The Firs

27 Fore Street, Witheridge, Tiverton EX16 8AH
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9.7 32 Reviews
  • The Firs, Tiverton
The Firs is a residential care home set in the heart of the small village of Witheridge in Mid Devon close to Tiverton, South Molton and Braunton. The Firs is housed in an elegant period style building which used to be the doctors manor house back in the early 1900s.

The home is nestled within large acres of garden allowing many scenic seating areas and that feeling of being outdoors close to nature. The garden is complete with vegetable plots and a large pond with a variety of fish. Residents are encouraged to participate if they wish in the up keep of the gardens and advice and tips are welcomed by the gardener.

Within the home there is a large communal lounge with an adjoining conservatory overlooking the gardens, a grand hallway, separate dining room and an activities room. All bedrooms are spacious and come fully furnished with the choice of an en-suite where available.

There is a dedicated and skilled care team available 24 hours a day delivering person-centred and tailored care to each individual who resides in the home offering flexibility and choice around day to day living. The home is able to accommodate individuals who need residential care and those who are living with dementia.

The Firs can offer both permanent placements and shorter respite breaks for those who may have families going on holiday or who would benefit from some TLC. Understanding that moving into a care home can be a daunting time, and an extremely hard decision to make, there is flexibility around respite stays for those who wish to try a shorter break prior to making their final decision.

Residents' well being is an important factor at the Firs which is why they have a dedicated Well Being Coordinator to deliver a 7 day activities schedule which includes group events, one to one activities or planning a larger event like their annual summer fete.

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Care Provided by The Firs

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 27 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Sheltered Housing

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Pip Smith (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (27)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2000
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for The Firs

  • 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 £1,000 – £1,100
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,050 – £1,150
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,000 – £1,100
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,050 – £1,150
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Firs to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome anytime.


  • Parking

  • The Firs has a car park for visitors


The Firs Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
9.7

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.740) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs has 32 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 27
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

32
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25
7

Review from Norman B (Son of Resident) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hi .
I just to wanted to say that mum has improved so much since staying with you. We were a bit worried at first if she would settle but you have all been amazing with her and to see the improvement is fantastic. Thank you all very much

Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much Norman, we are delighted to have mum with us. She is settling really well and seems really happy here.


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Review from J T (Brother of Resident) published on 22 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant approach from all the staff from day one has meant our relative has relaxed and begun to enjoy life again. She enjoys the activities offered, the good food and company of all the staff and residents. Hygiene and cleanliness is really well maintained, the rooms are bright and welcoming. The
management and staff are all doing their jobs with diligence to achieve such a high level of care for the residents - we would like to thank them sincerely.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, it is really appreciated and demonstrates the hard work the team are putting in. We are delighted with how well she has settled and as you say it is great to see her enjoying life once again.


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Review from L W (Relative of Resident) published on 2 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The quality of care has enabled my very elderly relative to settle quickly and with contentment at The Firs. She has a lovely room with space to display treasured items and photos. She enjoys the food and company and it is reassuring and heartwarming to see the kindness and sensitivity with which residents
are treated by the staff, when we visit. Thank you to the manager and all who work at The Firs.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your kind review acknowledging the good work the team are doing here at The Firs, we are so pleased she has settled and is happy here. We always enjoy getting to know their friends and relatives when they visit. We look forward to seeing you again soon.


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Review from Carol P (Friend of Resident) published on 2 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have visited my ex-neighbour at The Firs several times and find it to be a good home overall. Friendly and helpful staff. The residents seem very happy and well looked after. The one downside is the state of the patio area; weeds growing in the cracks and needing a good brush. Which is a great shame
as it upsets the resident that I go to visit as she loved being in her garden at home.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your honest review - We have just recruited a new maintenance person and have a gardener on board now, so hope that the weeds will soon be a thing of the past! We have had to prioritise whilst short and I am sure you will agree the priority has and always will be the needs of the residents.


