Firstlings

7 The Street, Heybridge, Maldon CM9 4NB
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Top 20 carehome certificate
10 68 Reviews
  • Firstlings, Maldon
Firstlings has been established since 1986 and has an excellent reputation within the area. Firstlings is located in Maldon and is very near to lots of local amenities. The home welcomes elderly people and elderly people with dementia.

Firstlings is beautifully presented throughout and offers residents a clean environment in which to stay. Carers pride themselves on maintaining high standards at Firstlings and always push themselves to do even better.

Has a big focus on activities and you will always see residents happily engaged in some kind of activity. Activities are planned daily and always have a great participation level at the home. Residents also enjoy regular big screen movie nights, where they get to see all time classics.

Firstlings is the top 10 of recommended homes in the region and has reached number 1 on many occasions. The home also achieved a good CQC report on all areas of inspection in 2015.

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Care Provided by Firstlings

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 32 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Tina Bentley (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (32)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2018

Funding & Fees Guide for Firstlings

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,300 – £1,400
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,450 – £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,450 – £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Firstlings to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Firstlings Reviews (68)

Total of 68, showing 21-40
10

Firstlings has a Review Score of 10 (9.968) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Firstlings has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from T S (Son of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has only been here a month so a bit early to comment but all seems good so far. She is bedridden but is kept clean and comfortable the staff do a very good job and we are pleased overall with the care she is getting.

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Review from Jennifer M (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum is very happy here, mum still thinks that she is in her own home doing all her own washing, cleaning etc and we know she's not. However, it just proves mum is happy. She eats well, is sleeping well and loves telling everyone what to do. We know that she is safe and well and if ever she is unwell
the doctor is called and she is seen the same day so that is very important to us. The staff are all wonderful and from what I have seen they love their job.

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Review from Denise H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings is an excellent care home. The staff are professional, friendly, caring and helpful. It is well managed with high standards of cleanliness. Dietary requirements are always catered for with a choice of dishes each meal time. Group and individual social activities are organised for residents.
Visits by family and friends are always welcomed.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been with Firstlings for a few years now and has Alzheimer's.
Our experience of the home has been excellent. The carers are thoughtful and tireless, can't do enough to help. We have visited the home a lot and each time the residents are treated with complete respect and kindness and their
needs are taken care of. The chef and kitchen staff are amazing and cook fresh, nutritious, tasty-looking food each day. There is support from nurses where needed. The residents are kept entertained with various activities during the day by people who genuinely want to be with them and who get to know each person and their needs/quirks. There are two comfy lounges where they can sit, chat, watch telly etc. My mum didn't want to go into any care home, because she was afraid of change. In fact, she just couldn't manage at home.
Firstlings dealt with this transition very sensitively and mum soon settled in and is so happy and smiley each time we go. I wouldn't want to leave her with anyone else.

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Review from c e (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum had to be found a care home at very short notice and it was also during Covid. After an initial telephone conversation then a zoom call with the deputy manager I knew that this place was the best home for my mum. I was not able to view it prior to her moving in (due to Covid) but once I was allowed
to visit I was very pleased I had made that choice. Every single one of the staff I have come into contact with since mum moved in (April 2021) has been lovely and also know my mum personally, she is not just a number. The home is small in comparison to some others, but I think that suits mum as it definitely feels more homely. Mum has dementia so is not really able to speak up for herself but I have no concerns about her care whatsoever. Firstlings is a lovely place for her to be and peace of mind for me too.

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Review from P W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has been in Firstlings for six and a half years and has been so well looked after. It has been like a home from home for her. She seems to have aged very little considering she is 101, which is indicative of the quality of the tenderness and care she is given at Firstlings. Family visitors
are also treated as important to the well-being of the residents, and she is able to benefit from regular visits that Firstlings encourage.

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Review from P W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During the past 18 months throughout the covid pandemic, the care staff in Firstlings have been amazing in caring for mum, and keeping me up-to-date with all the safety precautions necessary for the well-being of residents and visitors. They must have had to work beyond the call of duty and I thank
them for all they have done and are still doing.

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Review from K H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings are amazing with mum. I wouldn't have her anywhere else. The staff are wonderful.

