Fir Trees

Gorse Hall Road, Dukinfield SK16 5HN
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9.3 59 Reviews
  • Fir Trees, Dukinfield
At Fir Trees care home, situated on the edge of the Cheshire Plain, in a residential part of Dukinfield, the team support older people to lead their best lives with personalised residential and residential dementia care.

The friendly and welcoming care home boasts en-suite rooms, a hair salon, quiet room and minibus for trips out, ensuring residents can stay connected with their local community. The team also understand how important it is to spend time with loved ones, and whether it be to enjoy a quiet drink or a special meal, visitors are always welcome.

Fir Trees take a holistic approach to care, ensuring all residents are able to lead a positive quality of life with the peace of mind that their care needs are supported. Getting to know residents personally, the team work hard to make sure every day offers something to look forward to.

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Care Provided by Fir Trees

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 46 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Independent Living Training
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicole Gunning (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (46)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2006

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room

Fir Trees Reviews (59)

Total of 59, showing 41-59
9.3

Fir Trees has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.294) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fir Trees has 59 reviews.

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Review from Eric L (Son of Resident) published on 18 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident of Fir Trees from September 2015 until her death in June 2017. In that time she received nothing but expert care and support from a dedicated and professional management and staff. Particularly towards the end of her life, the love and concern of the staff towards her was plain
to see. I could not have wished for a more caring home and staff that Fir Trees and would readily recommend the home.

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Review from Jennifer B (Wife of Resident) published on 29 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy for my husband to be a resident. He is shown love care and dignity. The staff at Fir Trees work hard.

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Review from Allan N (Husband of Resident) published on 8 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife has been in this care home for two years and the care she receives is excellent. The rooms are well furnished and comfortable and the food is excellent with a choice of meals. The staff are extremely caring and are aware of the needs of each resident. The management is very good and complaints
are addressed immediately. An all round good care home.

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Review from B G (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum came to live at Fir Trees in January 2017. This decision didn't come easily for the family. Mum has settled in well over the last 4 1/2 months, knowing she is safe, well cared for, happy and has company of the staff and residents is a huge comfort to all the family. Mum had a fall in March and broke
her femur. Mum has recovered well and I'm sure had it not been for the support of the staff encouraging, assisting her and mums strong will, I wasn't sure it would be as quick as recovery without the care team and recently she has been discharged from the physio team. The majority of the staff are caring, attentive to the needs of my mum. They try their best to make all the family welcome when we visit mum. A huge thank you.

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Review from S W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 31 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find that my mother-in-law is happy and well looked after. I have no complaints.

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Review from G W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since mum has been in Fir Trees as a family we have great peace of mind knowing mum is very well cared for and safe. All the staff are very friendly and very approachable. All our concerns are dealt with quickly.

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Review from Michael H (Brother of Resident) published on 18 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I find the home and staff have cared for my sister very well over the last 5 years or so. I am very satisfied with how they care for her.

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Review from Catherine M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Apart from a few times when there was a lack of communication, I found all the staff to be very caring and considerate not just to my Mum but also myself and partner and our family.
She passed away early January 2017 in 'her home'.
We couldn't have been treated any better.

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Review from D L (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our family were very pleased with the care our mum received in the 3 years and 4 months living at Fir Trees before she died in February 2017. The staff were always lovely and went that "extra mile" particular mention must go to the night staff for their kindness and love for our mum when we could not
be with her. Particularly over the last year, staffing ratios have improved so there is now time for the little extras that contribute to making residents lives as enjoyable as possible. The food is fantastic - all the cooks do a great job to make meals appetising and nutritious. Thank you to everyone for the care and compassion.

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Review from M S (Wife of Resident) published on 24 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very caring and always someone on hand to see to my husband if needed. Clean, the food is very good and although he was only in for respite, they gave me a well earned rest knowing he was being cared for in a good manner all round. I needed respite again but unfortunately, there were no vacancies.