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Review from Sue R (Friend of Resident) published on 6 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my neighbour who moved to The Firs approx 3 weeks ago. I stayed for approx 45 minutes and so nice to be able to bring my dog for her (some other residents were pleased too!). There was a relaxed, friendly and 'willing' atmosphere created by the staff very welcoming. Without prompting, my friend
said a few times' I like it here and the food is nice'. She was bright, smiley, very 'engaged' and asked after people and was beautifully dressed and obviously well cared for.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your kind feedback, we are delighted with how she has settled and is enjoying being part of The Firs family. We welcome doggies anytime.


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Review from Mary G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My late mother spent her last five years at 'The Firs' and despite various health-related problems she often said she liked it there and liked her room. It was good to know that there was always a member of staff nearby. I admire their endless patience and understanding when their necessary intervention
was not always welcomed!

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your review. We all miss Mum very much, she was such a character!


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Review from A B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are caring and patient, especially with the more difficult patients. An advantage is the location, which is nearby.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thank you for your review; we appreciate your feedback, and it's great having your wife stay with us and we are glad you feel welcome and part of the Firs Family.


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Review from A S (Friend of Resident) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been helping a close neighbour who we visit fairly frequently. he appears to have a very pleasant room and the staff have always been pleasant and helpful.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your review. It has been great to get to know you all and he very much appreciates that you keep in close contact.


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Review from Peter E (Son of Resident) published on 10 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at The Firs now for 6 months and I just wanted to post a quick comment as to how well she is being cared for. She has been made to feel extremely comfortable with the environment from the outset and recently celebrated her 90th birthday there where the staff made a cake, gave her
presents and provided a nice area in the conservatory where the family could celebrate with her. All much appreciated.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks Peter, we are delighted to have Mum with us and she loved her Birthday celebrations and it was great to have all the family here for it. Many thanks for your feedback we really appreciate it.


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Review from Heather L (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you all so very much for the care and love you gave to Gran and myself while she was with you.
All your staff are amazing and I would recommend anyone to use you.
Thank you to the managers and all your staff for all your support at this hard time
You made Gran's last week easier for us as a
family.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to look after Gran and get to know you all. We will miss seeing you all.


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Review from Pamela M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was placed here after having a stroke. We were apprehensive as this was a big move for her but the manager was so reassuring when we met him, he was so confident she would settle and be safe with them. He answered all our questions and alleviated all our doubts, he assured us his staff was
just as confident and caring.
The day she moved in my daughter and I were there to meet her when she arrived from the hospital and found it to be a real family home atmosphere.
The manager was right his staff are great all introducing themselves and caring for my Mother superbly. Thank you all!

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your wonderful review, we are delighted at how well Mum has settled and we are enjoying getting to know the family also.


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Review from Caroline A (Private Carer of Resident) published on 21 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The first time I visited The Firs I was immediately struck by the smell of home-cooked food and a buzz of friendly, caring staff. The rooms are warm and very light, with lovely views over the gardens.
When we moved my client in, the staff were all amazing, not just to her but also to me - offering
reassurance and kindness - they really couldn't have been more helpful. This continued over the next few days with emails and text messages giving me updates on how she was settling in, which was so thoughtful and reassuring. We are now two weeks later and she has settled down nicely and made some lovely friends. The food is varied, nutritious and always smells delicious. The management and staff are friendly, attentive and always cheerful. Considering residential care for someone you love is such a difficult thing to do but ultimately you just want to keep your loved one safe and well cared for and the staff at The Firs certainly achieve this.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

I am thrilled you are pleased with the care we are providing here at The Firs, the team do a great job and I'm sure they will appreciate this lovely feedback, it makes it all worthwhile.


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Review from G B (Respite Resident) published on 4 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the level of service I have received from The Firs and I find their particular strengths relate to the quality, friendship and willingness of the staff. The food is excellent. I have a beautiful room and the accommodation is first class. If in the future I require permanent
care then The Firs would be my first choice.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Bless you, we enjoy having you stay and are pleased you find it comfortable.


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Review from Alison R (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has just spent 2 wonderful months in respite at The Firs. She is now going to continue full-time care with the manager and his team taking good care of her and meeting all her personal needs. The food and ambience of the home is excellent. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for the great review Alison, we are delighted Mum is staying with us and pleased she is happy in her newly renovated room. Regards, Manager.


