― DEMENTIA CARE HOME • WEST END, SOUTHAMPTON • CQC OUTSTANDING
Choosing a care home is one of the hardest things you'll do. We're here to help.
At Sunnycroft, you'll find a small, family-run home where the staff have been here for years, the faces are familiar, and your loved one will be known — genuinely known — by the people who care for them every day.
No pressure, no commitment. We're happy to talk things through first.
"They supported our whole family, lifting the weight from our shoulders when we needed it most. I would highly recommend Sunnycroft to anyone looking for exceptional care. It will always hold a special place in our hearts."
Family member of resident, February 2026
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE SUNNYCROFT
CQC Outstanding
We are proud to hold the highest possible rating from the Care Quality Commission
Staffing levels
More people, more attentive care, more time
10+ years
Many of our team have been with us for over a decade
Open visiting
Come whenever you like and as often as you like - no appointments, no restrictions
Low agency use
Your loved one will see the same, familiar faces day after day
Transparent fees
We're clear about costs from the first conversation - no hidden extras
― WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Good care starts with the people who give it
Many care homes struggle with high staff turnover and a heavy reliance on agency workers — people who don't know your loved one, their habits, their history, what makes them laugh or what upsets them.
Sunnycroft is all about stability. We have been owned by the Hawkins family since 1996. Melanie, our manager, has worked with Nick, our director, for more than two decades. Mel's daughter, Emily, says that she "grew up at Sunnycroft" and is now part of the management team.
Deputy Manager, Kirsty, has been at Sunnycroft for 28 years. Senior Carer Mykala has clocked up over 12 years. One of our carers, Becks, has been working here for nearly twenty years, having been introduced by her mum who was our cook for many years. Amanda is also closing in on twenty years with us, while her daughter (another) Emily has been here for 9 years. We could go on...
That consistency changes the quality of care in ways you can't measure on a checklist.
When the same person helps every morning, they know how your mum, that she likes the radio on, and that she's been quieter since Sunday. That's not care as a service. That's care as a relationship.
Melanie - Registered Manager
Mykala - Senior Carer - joined 2014
Kirsty - Deputy Manager - joined 1998
Lisa - Cook - joined 2015
― WHAT FAMILIES SAY
In their own words
"I never envisaged my mother ending up in a care home. It is a difficult time for all concerned — but Sunnycroft has provided my mum with love, care, humour, and a real home. I cannot fault them."
Family member of resident
"I simply cannot fault the exemplary care that my Mum receives. When she was discharged from hospital, the wonderful care team at Sunnycroft provided the greatest level of care to ensure that she continued her recovery back to health. It is such a relief for me to know that she is so safe, well cared for and loved by them all."
Patricia s, january 2025
"From the very beginning, it was clear that Sunnycroft is more than just a care home. It is a place filled with genuine warmth and kindness, led by an amazing manager who sets such a high standard of care and compassion."
gEMMA s, fEBRUARY 2026
"I would highly recommend Sunnycroft's excellent care to anyone. A measure of their success is the fact that many of the staff have been there for years."
raymond N, January 2025
"Cannot speak highly enough of Sunnycroft. I am always impressed by the care, kindness and patience shown by all the staff to all the residents. It's very reassuring for my whole family to know that Mum is safe and well cared for and still enjoying life."
pete j, january 2025
"From her first day, the loving care and attention have been wonderful and unstinting. The family feels so fortunate to have found Sunnycroft for Mum and are most grateful for the kindness and good humour of all the staff."
russell s, january 2025
― LIFE AT SUNNYCROFT
What it actually feels like to live here
Mornings start gently. Breakfast when you're ready. The radio on in the kitchen. Staff who know your name, your story, your preferences. There's no rush — and that, for many families, is the thing they notice first.
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Home-cooked food
Run from the heart, not a corporate headquarters. Plenty of choice, familiar favourites and always something that smells good. And Lisa's freshly-baked cakes... what a treat!
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Beautiful surroundings
Semi-rural West End, with countryside views. Perfectly peaceful, yet close to the M27 for easy visiting.
🎭
Activities every day
Meaningful, varied, and always optional. We follow our residents' interests, not a tick-sheet.
👨👩👧
Visitors always welcome
Open door policy and no appointments needed. Come for tea. Stay for lunch. You're part of the family.
🧠
Specialist dementia care
We've specialised in dementia care for years, approaching it with patience, creativity, and genuine warmth.
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You'll always be kept in the loop
We keep you informed — proactively. Good days and difficult ones alike.
✂️
On site services
Visiting hairdresser, chiropodist, dentist and optician — keeping the stressful trips out to the absolute minimum.
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Respite stays welcome
Not sure yet? A short stay is a good way to find out if Sunnycroft is right for you and your family.
― OPENNESS & TRANSPARENCY
No surprises. No small print.
You want straight answers. We'll give them.
Our contract and fees
We're happy to discuss fees openly from the first conversation. We'll explain what's included, what isn't, and how funding works — self-funding, local authority, or a mix. And if it doesn't work out, there's just one week's notice at the start of the contract. Call us and we'll talk it through.
Our staffing
Plenty of staff, masses of experience. The average length of service among current team members is over 5 years, which is something to be proud of in an industry notorious for staff turnover. Less than 10% of our staffing is from agency workers and, when we do need them, we can normally pick from a few trusted and familiar faces.
Our communication
We respect personal privacy, but the overwhelming majority of residents are happy for us to keep their families informed. That being the case, you'll never have to chase us for an update. If something changes with your parent's health or wellbeing, you'll hear from us first.
― THE NEXT STEP
Come and see for yourself.
The best way to know if Sunnycroft is right for your family is to visit. We'll show you round, answer every question, and never put you under any pressure. It's easier if we know you're coming, but appointments aren't necessary. Just drop in if you would prefer. Many families tell us that walking through the door was when things started to feel a little easier.
No obligation. No pressure. Just a conversation.
