The Briars

33 Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9BD
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9.9 46 Reviews
  • The Briars, Sandown
The Briars Care Home is proud to be rated Good overall and Outstanding in Responsive category by the CQC following their inspection in January 2020. The home is one of the best known and most respected care homes for older people on the whole island and the quality of life and happiness of its residents is testimony to the fantastic care that is delivered each and every day by the loving and caring team.

The Briars is located in Sandown, but because of its exceptional reputation residents come from across the island with families considering the additional drive a small price to pay for the superior care available.   

The Briars was a finalist in the highly respected and highly contested British Care Awards and the National Care Awards, (essentially the Oscars of the healthcare industry). The obvious pride in these achievements is shared not just by the residents and staff at the home but by everyone that supports older people across the whole island. The Manager was also presented with the accolade of best "Care Home Manager on the Island" in 2017 which she rightly dedicated to her amazing team and home.

Staff at The Briars perform reminiscence exercises with the residents, so that they can understand people’s life stories and collate information about what is important to them.

With excellent food, exceptional activities and a lovely team of dedicated staff anybody considering care for themselves or for a loved should come and see us and find out what makes the Briars the best care home on the Isle of Wight.

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Care Provided by The Briars

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 38 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lesley Shaw (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (38)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (12)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2012

Funding & Fees Guide for The Briars

  • 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 £1,157 – £1,700
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,157 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,157 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,157 – £1,700

  • Last updated March 2024.


    Exact fees depend on the specific care requirements of each individual following assessment.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Briars to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • There are no restrictions on visiting Loved Ones. The Briars is the resident's home and therefore visitors are welcome anytime.


  • Parking

  • Like most other facilities on the Isle of Wight, The Briars Care Home does not have large parking availability. Some time ago the home took a decision, for the benefit of its resident, to convert previously allocated car parking space into a lovely communal outdoor facility for the residents to enjoy. Residents, families and visitors are unanimous in supporting this decision and the benefits of it are evident every day in the resident's wellbeing and happiness. This part of the reason the home achieved Outstanding at the last CQC inspection.


    Visitors are therefore advised to make use of the plentiful on-road car parking space that is available around the home.


The Briars Reviews (46)

Total of 46, showing 21-40
9.9

The Briars has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.930) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Briars has 46 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 30
  • 15
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

46
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34

Review from Claire H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum says everything is tip-top, staff are excellent and couldn't be better. Food is excellent (not enough sugar). Girls (staff) are the very top of the range. These are Mum's words. From me, as an ex carer, I can honestly say The Briars and their staff are excellent. Thank you.

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Review from Carole S (Wife of Resident) published on 19 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is well cared for in The Briars and I find the staff so welcoming to myself and my family, when we visit. There is a warm, friendly atmosphere everywhere in the home. Excellent.

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Review from Linda S (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 16 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Can't get used to being unable to walk into the home to visit a friend/family without having to unlock lots of doors. Feels like imprisonment. After noticing food inside the comfy chair seat and complaining, the issue was dealt with immediately. Would like to see beakers used for residents who are vulnerable
to spillage of hot drinks and also oral care daily, with insisting on handwashing after toilet use, please.

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Review from Lesley G (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has settled very well. I am extremely pleased with Mum's accommodation and how she is looked after and treated with respect by the staff. The home has a lovely atmosphere and I would recommend it.

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Review from L D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been cared for very well. The staff are always very caring and nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from Kathy J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy that my mum has settled at The Briars. All the staff are wonderful, caring and positive in their work. It really is a kind, extended family and I know that Mum is being so very well cared for.

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Review from James K (Son of Resident) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been wonderful to see my mum thrive at The Briars. When she entered in late April she was very frail and weak and in desperate need of constant attention. My wife and I have been so impressed by the quality of care and dignity every member of staff have shown her. The result is a much happier
mum, a steady improvement in her mental and physical health and more importantly her being positive about the future. Thank you!

