Briar House

Losinga Drive, King's Lynn PE30 2DQ
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8.5 35 Reviews
  • Briar House, King's Lynn
Welcome to Briar House, a welcoming Norfolk care home designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring elderly and dementia-related care. The en-suite facilities and excellent wheelchair access ensure comfort and convenience for all residents.

At Briar House, the dedicated and skilled care team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional permenant and respite care services. They are committed to offering a versatile range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

The vibrant activities program ensures there's always something exciting happening, with a dedicated activities room serving as the hub for a range of engaging pursuits. Additionally, the hair salon adds an extra touch, ensuring residents feel pampered and at home in every way possible. Nestled amidst its own gardens, Briar House offers a tranquil and homely environment where residents can feel at ease.

The team understands the importance of maintaining strong connections with local healthcare professionals. That's why Briar House has established good links with local GPs and other health professionals to ensure that care packages remain up-to-date and tailored to the individual needs of residents.

The team at Briar House strives to provide not just care, but a sense of belonging and community for residents. They invite you to visit the home and experience the warmth and professionalism first hand.

Care Provided by Briar House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Maxine Fearnhough (Peripatetic Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (62)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (60)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2011

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Briar House Care Home is thrilled to welcome visitors. Visitors encouraged to visit loved ones dedicated team members always available to greet them with a warm welcome.


  • Parking
  • Briar House Care Home understands that convenience is key when visiting loved ones, which is why parking is hassle-free, offering on-site parking, completely free of charge.


Total of 35, showing 1-20
8.5

Briar House has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.531) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Briar House has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two residents in the care home, both with dementia. Both are so happy even when things are tough, it's nice to see all the pictures and activities that both are enjoying. Cannot thank the staff for all they do for my two family members.

Reply from Paula Oltean, Regional Manager at Briar House

We appreciate you taking the time to review our care home - thank you for your very kind words. We are very pleased to hear that you are happy with the service provided to your family members.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband died peacefully at Briar House on the 20th January following a 2 month stay. The staff were absolutely amazing, not only did they care for my husband they did for me as well. Members of his immediate family have a medical background and visit care homes on a regular basis and were amazed
at the care he received and the kindness bestowed on them. They have not seen care like it before.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Briar House Care Home for two and a half years. We have seen a few staff come and go but the present acting manager has done an amazing job. I cannot fault the care my mother receives and all the staff are amazing. Sadly, a big loss has been one of the activity staff, a lady who
was there before my mum moved in. She was amazing and a true loss to the team.

Reply from Paula Oltean, Regional Manager at Briar House

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of our service and for your very kind words about the staff team and the acting manager. Our activity coordinator decided to change careers and, I agree with you, she has been missed by the residents as well as the staff. However, we have a new activities team that we introduced at the relatives meeting yesterday and they spoke about their plans for the service. If you want to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to approach them or the manager next time you are in the home. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with all the staff they are very friendly. The home does so much for residents there is nothing I can fault with it. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the home enough. The staff are so caring and thoughtful. They keep you updated on your relatives. My mum is very happy there.

Reply from Paula Oltean, Regional Manager at Briar House

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete a review for Briar House. Thank you for your very kind words, I am pleased to hear you are so happy with the service provided.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Each time I visit, the staff are always friendly, polite and helpful. If I need to speak to anyone about my husband's care, they immediately sort it out. The management keep me up to date with any issues regarding his health and welfare by contacting me at home.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this review. We really try hard to maintain good communication with relatives, so it's great to hear this is working well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Briar House for 3.5 years, during which time she has been treated with dignity and received wonderful care. The managers and staff are kind and patient, and also very approachable. Any issues which have arisen have been dealt with promptly and all residents and visitors are treated
fairly and compassionately.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us a review, the team at Briar House are always grateful to receive compliments for their hard work and I am very pleased we have been able to maintain the high standard of care for your mother for the last three and a half years.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A kind, thoughtful, caring home that gives 100% to its residents and families. Very approachable, flexible and empathetic. This is the second relative to have been placed in the care of Briar House, and the care and respect shown to my relatives have been second to none. Thank you for everything you
have done and continue to do. An amazing team that creates a family for those living there.

