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After an operation, illness or accident, you can feel vulnerable and unsure how you’ll cope, and that’s only natural. Rustington Convalescent Home is a charity-run convalescent home in Rustington, West Sussex, founded in 1897 for the single purpose of helping people get back to their best. Because we’re a charity, not a for-profit business, we’re able to offer outstanding care and surroundings at a genuinely affordable price.
So if you are searching for somewhere special to help you recover after your operation, or are looking for the ideal place for respite care, come and be looked after by the amazingly thoughtful and caring team at Rustington Convalescent Home.
We’ll help you through that bewildering post-operative stage with kindness, professionalism and genuine care. It’s like staying at a delightful hotel by the sea but with the added bonus of medically-trained staff on hand whenever you need them day or night.
We take care of you, so you can concentrate on getting better and return home refreshed, confident and optimistic.
All the teams working seamlessly together, coupled with the fresh sea air and the wonderful camaraderie, helps to explain why guests make such good recoveries and leave Rustington Convalescent Home feeling so refreshed and renewed.
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!
Posted on Google Simon HendersonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional staff, comfortable rooms and lovely, home cooked meals. A wonderful location on the Sussex coast.Posted on Google mary wildersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My post op stay after a knee revision was perfect. I think they looked after us without ‘nannying’ us but if I needed help it was always there. The staff were a delight and the length of time many had been working there shows how content they are at Rustington. I have recommended Rustington to many in the Chichester area . Thank you.Posted on Google Alison FeatherstoneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stayed in Rustington Convalescent Home for two weeks and was very impressed with the excellent nursing care, skilful and attentive housekeeping, first class administration and wonderful, traditional, English cooking (especially the home-made cakes, for afternoon tea, and the famous bread-and-butter pudding)! The views of the long, green lawn, the strip of beach and the sea, seen from the summer house, conservatory and residents' lounge, were stunning and the congenial atmosphere of friendship and kindness all helped to speed my recovery - a big thank you - and I will return!Posted on Google hattam janetTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always very welcoming and relaxing. It has a sea view from the lounge and some of the bedrooms. Food , is varied and nutricious. I always feel rested from a break at this convalescent home .Posted on Google Pip CarrTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A well run Convalescent Home - perfect as a two week go between following an operation and feeling confident to look after myself at home. Structured days with on site treatments available plus exercise classes for both the body and mind whilst enjoying the excellent choice of home cooked meals.Posted on Google Jan LynnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A superb convalescent home for post op recovery. I stayed for a week in Sept 2025 and a week in May 2026 after knee replacement surgery. The 24 hour care is unbeatable which helped a quick recovery and the food is delicious with a varied menu.Posted on Google Jorge ToroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My stay at Rustington Convalescent Home following shoulder surgery was extremely beneficial. The transition from hospital to recovery was smooth, well-organized, and reassuring. While the interiors are being sympathetically renovated to a high standard, the redesigned rooms I stayed in were comfortable and provided a calm environment for recuperation. The purpose-built Grade II listed building, dating from 1897, has great character. The common areas are elegant and restful, with none of the institutional atmosphere often associated with healthcare settings. The home is set in beautiful grounds and features a superb south-facing terrace, a wonderful place to enjoy the sunshine and fresh sea air. Its seaside location, with plenty of nearby walks, is a real plus during recovery. The staff are consistently caring and attentive, and the presence of a nurse on duty throughout the night is particularly reassuring. Excellent home-cooked meals are served, with a varied and delicious dessert menu. Facilities such as the ice therapy machine, along with helpful physiotherapy support, made recovery much easier. I would happily recommend Rustington Convalescent Home to anyone seeking a supportive, comfortable environment for post-operative recovery.Posted on Google Caroline KeenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stayed at RCH for a week post knee replacement surgery in April 2026. The care is second to none. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the caring and friendly staff. I truly believe it made a big difference to the speed of my recovery. The meals were superb, all freshly cooked each day from largely local ingredients. Many of the staff have been there for years, which I think speaks volumes about the general happy vibe of the whole place. I rarely leave such glowing reviews, but I genuinely can’t fault them. Highly recommended!Posted on Google Ray BishopTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent a week at Rustington Convalescent home in early May after an operation, this being my second visit after a previous operation 13 years ago, l found it was all the same apart from a complete make over the home has had, the staff are so helpful they look after you so well and nothing is to much, the food is excellent with a good daily menu selection, all the rooms have an on suite, my room looked brand new with an electric bed which makes getting in & out of bed much easier than at home.Posted on Google Shirley RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at Rustington were unfailingly professional and kind. Staying there for a week with nurses available 24 hrs and physios really was a huge support after my hip replacement. Ample healthy and nutritious food was served and the whole rhythm of life helped to encourage the exercise and activity so essential to speedy recovery.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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
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