals and meal times are an important aspect of the day. Meals are served in our spacious dining room or presented by tray in the service user’s rooms as requested. Our menu has been devised to offer a range of meals that are prepared and cooked at The Downes, offering a variety of choices on a daily basis. The catering staff will discuss your requirements with you and will strive to provide quality meals.

We use local suppliers for our ingredients wherever possible and pride ourselves on our ‘old fashioned style’ cooking. Fresh fruit and vegetables are offered daily and we are keen to offer a healthy balance diet.

Special dietary requirements are catered for, including those for medical, ethical and religious needs. Our Management and catering staff will only be too pleased to assist in developing an individualised menu.