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Recovering after surgery, illness or a hospital stay can feel confusing and overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Unlike a residential or nursing care home, we’re not set up for long-term stays — most guests are here for a week or two, with the average stay around 10 days, though you’re welcome to stay for as long as you need. Whether you’re recovering after surgery or illness, or here for short-term respite, everything we do — from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave — is designed to help you feel stronger, more confident and more like yourself, so you can return home safely.
Located in the seaside village of Rustington, West Sussex, we keep to just 28 bedrooms [confirm], so the same small team of experienced carers and medically trained staff really get to know you — not passed between whoever’s on shift, but properly looked after, day and night, with questions answered and worries noticed quickly.
Unlike other private recovery centres, where physiotherapy and clinical rehabilitation are the headline, we offer physiotherapy for guests who need it, but our day-to-day focus is nursing support, time and kindness — because recovery isn’t only physical. And because we’re a registered charity, we’re able to offer this at up to half the cost of comparable private providers, making us one of very few charity-run recovery homes in England open directly to the public at an affordable, subsidised rate.
Rustington Convalescent Home isn’t just somewhere people stay. It’s the place that helps them get home.
Are you feeling worried how you are going to cope when you leave hospital after an operation? It is a big ask of anyone to go through the recovery process without any medical help or convalescent support. But you are not alone. Our amazing team provides superior clinical care in an unrivalled and relaxing environment so you can focus on recovering.
Have you been ill and feel like your energy has been zapped? Have you had an accident and are having trouble regaining your confidence? Rustington Convalescent Home is the ideal place to learn how to look after yourself again and get back to feeling like you! With its outstanding nursing care, a stay at RCH has been proven to improve health, increase confidence and restore vitality.
Are you caring for someone else and need a helping hand or a break? Or are you being cared for and need a change of scenery? The answer is a breath of fresh air in the glorious surroundings of Rustington Convalescent Home supported by a kind and positive team of registered nurses and support staff. It’s like a wonderful holiday – with nursing care where needed.
Many of our guests come to us to recover after planned surgery, an unexpected illness or a fall. Whatever the reason, our registered nurses tailor your care to you.
Rebuild your energy and vitality after an illness has left you feeling depleted.
Regain your independence safely after a fall or accident, at your own pace.
A restorative break for you, or for the person you care for, with nursing on hand.
Superior clinical care after any planned or unplanned surgery, day or night.
Regain mobility and confidence after knee surgery with daily support from our nursing team.
Rest, rehabilitate and rebuild strength in calm surroundings after a hip operation.
Specialists in convalescence with professionalism, time and kindness
Because RCH is a not-for-profit organisation, it is able to subsidise the cost of each guest’s care by up to 50%, so you get an outstandingly high level of personal care and attention at an affordable price – and the almost limitless food budget provides fresh, nutritionally balanced, plentiful meals which are simply delicious!
Unlike care homes, RCH specialises in short term convalescent and respite care. It exists to help its post-operative and respite guests recover mentally and physically so you can return home happy and refreshed, confident and capable. This niche offering is possible because RCH is a charity that is not constrained by grants or restricted budgets.
Rustington Convalescent Home was built in 1897 for the sole purpose of providing a place to convalesce. Today it is one of the few remaining dedicated convalescent facilities in the country. With its recent multimillion pound refurbishment, it is a wonderful blend of modern facilities nestled within a striking and historical building.
The location of Rustington Convalescent Home, right on the sea front and within acres of gardens, was chosen in 1897 specifically for the healing benefits of the fresh sea air. Today research backs up the beneficial links between living by the sea and one’s health. It is truly a unique and outstanding location.
Recovering after surgery or illness is stressful enough without worrying about how you’ll afford the support you need.
As a registered charity, we subsidise the cost of every stay by up to 50% — making specialist care here far more affordable than many people expect, for outstanding nursing care, three home-cooked meals a day and a beautiful seaside setting, in one of the country’s few charity-run recovery homes.
Your weekly fee includes nursing care, all meals and refreshments, daily activities and access to the grounds and gardens – all part of our exceptional care
A convalescent home is a place to recover and regain your strength after an operation, illness or accident — somewhere between hospital and home, with nursing care, comfortable surroundings and time to get back to your best.
Because we’re a charity rather than a for-profit business, we subsidise the cost of every guest’s stay by up to 50%. Your weekly fee covers all nursing care, meals, daily activities and the use of our grounds — with no hidden extras. The exact fee depends on your needs and length of stay.
No referral is needed — you can contact us directly to arrange a stay, whether for yourself or a loved one. Many of our guests come to us straight after a hospital discharge, and we’re happy to liaise with your hospital or care team if that helps.
Most stays are short-term — often one to a few weeks — long enough to recover and feel confident before returning home. We’ll talk through the right length of stay with you based on your recovery.
Yes — supporting people through post-operative recovery is one of the main reasons we exist. Our registered nursing team provides clinical care in calm, unhurried surroundings so you can focus on getting better after surgery.
As a registered charity, we fund part of every guest’s stay ourselves — subsidising the cost by up to 50%. The remainder is usually self-funded by guests or their families. If you’d like to understand what your stay would cost, our team is happy to talk it through.
Find out why our guests love staying here so much!
No. 216868
Founding patrons since 1897
From Food Standards Agency
We’re ready to welcome you
Speak to our friendly team by phone or complete our online enquiry form.
We’ll guide you through the next steps and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Relax and focus on your recovery while our experienced team takes care of the rest.
We are set in a beautiful seafront location, within acres of garden in Rustington, West Sussex — chosen in 1897 for the proven healing benefits of the fresh sea air. It’s a peaceful, restorative setting, just a short drive from the A259 and around 20 minutes from Worthing.
Sea Road, Rustington
West Sussex BN16 2LZ
Whether you’re planning ahead for surgery, supporting a loved one after a hospital stay or looking for specialist short-term respite care, our team is here to help.