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Review from N H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has only been at The Firs for a few weeks but he has settled in well and both him and us, as a family, have been made very welcome. The staff are kind and considerate and always have a smile. Dad is enjoying the food and the staff have already realised he has a good appetite and are offering him
extra helpings if he wants them.

Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for you lovely review, we are delighted dad has settled into The Firs, he is such a gentleman and a pleasure to care for. We enjoy yours and mums visits also. Thanks again Pip


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Review from Tracey B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 24 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Right from our initial enquiry to the subsequent care for our mum, the kindness, sensitivity and service have been excellent. We have all been greatly reassured by the quality of care she has received, the cheerful and considerate staff and the gentle way she has been welcomed into the home.
There
are regular activities and opportunities to keep Mum stimulated and we like being kept updated on her day.
Thank you.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for a lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. Mum is settling in very well and becoming part of the 'Firs family'.


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Review from Justin C (Brother of Resident) published on 18 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother is very well looked after at The Firs, the staff are friendly and dedicated to caring for all the residents. They are very professional in assisting him with his mobility so that he can move around the building. The additional activities seem to be helping him.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your review, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. Your brother is a pleasure to care for and is a huge part of the family here at The Firs.


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Review from Scott T (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone at The Firs moved mountains to assess and welcome my father at the busiest time over Christmas. Communication with us was superb, and his care was gentle and caring, as well as thoroughly professional at all times. My mother has commented on how well cared for he looks, for example, having
had his first shave in well over a year, and clean clothes and his beloved baseball cap with him all the time. We cannot praise the attention to detail, caring atmosphere and communication highly enough. We only wish he was well and stable enough to stay longer.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for such a lovely review; the team are working so hard to make The Firs a home-from-home experience. It has been our pleasure to have Dad stay with us, we will miss him. Do keep in touch. All the best.


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Review from Rachel F (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum recently spent a week at The Firs to give me a break. She has had a lovely time and has been very well cared for.
The Firs is a lovely premises, with a secure garden area and a very friendly but also professional team.
It's very important to me that Mum is able to find a quality of life despite
having Alzheimer's. Not yet planned, but if I can't look after Mum at any point and she has to go into care, The Firs would be our first choice.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, it has been a pleasure to look after Mum during her stay.


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Review from Carolyne A (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs were extremely accommodating and so helpful with admitting my father-in-law at very short notice. Upon arrival, we were made very welcome and the atmosphere of the place is lovely. The care and affection shown towards my father-in-law was amazing. Thank you.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your lovely review. He is a delight to care for and we enjoy having him stay when he comes for respite.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.740)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.740) out of 10 for The Firs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 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 4.740 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (216 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 281 Ratings = 4.74

  • 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 Firs is based on 25 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 27 registered maximum number of service users is 5.4, which has been reached with 25 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: 4 Mar 2022

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

1 Bed Vacancy

posted 07 Mar 2025

Upstairs room (have stairlift) available in nice bright sunny room with Garden view


Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (5)

Pip

Pip Smith

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2023

Pip has recently joined the Firs Team as a Registered Manager.


He has over 23 years experience of working in healthcare. Pip is looking forward to leading the team to deliver a high standard of person-centred care to those who live at The Firs.


Lorelei

Lorelei Burrows

Job Title: Administrator

Lorelei is the home administrator and supports our manager Pip in the office.


Sue

Sue Verrier-Fitzpatrick

Job Title: Domestic

Sue is part of the housekeeping team which keeps The Firs looking great.


Miranda

Miranda Maryann- Lewis

Job Title: Cook

Joined: 2023

Miranda is one of our cooks here at The Firs.


Connie

Connie Wilkins

Job Title: Carer

Joined: 2023

Connie is one of the care staff here at The Firs.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs

What types of Care is The Firs registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Learning Disability, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Firs provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care, Sheltered Housing, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Firs have?

There are 27 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs to the centre of Tiverton?

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