Reply from The Home Manage, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this lovely review. We are so pleased we are meeting all of your expectations, and we will continue to do so throughout your relative's stay with us. Briar House team are always encouraged to continue to maintain these standards when we get such positive feedback from our resident's families.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When Mum went to Briar House, we were unsure if she would settle, but in a short time, we found that she had and that staff were very comforting towards her. Her personal care has been noted, and she is always well-groomed, and attention is given to her. Hairdressing facilities on site make her feel
good also.
She seems to eat all of the food, and there are snacks and drinks at times during the day. After being introduced to the social room, she enjoys the music and bingo etc, and a chance to meet other residents.
When weather permits, she likes going out into the gardens and gets on well with all the staff.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this lovely review. It has been a pleasure getting to know your Mum and watching her settle in to the home. The team at Briar House will be very pleased to know that you are happy with everything we are doing for your Mum.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident at Briar House since November 2021. She was reluctant to go into care, but her needs were becoming such that I had no option, so the staff had to support me as well as my mum, which I have really appreciated. The senior staff appear very knowledgeable in caring for the varying
and complex needs of their residents with dementia and have kept me updated on my mother's care. As in many care settings, there does appear to be a shortage of staff on some days, but this doesn't seem to impact on the overall care given. Generally, the staff keep cheerful and maintain their sense of humour. The lady who does the various activities with the residents is exceptional, and I believe there will be someone else employed to help her, which is good news for the residents. I can relax knowing Mum is cared for so a big "Thank you" to all at Briar House.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this positive review. The team at Briar House work very hard to ensure that the care delivered is to a high standard at all times, and this keeps us busy. We always try to make time to support the resident's families as well as the residents, as it is important that we work in partnership.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum entered Briar House in September 2021 which was a tough decision, however, it was necessary for her safety and wellbeing. A great relief for me and my sister. Mum would appear well looked after and we cannot fault the care she receives. Mum says the food is good and drinks and snacks always available.
We have been kept up to date on all fronts with good communication. We fully appreciate how hard the staff work in sometimes challenging circumstances. The majority of staff we consider to be really very good but some are excellent. In February this year, Mum had a fall needing hospitalisation and surgery. Upon her return to Briar House, her care has been adapted to meet her changing needs. We thank the staff for the job they do.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thankyou for leaving us this review. It is great to hear the positive feedback about the staff team at Briar House. The team always try hard to adapt to changes and challenges to ensure we continue to offer the best support possible.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Briar House have been looking after my aunt for sometime now, and she has been comfortable and happy in their care. The staff are excellent in their care of our aunt and this has become even more apparent and very much appreciated since her recent stroke. Well done all of you and our very grateful thanks
to all staff at Briar House.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this lovely review. The team here work very hard to give the highest possible level of care and will appreciate your comments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum became a resident at the start of lockdown as my dad was struggling to cope so it was a great relief after many months of not seeing her to visit and see her looking good, happy and healthy. Staff were very friendly and the atmosphere seemed good considering all the stress of the recent months.
All looked well organised and my mum looks well looked after and has a lovely room.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this review, it is very satisfying to know that you are happy with Briar House. We are all relieved we can now welcome visitors into the home too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Patient is always well dressed and cared for. Staff always polite and caring.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thankyou for leaving us a review, our staff team take a pride in delivering high standards of care and we are always pleased to get this positive feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum who has Alzheimer lived in Oxfordshire before coming to stay with me in Norfolk for a few months after the start of the pandemic. After having a short stay in hospital and due to her progressive deterioration and physical health issues it was decided that our mum should go into a care home as
it was clear that she required 24/7 support.
My mum was discharged to Briar House Care Home and has been supported ever since by a very caring, supportive, helpful and friendly team who have always kept me up to date with how my mum is as well as her demeanour. Staff will also go the extra mile in order to support my mum.
My mum loves her food-especially fish and chips! She is regularly provided with drinks.
My mum always looks well kept.
The activities that take place have been enjoyed.
I love the fact that the staff are also reminded on a regular basis how much they are appreciated by management, residents family and friends.
The standard of care is very good.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this review, and for your lovely comments about the team at Briar House. They work hard and it is great when this is acknowledged by relatives. I am glad Mum is settled here and you are happy with all the support she is given.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been looked after so well here and she is happy, which is important. She grows in confidence daily especially as her time to be in care was sudden and unexpected, as her inability to look after herself became apparent. The staff are amazing and always have a smile on their faces. The mobile
phone has been problematic as it gets lost or breaks but the staff goes out of their way to help mum get to a phone when she is up to it. The gardens are lovely, the rooms are nice and bright. It is in a great location, near to shops and the hospital. The manager is more than helpful and I can not thank the team enough for what they do, they do an amazing job and I appreciate how hard they work. Thank you for caring for mum.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review. Your compliments about the team at Briar House will be really encouraging to the staff who work hard to achieve the highest standards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was placed at Briar House during the Coronavirus pandemic, so I was totally reliant on staff to settle her in and keep me updated on her progress. They did this with patience and understanding at all times. I was reassured that Mum had everything that she needed and that she was thriving in her
placement. When Mum has a fall, staff dealt with this appropriately and informed me. Staff identified activities that Mum could do independently and purchased the necessary materials for her.
As I was not allowed to visits initially, staff took photographs of her room so that I could see what was available, and they encouraged me to take in some of Mums personal items from home to make her more comfortable.
I have been kept informed of the home's policy regarding visits, and these have been subsequently arranged, in line with the Government guidelines I place at the times.
The staff are very friendly and caring. The home is clean and tidy. Lateral flow tests for covid are available at every visit and carried out very efficiently.
Mum is well cared for and is happy at Briar House, which is the best outcome for her.