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Review from M O (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Difficult to make some of these assessments, following nine months without visits. Based on observations previously and email and phone contact too. Excellent care and concern for Mum after a fall (under supervision of interim manager). Excellent staff - consistent team of friendly, personable, caring
workers. Has been most valuable resource form. Concerns of late, with the number of these good staff leaving and how a new team will work together for the residents. Provision and maintenance of very attractive garden for residents valued. Also stimulating visual areas indoors, which are often changed.

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Review from Robert M (Son of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank The Briars care home for their exemplary service concerning my father. He was a resident for nearly a year at The Briars and was looked after with utmost care. They have handled the entire Coronavirus situation with commendable care and admirable management. Unfortunately, my father
passed away recently, but the care home gave us ample notice of his condition and allowed us to see my father and pay our final respects, whilst also taking the situation of social distancing seriously. I would wholeheartedly recommend their services, as they look after everyone with absolute respect. I want to say a massive thank you to every staff member at The Briars, for everything that they have done for my father.

Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The Briars

Thank you Robert for your lovely review and kind words. We will pass your comments to our staff at The Briars who I am sure will be delighted to hear how much their work and dedication is being appreciated.


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Review from Chris S (Son of Resident) published on 29 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was lucky enough to end his days at The Briars suffering from Parkinson's which slowly robbed him of his movement and speech to the point where he was unable to do anything for himself.
His condition gradually deteriorated over 13 months, during which time I am unable to praise the staff
highly enough for their patience and dedication.
In how many care homes does the chef come up to have a chat with a resident before he goes off shift, or takes the time to find out what his favourite food is or lovingly shapes puree food to resemble real vegetables instead of mush?
The carers treated Dad like he was just an ordinary person not disabled or a burden, even when he was semi-conscious on a morphine drip, they would explain to him what they were doing and always looking after his interests, I have so much admiration for these people including the managers and support staff who always had a smile and a welcome for us.
Highly recommended.

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Review from Ralph E (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother recently moved into The Briars, having found that she could no longer cope in her assisted cottage, even with 24-hour care. When mum first arrived she was very bewildered and disorientated, having come straight from the hospital, after yet another fall. The Briars staff welcomed mum like a
long lost friend and made her arrival warm and calm. Once we had settled her into her room, with her familiar ornaments and odd bits of meaningful furniture around her, she seemed happier and more peaceful than I had seen her in weeks. I would recommend The Briars to anyone who has a relative or friend who is suffering from Dementia. They will receive the best possible care from a wonderful team of loving, friendly people; it doesn't matter who you talk to – chefs, kitchen staff, cleaners, care staff, auxiliaries, receptionists, everybody has the same caring attitude and each takes personal responsibility for the needs of the residents and visitors alike.

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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 19 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my mother and her siblings felt welcome from the start. Management and staff are always happy to talk to the residents and their families and advise you on how to deal with situations as they happen. Also excellent, a local doctor took the time to talk to everyone regarding ongoing medical treatment
requirements.

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Review from T P (Nephew of Resident) published on 17 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, The Briars has been a very safe, welcoming and supportive environment for my aunt, after a challenging transition when she became unable to manage living in her own home any more. Having direct access to a conservatory and garden from her room has been a great plus for her. Staff have always
been very positive, direct and open when I have visited my aunt at the Briars and have shown a respectful and caring approach to her.
In recent months I've been aware (as have other members of my family) that the Briars staff have been on a steady learning curve in their work with my aunt. With some considerable encouragement from my sister, in particular, they have taken a more pro-active approach in enabling my aunt a healthier daily routine of getting up in the morning and interacting with co-residents and staff. I believe the Briars has come to realise that this more proactive approach does not in any way run counter to person-centred care.

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Review from R P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the kind, sensitive care that my Mother has at The Briars. The staff are all very professional and caring. The atmosphere is homely and relaxed.

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Review from N C (Son of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Briars has a very "homely" feeling so my mother immediately felt at home there and always says how wonderful it is. This was a huge relief to us (her family) especially as she has always been so fiercely independent. She is gluten intolerant but is full of praise about the food and the chefs who
seem to go out of their way to ensure she eats properly and well. The care staff are friendly and thoroughly efficient and we cannot praise them enough.

