’Westerley’ is situated about 250 yards from the Cliff Gardens which overlook the Thames estuary and the County of Kent. Westcliff on Sea is only 50 minutes from London (Fenchurch Street Station) with a frequent train service. There is also a good bus service into the resort of Southend on Sea, less than a mile away, which has a modern pedestrianised shopping centre.
Facilities:
’Westerley’ was purchased by Mutual Aid Homes in 1947 and converted, from two hotels, into a Residential Care Home for elderly people. The Home was officially opened in 1949 and extended in 2001. Structural repairs and improvements to the property have been made over the years to ensure that the Home provides up to date facilities for the care of elderly persons.
The Home is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection to provide accommodation for 24 residents. There are 19 rooms available for residents who are usually accommodated in single rooms except that five of the rooms are large enough for a married couple to occupy jointly if required. Residents’ bedrooms are situated on the first and second floors, which are served by a passenger lift, as well as on the ground floor. All rooms have en suite facilities, many of them including showers. Each room is fitted with a call bell to enable residents to summon a member of staff for assistance with personal needs
On the ground floor there is a large dining room and two lounges, one of which has television. There is a small library and a mobile library visits the Home twice a month with a good supply of books, many of which are available in large print. A ramp has been installed to the main entrance for ease of access for wheelchair users or those who find difficulty in negotiating steps, and all rooms and facilities within the Home are accessible by ramps or lifts. Several rooms are equipped to recognised standards for disabled residents. The Home has a small but attractive landscaped garden to the rear.
How to find Westerley:
By car: From the London direction, take the A13 to the Chalkwell traffic lights (by Chalkwell Park) and turn right. Alternatively travel along the A127 and turn right at the A1158 (signposted ‘Hospital A&E’) and cross over the A13 at the Chalkwell traffic lights. From the junction proceed down the hill until you pass under the railway bridge, then take the first left into First Avenue. Proceed straight ahead, passing Westcliff Rail Station on your left and turn left into Lydford Road, opposite the Cliffs Pavilion. At the top of Lydford Road turn right into Winton Avenue.
By Train: From London Fenchurch Street, Barking or Upminster, take the c2c rail service to Westcliff from which the Home is a 10-minute walk.
