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 21-40
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 Mark B (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing care home. My mother had dementia and could be at times hard work. The manager and her team were very attentive, caring and thoughtful. On my visits (I live 3 hours away) everything was done to make the visit enjoyable. This was the perfect care home for Mum. I cannot thank you enough. They
have regular activities to entertain the residents and the Queen's Jubilee party was an unforgettable experience!

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it means so much to us.


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Review from L G (Partner of Resident) published on 6 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It took a while for my partner to settle because of dementia and loss of speech. He appears happier and calmer as time goes by.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

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


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Review from Jacqueline L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I live a long way from the care home so have only visited twice. On both occasions staff have been lovely. Every day I see pictures on Facebook of my mum looking so happy and doing such amazing activities that she would never have done before. I know that she is being cared for and looked after in a
lovely place. Thank you to everyone.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Rachel D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Finding out my Grandma has dementia with lewy bodies was one of the hardest news to receive, for the first couple of years I thought I was losing my grandma. However, since being at The Firs Residential Home, I feel like I have gained part of my old grandma back. The activities that are available for
the residents at The Firs are simply amazing. It's so nice that not only my grandma but other residents get to experience this new lease of life, rather just sitting in a room with 4 walls around them (what's even great is that we are kept updated through Facebook about what's been going on, so even if I haven't been able to visit, I know exactly what they have been up to!). I am unbelievably grateful for the amount of time and care they put into looking after my grandma. Every staff member goes above and beyond for the residents at The Firs and it really is a comforting feeling knowing my grandma is receiving the best care. Thank you to everyone at The Firs!

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from H W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs Residential Home is such a wonderful place.
The staff are so accommodating and treat each resident as if they are family.
They provide so many different activities to keep everyone entertained and mentally stimulated it is wonderful!
As a family we cannot thank you enough for all you do
and our grandmother is so happy and settled with you. It really is a home from home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have noticed Mum responds to her carers in a positive manner and is grateful for their help with daily tasks. Mum's room is bright, friendly and always clean. Staff and residents pop in for a little chat which makes The Firs Residential Home feel like a home. The Firs staff are always open to visits
and also take Mum on wonderful day trips, none of this would be possible at home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review! It is such a pleasure to be able to support your mum.


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Review from Sandie F (Friend of Resident) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend's mother, who is a resident at The Firs, was really struggling during early 2022. Very emotional, lost and depressed. The Firs, with all their activities and wonderful staff, has restored her happiness which is just lovely to see.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely words and high-standard review!


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Review from Joan P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well looked after. Good variety of food. The staff are very helpful and considerate.
Wide range of activities.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for such a positive review. We really appreciate the feedback.


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Review from Caz T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whilst seeing my nan go through Dementia and Alzheimer's was heartbreaking, I couldn't have been any happier seeing my nan in her new forever home. My nan was given a new lease of life. She socialised more than she ever had. She participated in different activities on a daily basis. Her love for gardening
and listening to Elvis perform was continued. This happened because The Firs team make it happen. The genuine care and passion the staff have shines through. When my Nan was coming to the end of their life, the team went above and beyond. From staff arriving an hour before their shift to hold my nan's hand before they started their work, to ensuring we had something to eat and drink throughout the day. I couldn't have wished for my nan to be any happier than she was and I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for your loved one's new forever home.

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Review from Roger P (Husband of Resident) published on 23 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always very good.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your review, we appreciate your feedback. We do have a Facebook page - The Firs, which shows all the wonderful activities we provide.


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Review from K W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has been made to feel at home and has settled into her new environment well. The staff are attentive and have taken the time to talk to Mum and get to know her likes and dislikes. Mum is encouraged to join in the excellent range of activities - but equally is allowed to withdraw to her room if she
chooses. Mum is not keen on some of the food on offer, but that's possibly just personal taste.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your review, your feedback is very important to us.


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Review from Verna C (Sister of Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and kindness given to my sister is excellent, also the kindness given to me is so good. Myself and my sister's daughters are so relieved to know that she is well looked after and that she is happy.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review.
Your feedback means so much to us.


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Review from Z N (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Respite for 2 weeks. Excellent care dealt with various issues within the two-week stay, and kept informed. Very caring staff and nothing was too much trouble.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your lovely review, we appreciate your feedback. It was a pleasure to have supported your mum.


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Review from Carol H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is settled, happy, always clean and nicely dressed. The staff are always caring and attentive. the activities are plentiful for those who wish to join in. It's lovely to see the photos on social media to catch up on what the residents have been up to. I cannot thank you all enough. The care you
give is second to none.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for a lovely review, we appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Joanna C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs carers and administrative staff were all extremely kind, caring and attentive towards my mother and the family. My mother could not have been in a better place to spend the last few months of her life.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. It was our pleasure.


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Review from Hubert P (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife received outstanding, first class care at The Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for a lovely review, we shall miss that beautiful smile. Love from the Firs Angels.


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Review from A W (Respite Resident) published on 2 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

No problems. Very comfortable room. Good food. Attention to my needs. Friendly staff who were all very helpful.

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Review from Donna T (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise The Firs Residential Home and staff high enough, my mum is settled and happy. Which reassures us as a family. She is cared for and well looked after. She enjoys the activities and has made friends. I couldn't wish for a better home for Mum. The staff and manager are also there for us
as a family. Thank you is not enough.

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Review from Roger E (Son of Resident) published on 31 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Firs Residential Home have looked after my Dad for the past 4 months and they are so kind and getting him to do things he has not done for years. They really try their best to engage with him. Thank you to all the staff there.

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Review from P C (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My dad moved to "The Firs" for short term residential care in March 2021 following a fall at his home leading to a hospital stay. Throughout he has been treated with great care and dignity. He has been included in a wide range of activities and is stimulated by these, one in particular was highly personalised.
He is happy. I have not seen his room or been inside The Firs so cannot comment on the rooms or cleanliness.

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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.

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Bed Vacancies

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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.