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this lovely review. We are so pleased that your mum has settled in so well and that you are now able to come in and visit her regularly, and that you are happy with all the care and facilities here.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was delighted to be able to visit my uncle in Briar House recently for the first time, now that Covid restrictions allow. He was well and comfortable, and all the staff were really warm and welcoming, which helped to make it a lovely visit. Throughout his stay, they have always been friendly and helpful
in facilitating contact by phone, and in responding to my requests for information about his health. Huge thanks!

Reply from Pat Collins, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review. I am very happy that your visit went so well, and we are looking forward to the next one. The staff team will be very pleased to hear you enjoyed your first visit to Briar House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This week I have had my first visit to the home for a year. I can't praise the staff enough for all they have done in this difficult time. It is unfair of me to asses management. The management team, have always been friendly, available and helpful with our queries over the years. I have no idea about
management communicates and relates to the staff. Over the last yeas, most of the many staff who do the caring of my relative have been very good, and some excellent. Only two I would rate satisfactory.

Reply from The Home Manager, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us a review. We are so pleased to be able to welcome visitors back into the home, and it was lovely to hear how well the visit went. We continue to take pride in our high standards of care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our lovely mum arrived at Briar House in early February this year after 7 weeks in 2 hospitals after a stroke and fall at home on 15th December 2019 and this was following the death of her husband (our dad) in April 2019 after a long illness and our mum was his main carer for many years at a difficult
time.
Mum arrived at Briar House in what was to be a temporary placement and she was in a low place and was a shadow of her old self especially after losing the use of her legs and the family was very concerned for her future. But immediately after she arrived we could see a massive improvement in both her physical and mental health she loved the room she was allocated and really gets on well with all of the staff caring for her and the standard of care and meals she receives is excellent.
The way the staff managed Mum through 2 urgent hospital visits during the height of Covid in April and quarantines after to keep everyone safe was incredible.
Thanks to all staff at Briar House.

Reply from The Home Manager, Home Manager at Briar House

Thank you for leaving us this review. It is lovely for the team at Briar House to receive such positive feedback from you and to hear how happy your mum is here. These comments keep us all motivated during the current situation we are working in with Covid.


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Current Review Score: 8.5 (8.531)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.5 (8.531) out of 10 for Briar House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 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 4.833 for Briar House is calculated as follows: ( (42 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.833

  • 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 3.698 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Briar House is based on 4 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 = 3.375

    • 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 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.323

  • 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: 18 Jul 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • 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 (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Maxine

Maxine Fearnhough

Job Title: Care Home Manager

A warm welcome to Briar House, Kings Lynn.


Briar House Care Home is situated close to the centre of Kings Lynn, with great transport links for both trains and buses. We are a large care home registered for up to 62 residents. All of our bedrooms are single rooms and most have ensuite facilities. Residents can enjoy excellent communal facilities with dining rooms, lounges, a dedicated activity room and a well-maintained garden.


At Briar House, we have a well-established team of friendly staff who have the skills to provide high-quality residential and dementia care. Our aim is to provide a relaxed and homely environment for our residents. Residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms to make their space their home. We also provide a busy activities programme, which covers a wide range of leisure pursuits. Meanwhile, our catering team pride itself on excellent traditional home cooking and are able to cater for special diets.


We have an open house policy and welcome visitors at any time. Visitors are encouraged to join in with our activities and social events. We encourage input in planning our resident's care from family members and actively seek feedback on how we can improve.


Our residents at Briar House are happy and are enabled to live their lives as independently as possible within a safe and well-maintained environment.


If you would like to visit Briar House and learn more about what we can offer please phone us and arrange a tour. We welcome all enquiries, whether you are looking for care immediately or in the future, and are happy to answer any questions you may have.


Frequently Asked Questions about Briar House

What types of Care is Briar House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Briar House provide?

Palliative Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Briar House have?

There are 62 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Briar House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Briar House to the centre of King's Lynn?

0.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.