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Review from T W (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found the staff at Firstlings to be caring and kind. The care provided is faultless and I never have any concerns about how she is being treated. I was totally confident that she was being well looked after during the year or so when I was unable to visit. Thank you Firstlings!

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Review from V T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are always most helpful.
The home is always clean, I am very happy with all aspects of the care that my mother receives.

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Review from M E (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my parents have been residents of Firstlings, and the personalised care and support they have received have been excellent. The staff and management take time to get to know their residents and personalised care to their individual needs. I am very content that they have my parents best interest
in mind at all times.

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Review from J R (Husband of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Beautiful home, staff and food. Can't complain about anything. My wife is looked after ever so well.

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Review from Lesley M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff very good. Food is good. They let my father have dinner with my mum and he is very well treated. Looked at other care homes, but this one was the best.
Cannot fault the care that my mum has.

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Review from K M D (Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel very safe in my home and most of the staff are very good too. I am top of the world.

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Review from E C (Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Safe and secure. Much better than hospital. Treated very well.

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Review from N S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad used Firstlings for respite care. It is a place where he feels comfortable and just like being at home. The staff are like a second family, all very friendly and caring. He really enjoys coming here to see the residents. He has become friendly with and enjoys joining in with all the activities.
He particularly enjoys the range of foods available on the menu.

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Review from T J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the staff at Firstlings very helpful and accommodating. On Monday 14th January 2019, Firstlings had a family meeting in the afternoon. In the morning, when I was visiting Mum, I informed a senior member of staff that I was unable to attend the said meeting. The member of staff was most
helpful and offered to do a one to one meeting with me, then and there. This I found very accommodating and I had ample time to express myself. Many thanks, the staff do a wonderful job.

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Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings is always clean, tidy and well presented. All staff are friendly and welcoming. There is usually something going on and the residents always appear happy and settled. My mum says the food is very good and I am always offered refreshments when I visit. It is a weight off my mind that Mum lives
there, she is safe and well looked after.

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Review from Gillian W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has lived in Firstlings for 6 months and I have been very happy with the level of care that she receives.
The staff are kind and caring and visitors are made to feel welcome.
The home is spotlessly clean and comfortable.
Many activities are arranged and participation is encouraged.
The
Christmas party was fun with staff in fancy dress and music provided by visiting singers which made for a lovely atmosphere.
I have no hesitation in recommending Firstlings.

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Review from M W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had dementia and was not an easy woman to care for, but all the staff, from the handyman to the cleaners, the kitchen staff and carers and managers all made her feel she was part of a big family.
When my mum returned from the hospital so she could end her life in the care home, her face lit
up when the night staff came to see her and I felt she was always treated with dignity and respect.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.968)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.968) out of 10 for Firstlings is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.968 for Firstlings is calculated as follows: ( (149 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 154 Ratings = 4.968

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Firstlings is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 32 registered maximum number of service users is 6.4, which has been reached with 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 2 Oct 2019

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Outstanding

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (9)

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Meet the Team (2)

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Tina Bentley

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 1999

My name is Tina, I have worked at Firstlings since 1999, progressing from the role of Junior Carer to Registered Manager in 2009. I'm extremely passionate and caring and have adapted to the many changes that have been introduced within the care sector. My ethos is to be the voice for my residents whilst accommodating their individual needs.


We have been awarded several accolades over the years and continue to receive some great testimonials from the families of our residents, not least of which was to be accredited with an "Outstanding" rating by the CQC, which is indeed a testament to the sheer dedication of every valued member of my team.


Of worthy mention, is the fact that I also worked alongside the parliamentary review for care homes, to give some real insight into our world and the many challenges that we continue to face, both operationally and commercially, in our assertive effort to deliver the very best level of care within our community.


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Kerry Taylor

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2009

I have worked at Firstlings since I was 20 years old. I joined as a Care Assistant, then moved on to Senior, where I worked night shifts for 15 years before taking up the role of Deputy Manager in 2009.


Firstlings is more than your place of work, it is also like being at home.


I enjoy all aspects of my job and find my role very rewarding, one aspect being the end of life care. To support our residents and their families whilst ensuring everything is in place such as Farleigh Hospice, anticipatory medication and to ensure their passing is pain-free and dignified. I feel the last part of the care you can finally give is a great honour.