The Firs Residential Home

33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6AE
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9.9 69 Reviews
  • The Firs Residential Home, Budleigh Salterton
The Firs Residential Home offers a beautiful location for the practice of care, with landscaped grounds and a spacious interior that includes three conservatory areas all contributing to a satisfying and relaxing daily lifestyle for service users.

Care provision is focused on the personal needs of each resident and carried out by an experienced team of professionals, skilled in delivering long-term care solutions, but also respite and convalescent care.

All rooms are en-suite, there are multiple communal areas and varied activities timetable. The owners feel strongly that residents should enjoy a nutritious menu of food, which is changed in line with the seasons.

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Care Provided by The Firs Residential Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 38 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicola Shayler (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (38)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2018

Funding & Fees Guide for The Firs Residential Home

  • 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 – £1,600
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,300 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,300 – £1,600
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Firs Residential Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

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

The Firs Residential Home Reviews (69)

Total of 69, showing 1-20
9.9

The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.906) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 69 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Patricia W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was very happy living at The Firs, and her care was second to none. When her health recently failed she was looked after with immense empathy and professional efficiency. In her last few weeks I was impressed by the real kindness of all members of staff, with constant medical attention and gentle
sympathetic ministration to her needs around the clock. Thanks to this wonderful care, she passed away peacefully in the night, attended by smart and compassionate professionals.

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Review from Valerie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In my mother's final weeks of life, all the staff at The Firs were outstandingly diligent and kind to our family and especially Mum. When the night staff phoned me at 1.30 am and then I arrived at the home on the night of her demise, I cannot praise them highly enough. They were very smartly presented,
polite and dedicated. The Firs is the perfect home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your kind words, we really value your feedback.


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Review from Andy G (Son of Resident) published on 17 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

With everything else going on within our family this was a lovely place for my dad to end his days.
The staff were amazing and we were always made to feel welcome, they went above and beyond.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your feedback, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Julie J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I highly recommend this care home, my mum has been there for over 2 years and although she was shy at first, they soon had Mum joining in with activities (of which there are plenty!). She has been looked after very well, the staff are wonderful and they treat Mum with empathy and support. She loves
going out on outings, which are well organised. They also have many forms of outside entertainment coming into the home, which I know they all look forward to. They are excellent at keeping you updated on all aspects of Mum's health and wellbeing. Excellent care home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it.


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Review from Ann S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were made very welcome by the manager when we visited Mum. In fact all the staff made us feel very welcome. Mum has settled in very well, the care she has received has made this stage in her life much easier for all the family, especially as her admission was an emergency. Mum has transformed from
a tense, anxious lady into the mum we know and love, happy and relaxed. An amazing place with amazing staff.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted you and your family are happy with your mum's care.


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Review from Peter B (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs is a fantastic care home. Always a warm welcome from the staff and they are always nearby if you need help with anything or have any questions. My mum is cared for very well, her room is lovely and has everything she needs. I’m very impressed with the range of activities and days out that they
do at the Firs there is always something happening for the residents. There are different entertainers that visit, singers, musicians, crafting, baking, visits from different pets a visit from birds of prey, such lovely ideas and things to do. Day trips out can be to the beach for an ice cream, or to the shops or garden centre, lunches out, boat trips, cinema, and shows, fetes and fundraising. The staff arranged a surprise tea party for Mum on her birthday with all her friends at the Firs, this was such a lovely idea and proves to me that they know how to put a smile on mum's face. Regular updates and photos on social media are great to see. Thank you so much to the team at the Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate it.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs is a brilliant care home where all the staff are amazing. My mum has now been there for a year and is very happy and enjoys taking part in the many activities and outings that are put on for the residents. Photos of activities are put onto social media and it is great that we are able to see
our loved ones smiling, laughing and having fun. The home is always clean and warm and Mum's room is bright and airy and is also kept clean to a high standard. I am always kept informed of any problems/health issues that may occur. The staff put on special occasions for the residents that families can also attend. They include afternoon teas and charity events where you are guaranteed to sample some lovely cakes and goodies most of them made by the staff. I highly recommend The Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful review, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Suzanne T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs is an amazing residential home. The important word being 'home'. This is my mum's home, full of love, compassion, kindness and excellent care. The team at The Firs are brilliant, they are attentive, caring and happy. On my frequent visits, I see lots of smiles from both staff and residents.
Importantly I really feel my mum is treated as an individual and her needs and wishes are sought and prioritised. I am also always made exceptionally welcome and am updated frequently. A huge thank you for everything.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Eric P (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is always treated with dignity and respect at The Firs. She always appears happy. When she appears in any photos on the social media page she is always smiling. Whenever I visit, the staff are always welcoming and nothing appears to be too much trouble for them. I am advised when she is feeling
unwell so that I am kept in the picture and consulted on any matters that concern her well-being.
There are plenty of activities available at The Firs and Mum is encouraged to join in when she feels like doing so.
I am pleased that I chose The Firs for Mum's long-term care. It is difficult to find any faults with the establishment.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the wonderful review, we do appreciate it.