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Review from Joy R (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been well looked after over the past fifteen months. We have no complaints with regards to her care from the very dedicated staff.

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Review from A G (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The standard of care has dropped considerably in the past six months. There is a constant change of staff and only a few longstanding ones remain. As a consequence of this, bank staff are often on-site. Long term residents have lost the continuity that helped with their dementia. Having someone who
knows how you like your hair, nails and clothes helps a resident to feel they are still themselves.

Reply from Donna McCormick, Interim Manager at The Briars

Thank you for your valuable comments. As per our conversation, all the areas you have mentioned in your review have now been addressed.


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Review from Deborah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Briars is a wonderful home for my parents. They are well looked after and treated with respect and dignity, nothing is too much trouble. Staff are kind and thoughtful and always on hand to help and support when needed. The standard of care and well-being is outstanding.
It really is ‘a home’ for
them!

Reply from Ian Leitch, Home Manager at The Briars

Thank you for feedback it is much appreciated, it’s our pleasure to see your parents enjoying their life together.


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Review from J S (Husband of Resident) published on 23 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband is in the home and we find the staff lovely and caring. Very pleasing.

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Review from Lesley M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nan is very happy here, she is very well looked after, she loves her food and enjoys the lovely meals on offer.


The staff are always very cheerful and friendly and it is clear to see that Nan likes them and feels safe with them.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.930)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.930) out of 10 for The Briars is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.930 for The Briars is calculated as follows: ( (132 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 142 Ratings = 4.93

  • 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 The Briars is based on 12 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 12 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: 19 Mar 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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 (18)

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Meet the Team (7)

Lesley

Lesley Shaw

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2019

Hello, my name is Lesley Shaw and I am proud to be the manager of The Briars.


We are based in the seaside town of Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The Briars is a specialised dementia home where the residents always come first. Our aim is to provide high quality care, in a safe and friendly environment, which respects the rights, dignity and privacy for all who live here.


Being a specialised dementia home my staff are highly qualified and dedicated ensuring everyone can live their life to the fullest. It is a privilege to be part of the team. I am a qualified, experienced manager, I believe in openness and transparency and always have time for a cup of tea and a chat. At The Briars we have strong links to our local community and always welcome new friends.


Kim

Kim Mears

Job Title: Family Liaison Manager

Joined: 2018

My role at The Briars is to offer support and advice to families who are looking for care for their loved ones. There is no greater reward for me than helping people on this journey into finding the right home. Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends.


Cath

Cath

Job Title: Care Supervisor

Joined: 2015

I have worked in care for 30 years in a variety of settings and positions. I joined the team at the Briars in December 2015. Supporting and caring for residents living with dementia is an integral part of my role that I find full-filling and each day brings new experiences.


Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Senior Carer

Joined: 2015

I joined The Briars 5 years ago as a Care Assistant and have now progressed to a Senior Carer. My residents here are very important to me and I will always take time out of my shift to chat to them and check they are doing OK. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and paddleboarding, weather permitting.


Carol

Carol

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2017

I feel very privileged to work at The Briars, the staff and residents are what make the home such a nice place to be. I enjoy my job knowing that the job I do makes a difference to the team and residents. Out of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and walking my three terrier style dogs.


Ava-Marie

Ava-Marie

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2016

I have worked in the catering sector of residential care for just over 10 years. I have previously worked as a Cook in holiday camps and public houses. I enjoy spending time with the residents and finding out about their likes and dislikes in terms of food. In my private time, I enjoy kayaking, swimming and spending time with my family.


Tony

Tony

Job Title: Head of Maintenance

Joined: 2012

I enjoy my role as no two days are the same, for example, one day I could be changing fire doors, the next making a wooden birthday cake! In my spare time, I like to go kayaking with my sons and dog in tow! We enjoy exploring the Isle of Wight with plenty of walks and trips to the beach.