Hilldales Residential Care Home, Ilfracombe
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Good |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Good |
About Hilldales Residential Care Home
Date of assessment 2 July to 13 August 2025. We visited the service on 2 July 2025. Hilldales is a residential care home providing care and support to a maximum of 56 adults who have needs arising from alcohol problems or mental health issues. At the time of our assessment there were 46 people living at the home. This assessment was carried out as we had concerns in relation to the leadership and management of the service. These concerns were not substantiated during our assessment.
What residents and families say
People said they felt safe with staff and were happy with the support provided by them.
People said they liked the staff supporting them and support was available in a timely manner.
People said staff were kind and caring and felt valued by staff who showed genuine interest in their well-being and quality of life.
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About Hilldales Residential Care Home
Situated in the EX34 postcode district of Ilfracombe, Devon, Hilldales Residential Care Home operates as a residential care home focused on personalised, compassionate care. The home is operated by Hilldales Residential Care Home Ltd and can accommodate up to 56 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 20/10/2025, the Care Quality Commission rated Hilldales Residential Care Home as Good. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led. The home caters to a range of care needs, including sensory impairments, caring for adults under 65 yrs, dementia, mental health conditions, caring for adults over 65 yrs, substance misuse problems and physical disabilities. The service supports dementia, mental health, older people, people who misuse drugs and alcohol, physical disability, sensory impairment, younger adults. The EX34 postcode area has 8 registered care homes with a combined 301 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Hilldales Residential Care Home is one of the care homes in Devon — a local authority with 311 CQC-registered homes, 261 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for Hilldales Residential Care Home
- View Hilldales Residential Care Home on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near EX34 9JS
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a residential care home, pay attention to the atmosphere as much as the facilities. The best homes feel warm, unhurried, and genuinely caring — like a place where your loved one could feel at home.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask how the home supports residents who may need nursing care in the future.
- Look at the communal spaces — do they feel welcoming, clean, and well-used?
- Check whether outside spaces are secure and whether activities are tailored for people with dementia.
- Assess the accessibility of corridors, bathrooms, and outdoor areas for wheelchair users.
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to Hilldales Residential Care Home's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- 2 How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
- 3 Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
- 4 What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected Hilldales Residential Care Home on 20/10/2025 and rated it Good. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - How friendly and attentive the care staff are day-to-day
- - What activities and social events are available for residents
- - How the home handles changing care needs over time
- - Specialist dementia training and secure outdoor spaces
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
CQC rated Hilldales Residential Care Home as Good for Responsive care on 20/10/2025, which includes how the home adapts to residents' changing needs. Ask what the home's protocol is when a resident needs a higher level of nursing care — whether they support a managed transition or have partnerships with local nursing homes.
How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
CQC rated Hilldales Residential Care Home as Good for Caring on 20/10/2025. This domain covers how staff support residents' emotional wellbeing, social connection, and sense of purpose. During your visit, ask to see the activities timetable and speak with current residents or their families about daily life.
Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Most residential care homes encourage residents to bring personal furniture and belongings to make their room feel like home. When visiting Hilldales Residential Care Home, ask about room sizes, any restrictions on furniture, and whether residents can hang pictures and decorate their space as they wish. A personalised room can make a significant difference to a resident's sense of comfort and identity.
What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
With 56 residents and care tailored to sensory impairments, daily routines at Hilldales Residential Care Home will be shaped around individual needs. During your visit, observe the lunchtime atmosphere, ask about morning routines and whether residents have flexibility around wake-up times and meal choices, and check what a typical afternoon looks like.
What is the CQC rating for Hilldales Residential Care Home?
Hilldales Residential Care Home in Ilfracombe is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 20/10/2025. The home has 56 beds.
How many beds does Hilldales Residential Care Home have?
Hilldales Residential Care Home has 56 beds and operates as a residential care home in Ilfracombe.
Location
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Other Care Homes in EX34
Similar Sensory impairments homes
- Heathlands Care Home London · Good
- Acorn Luxury Care Limited Bournemouth · Good
- Simone's House Uxbridge · Good
Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data