Review from Lucy R (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Dad's last weeks were happy, comfortable and safe, thanks to The Firs. It was evident that staff made efforts to engage with him and establish meaningful communication at a time when his health was impacting on his quality of life. It has meant so much to see his genuine smile and to know that he had

company and excellent care, right up to his last day. He spoke highly of the staff and the way they cared for him.

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Review from Karen R (Niece of Resident) published on 18 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs Residential Home is such a lovely place. The staff are excellent and provide a caring, loving environment for all of the residents. It is so lovely to keep in touch during these times by social media and to see all of the fantastic activities is wonderful. Thank you to each and every one of

you who have shown so much love and care to my Auntie. You truly are angels.

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Review from Robert R (Son of Resident) published on 18 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Both management and staff have a positive and caring attitude. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful, and great efforts were made to entertain the residents and to make them happy. My father stated regularly the care he received was excellent, the management and staff were also kind and caring in their

dealings with myself and my sister.

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Review from William M (Brother of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My sister's care has been exceptional over the last five years at The Firs Residential Home. The staff and management have worked really hard especially in these difficult times (Covid 19) they have kept us well informed and kept us up to date on my sister's welfare. They are lovely caring staff and

need to be congratulated. Thank you all.

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Review from Claire P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Finding The Firs has been an absolute Godsend. They have really helped my gran, and she is always doing arts and crafts and other activities. It is always lovely to see the picture of the diverse activities that they do, and my gran is always praising the staff that look after her.

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

Overall Experience

I found the staff and management very caring and understanding, as we are in such difficult times at the moment. My mum was always clean and nicely dressed when I visited. They seemed to be well organised. I am unable to mark many of the ratings as only went to a visiting room.

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Review from R P (Grandson of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The staff of the care home have been excellent in welcoming my grandmother. I am extremely impressed with the activities team, my gran has been doing new crafts which she would never have tried and really enjoying them. She has a new lease of life.

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Review from Lysianne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is a lovely residential home. The staff are attentive and very caring. They have lovely bright and cheerful rooms and have plenty of activities. Mum had dementia and was brilliantly cares for, and all her care needs were met. The home is well kept and very clean. Overall an excellent home.

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Review from Sandy H (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The kindness and care shown by the staff to residents and visitors is second to none. The staff are led by an excellent manager who listens and acts whenever necessary. The residents are given lots of activities to encourage them to mix and enjoys spending time together as well as encouraging their

cognitive skills. The improvement is my sister-in-law's mental state and well being has improves so much in the time she has been a resident at The Firs. I am impressed with the whole care and responsibility given to Covid protection.

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Review from Suzanne P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

This review was done from lockdown when my mother's previous care home closed. I did chose her room, then visiting stopped. Once mother was through the doors of The Firs, the loved staff quickly got used to her "way". I have nothing but praise. They listen to any concerns, keeping me informed of her

comfort and health. I felt comfort in contacting them at any time. Sadly mother recently passed away. It was heartbreaking for the staff and to lose her so close to the lifting of some restrictions. Mother was not an "activities" person, preferring her own company; this was respected. However, she enjoyed the company of staff, and they came up trumps. Because I could not see her inside, my review relates to the three visits I had, but what I do know is the manager, carers and support staff welcomed her into their "family", and I was never excluded from decisions. She loved her food, wine and chocolates. It was hard for me to let go, but The Firs turned out to be the best decision I made, and I thank them all from my heart.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the wonderful review.
Your mum was an absolute treasure to look after.
We were so lucky to have known her.

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Review from Vanda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

We were so lucky to find The First. Mum has dementia and went downhill rapidly in lockdown. No one would help and she was at risk. The First took her in to look after her as soon as she had a Covid test. She has been well cared for and after a rocky start she has settled well. The staff are amazing

and I haven't had any problems. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from Sarah L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I can't comment on all areas as Mum has moved in during Covid so I have only seen her room, but the care that staff have taken to settle Mum and make her feel at home has been exceptional. Whilst we can't have 'normal' visits in the current situation, they have done their utmost to accommodate us.

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Review from L L (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My lovely mum went to The Firs days before lockdown. Due to Covid-19, she was welcomed by all the staff and the manager. Their care, engagement and passion has seen my mums mental health improve, she is physically better and encouraged to be part of 'The Firs family'. They allow her to adopt a routine

that suits her personality and life choice but ensure she socialises and engages. The manager and her dedicated team have far exceeded expectations at this very difficult time in our lives.

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Review from Anna L (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Lovely, friendly and caring staff - who genuinely want Mum to settle down and be happy in her new home. Very friendly to us as her family too. A home is only as good as the staff team, and this is a great team.

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Review from Peter H (Son of Resident) published on 25 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is a relaxed and efficient care home, all the staff are really friendly and the care is very good. My father's health has been very up and down but the staff have kept me well informed of any changes and do not hesitate to call the doctor if needed. My dad is very happy there, and I thought

he wouldn't like it at first, I was very wrong.

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

Overall Experience

Mum was always treated with a great deal of compassion and kindness during two and a half years at The Firs. She was always gently encouraged to take part in the various activities on offer and enjoyed them greatly. Staff were very attentive to her needs and quickly spotted if she was in difficulty,

either physically or emotionally. They always kept family informed and we felt fully involved in decisions affecting her care. In the past 12 months, there have been considerable staffing changes, bringing with it a perhaps inevitable lack of continuity. However, a new manager has now started with whom I have had many dealings in recent months, as Mum's health has deteriorated and her needs have become increasingly complex. The manager has been excellent in all regards, demonstrating a deep understanding of the high standard of care that people living with dementia deserve and ensuring that Mum's high-quality care was maintained throughout.

Reply from Liana Birkett, Director at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for reviewing our service. We are so glad you are happy with mum’s care. We will pass on your kind words to the team. Thanks again.

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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

In the last few months, the home is settling down after the change of management which has taken a while to get to grips with the problems which had developed. They still have a staffing problem so some staff are still feeling the pressure in their job.
On the whole, we are satisfied with the service

we receive. Mum is happy there, she seems to get plenty of attention and looked after by the staff.
She does not have problems and is not afraid to talk to the manager.

Reply from Liana Birkett, Director at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the review and for your support through this period of transition. We have great faith in the new manager who is making some great improvements. We have also made great progress with staffing and we are now fully staffed. It is great to hear that your mother is happy at The Firs.

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Review from Vicky T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 17 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My grandpa was diagnosed over a decade ago with vascular dementia. My mum single-handedly cared for my grandpa until June where she could no longer mentally care for him. The Firs was recommended to me by a friend. It was perfect - a gated dementia care home. Very clean and friendly. Management and

staff have changed since my grandpa's admission in June and in my opinion for the better. New manageress has a strong passionate care focus. Spend many hours revising and creating my grandpas care plan. They run weekly outings for the residents If they wish to participate. But have daily indoor activities. My grandpa's health did deteriorate and his health needs became complex very quickly. Management amended care plan quickly and efficiently, Coming to meetings with doctors etc. His care was beyond anything my family expected. He entered palliative care in August. The staff gave my family help, guidance and support during this difficult time. Could not recommend enough.

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Review from S E (Nephew of Resident) published on 18 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very pleased with the progress my very elderly aunt is making under their care.

She is well, happy and relaxed. There is a lovely atmosphere in the home.

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Review from Elaine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I am pleased with the facility and level of care. Concerned that a lot of money is spent on changes and facelifts and furniture which may not be necessary and it all comes from the cost of residential placement.

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The Firs Residential Home

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Funding & Fees Guide for The Firs Residential Home

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