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Review from A K (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been a resident of The Firs Residential Home for the last 8 months and has settled in very well due to the kind and caring team at The Firs. All of the team whether they are the carers, support (kitchen, laundry, cleaning etc.) management or administration are all focused on making the resident's
lives as positive and fulfilling as they can be. She is looked after very well as indeed are her family and friends when they go to visit her, nothing is too much trouble.
I am particularly impressed by the activities team who do so much to keep the residents engaged on a daily basis. I am constantly amazed at all the different activities they get involved in, they are so imaginative and innovative. My Mum gets involved and does more at The Firs than she would ever have done had she been able to stay in her own home. I have only admiration, respect and gratitude to all the staff at The Firs Residential Home for making my Mum's final years as enjoyable as they can be.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback, we really appreciate it.


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Review from Georgina H (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has dementia and there are times when she can be grumpy but the staff are caring, empathetic and attentive. It's lovely to see pictures on social media of the residents in the variety of activities that The Firs put on. Occasionally I see Mum enjoying herself when she decides to get up!
If Mum
has had a fall or is unwell the home will always inform me.
Cannot thank them enough for all they do in looking after Mum.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We really do appreciate it.


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Review from Janet G (Wife of Resident) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was in The Firs for 15 months and could not have received better help and care. He was clean and dressed nicely and encouraged to take part in lots of activities. Food was excellent, which if lucky enough to enjoy on his birthday and our wedding anniversary. Staff were always available and
attentive. If I had to mark out of 10, it would be 10 plus.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate your feedback.


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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in The Firs for 11 months now and has settled in well. She really likes the staff, who are friendly and caring and attend to all her needs. Despite having limited mobility, the carers make every effort to include her in all activities, including taking her out on trips, which she
particularly enjoys. The staff always have a smile on their faces and are welcoming and polite. Communication between staff and family members is excellent so that we are kept well informed about my mother’s care. The social media page is very useful for allowing us to see the events she has been involved with in between our visits.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Martin W (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs is an outstanding care home. My mother has been at The Firs for a year now and she is extremely happy, content, and secure with the tremendous care she receives. The staff are incredibly caring. The facilities, food, and quality of the resident's rooms are all first-class. The Firs is a very
happy place with a real community vibe which my Mum flourishes in - it has bolstered both her confidence and well-being. The residents enjoy a varied program of activities, music, visits, and crafts so they are kept busy and engaged, the staff goes the extra mile to create an inclusive environment for the residents so that nobody is left out. I recommend The Firs 100% - it offers the highest standards of care and it is wonderful to see my Mum so happy there.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Carolyn G (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This home is so lovely, the staff are very caring and attentive, nothing seems too much trouble for them. The day trips they organize and the daily activities in the home are so lovely, and thoughtful and the residents seem to enjoy and appreciate them.
I feel very lucky that this is the home where
my dad will spend his days, he is so happy here and I can’t thank them enough for this, which is a massive relief and comfort to the family.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful review, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Julie R (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of the manager and all the staff at The Firs. The home is run to a very high standard with a home-from-home feel. The home is always clean and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. The activities provide stimulation and make it enjoyable for all the residents, the
outings are an exceptional treat which I know my Mother especially enjoys. The food always looks delicious and the rehydration trolley is a brilliant idea. I also love the social media page which shows everything going on and it's lovely to see all the smiling faces. We hit the jackpot with The Firs and I can't thank the manager and staff enough for how they look after my Mother.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we really appreciate it.


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Review from Rachael G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow, what can I say, if you are looking for a care home for an elderly relative this is by far the best residential home in the area. The whole team are warm, caring and genuine. My grandad was so well looked after here and the whole team deserve nothing but thanks. There are so many activities planned
each week keeping residents entertained; and delicious food is prepared on-site (to which I was lucky enough to enjoy on Grandad’s 94th birthday). Everyone who works here goes above and beyond. Thank you doesn’t seem enough but the first angels really are the best in the business.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review, it was an absolute pleasure to have known your grandad.


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Review from H M (Ex Family Member) published on 18 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful caring environment to be in. There are lots of activities and the home looked amazing over Christmas. The staff are attentive and hard working resulting in the residents being looked after properly. Keep up the good work care team.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate your feedback.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have a friend who moved there recently and she seems to have settled in very well. Also she looks a lot brighter and joins in the activities and we are offered a tea or coffee when visiting. We know she is well looked after.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for leaving us a review, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Brian M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs is an adapted and extended Victorian house. Its layout is quirky but this is more than made up for by the thoroughness and quality of the care. The manager is hands-on and the staff took my wife to their hearts. They all go that extra mile. I cannot praise them more highly.
I can rest assured
that my wife is in the best possible hands.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.906)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.906) out of 10 for The Firs Residential Home 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 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.906 for The Firs Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (288 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 318 Ratings = 4.906

  • 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 Residential Home is based on 27 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 27 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: 20 Dec 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

NIkki

NIkki Shayler

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2019

Nikki started in the care industry at the age of 16 and has worked at every level throughout Devon and Somerset up to home manager, completing her qualifications along the way.


She philosophy is to adopt a person-centred approach placing the resident at the heart of the care provided. Nikki loves her job and finds it extremely rewarding and says she is committed to ensuring the best possible care is provided for her residents.


Nikki lives locally and is married to a Police Sergeant who serves the local community. She has three children, two of whom have now left home.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs Residential Home

What types of Care is The Firs Residential Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does The Firs Residential Home provide?

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

How many Rooms does The Firs Residential Home have?

There are 38 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs Residential Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs Residential Home to the centre of Budleigh Salterton?

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