A shore thing: The 6 best coastal care homes near the beach

Many older people dream of retiring to the beach. The sound of waves rolling across the shore can offer a deep sense of calm. Breathing in salty sea air and walking on soft sand can also improve their quality of life.

However, if retirement involves a residential or nursing care home, where should you look for the finest seaside care homes?

A study by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health published in ScienceDirect found that “proximity to the coast was positively associated with good health” and that there was “a small but significant increase in the percentage of people reporting good health among populations residing closer to the sea.”

This makes coastal care homes an excellent choice for those seeking both high-quality care and the health benefits of seaside living.

The benefits of coastal living for older people

There are three main benefits of living near the coast for older people:

• Physical fitness: Walking on shifting sands not only engages more muscles but can also provide a cardiovascular workout. Uneven terrain can also help strengthen leg muscles and improve balance in older people. 
• Relaxation and mental wellbeing: Just the sound of the sea is thought to be able to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Vitamin D absorption: Sunlight increases Vitamin D absorption which plays a crucial role in promoting bone health and overall wellbeing.

It’s clear that coastal living offers a unique environment that can enhance the overall quality of life for the elderly, whether through long walks through the dunes, soaking up the sun’s rays, or simply enjoying the calming sounds of the rolling waves.

Our top coastal care homes

So, if you have a loved one who wants to be beside the seaside, then we have rounded up a list of some of the top-rated seaside care homes available through Autumna. The selection below is just a small sample of some of the properties on offer.

Harrier Lodge

This picturesque care home in Whitstable, Kent, provides high quality, bespoke care in beautiful surroundings. With an OpenScore rating of 9, Harrier Lodge, which is part of Care UK, is located just a stone’s throw from the beach. At this care home, there is a wide range of activities for residents to enjoy, as well as entertainment and day trips.

Lakelands Lodge

Located in the coastal town of Fleetwood in Lancashire, Lakelands Lodge is a purpose-built care home offering residential and nursing care. This modern facility is part of the Athena Healthcare Group and has a strong OpenScore rating. In addition to contemporary, state of the art design, it also features a dedicated team that works closely with residents and their families to provide a truly person-centred service.

Belle Vue Care Home

This stunning, contemporary facility is located in the picturesque county of Devon with tastefully decorated rooms that boast extensive sea views. With an enhanced garden that overflows with flowers, shrubs and raised flower beds, Belle Vue Care Home is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Situated in the traditional seaside town of Paignton, this care home ensures that residents never forget that they are close to the sea and beach.

Hallmark Willingdon Park Manor

This spectacular 85-bed care and nursing home is positioned just a stone’s throw away from the seaside and located in the beautiful Ratton area of Eastbourne.

With a high OpenScore rating, Hallmark Willingdon Park Manor is a luxurious facility that is packed with upscale amenities such as a cocktail bar, garden conservatory, cinema room, therapy room and beautifully decorated living spaces.

Southbourne Beach Care Home

This stunning, upmarket care home is located just 250 metres from the seafront and gives residents access to a wide variety of exceptional amenities. Nestled in the peaceful suburbs of Bournemouth, Southbourne Beach Care Home which is part of the Avery Collection, blesses residents with some truly stunning views in a luxurious setting. In this facility, residents can continue enjoying life and strike up new friendships, while receiving the high-quality care they need.

Harleston House

Harleston House is a purpose-built care home in Lowestoft with a strong OpenScore and rated as 'Outstanding' by the CQC. As part of the Greensleeves brand, Harleston House is an attractive period care home set in a beautiful location that provides easy access to Harleston beach.

How to find the best seaside care homes

The best place to start is Autumna which is the largest and most detailed residential and nursing care home directory in the UK with over 10,500 care homes listed.

Autumna's care home listings provide comprehensive information, including the type of care offered, meal options, fees, and ratings from official regulatory bodies and OpenScore, our new automated, real-time review system.

Need more help in finding a coastal care home?

Our expert team of advisors can help you find the perfect care home for your needs, with our FREE shortlisting tool that can send you a list of suitable homes within minutes.

If you need further help and information, you can contact our advice line on 01892 335 330.