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Review from Julie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident at Fir Trees from October 2013 until her recent death. During this time she was always cared for with the utmost kindness and compassion.
The manager and staff demonstrate utmost commitment and professionalism and have succeeded in creating a lovely warm environment where
everyone is valued.
I felt very well supported during the final weeks of mums life and know she could not have received better care anywhere else.
Durning the past nine months when the current manager was appointed, there have been changes which have enhanced the care provided.
I would highly recommend Fir Trees to any family.

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Review from Jan L (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother came to Firtrees initially for respite, being in the later stages of Alzheimer's and is totally dependent on others for her every need. I or my brother visit daily with my father. Firtrees has a fantastic young manager with a passion for her job and the well-being of the residents. She has
improved staffing levels and staff morale and their standards are high. All residents are treated with dignity and respect and staff chat and have a bit of banter with them where appropriate. The home has no unpleasant smells and is constantly being cleaned, mopped, vacuumed and tidied. Residents are always clean and well groomed and seem settled in their environment. Food is tasty and plentiful with a choice of dishes with snacks and drinks regularly offered. Already Mum has required a doctor and that was dealt with promptly, so has requesting the speech therapist and optician to reassess mum's sight. It has been difficult to come to terms with the fact we cannot care for Mum ourselves any longer but feel reassured that she is in good hands at Firtrees.

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Review from Christine S (Sister of Resident) published on 12 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Would definitely recommend the care home. My sister has learning difficulties and other issues including dementia. She is well looked after.

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Review from David G (Husband of Resident) published on 26 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the first time my wife has been in respite care and it was very nice. The staff were very helpful. Will go again.

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Review from Peter L (Son of Resident) published on 14 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mother has received the best care and attention and made comfortable.
No complaints whatsoever.

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Review from Barry W (Son of Resident) published on 30 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The day care staff integrate with the clients and family to make them feel welcome and safe, with an entertaining attitude towards care.

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Review from M H (Son of Resident) published on 21 April 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum came into the home with stroke like symptoms to the right hand side of her body and dementia. As the management at the home became familiar with mum's needs they changed room layouts and care plans.
There were some teething problems but they were very well addressed. All the staff members are very
pleasant and helpful. Rooms are bright and cheery. Things are not perfect - occasionally there appears to be staff shortages - but this does not significantly impact on the running of the home.
One minor complaint is that mum occasionally has is that sometimes the laundry takes a long time to return and is sometimes not ironed very well.

Reply from Meridian, Careline Team at Fir Trees

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review. We really value the feedback provided by those who use our services.
You have raised concerns about staffing levels at the home. Please be assured all of our homes meet or exceed the staffing guidelines that are set by our regulators. We are committed to providing Residents with the high quality, kind care they deserve, and therefore tailor our staffing levels to ensure we can meet everyone’s individual needs.

You have highlighted a concern around laundry, and we apologise for any upset or distress this caused.
We recommend all items of clothing are named – with labels, name tapes, or similar – so that staff members can identify which items of clothing belongs to each Resident, and to prevent losses. If you would like assistance with this, please do speak to a member of staff at the home.
We endeavour to ensure each Resident’s clothing is washed and returned to them in a timely manner and we apologise again that on this occasion this has not happened.

Thank you again for your feedback about the home. We value all feedback and ensure it is recorded and acted upon.


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Review from J S (Son of Resident) published on 3 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Good welcome. Home appears to be clean and tidy occasional smell! Staff, friendly and attentive. Security updated. Pleased to have lidded bin for soiled pads etc. Hand wash now available. Nurse call alarm pad available. Concerns from client regarding "laundry" not all articles re-hemmed! Meals too much
the same, suggest, pasta, dumping's and veggie meals. Smaller portions please. Staff on hand to discuss concerns good.

Reply from HC-One & Meridian, Careline Team at Fir Trees

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review. We really value the feedback provided by those who use our services.


You have highlighted a concern around clothing, and we apologise for any upset or distress this caused.


We recommend all items of clothing are named – with labels, name tapes, or similar – so that staff members can identify which items of clothing belongs to each Resident, and to prevent losses. If you would like assistance with this or anything similar, please do speak to a member of staff at the home.


You have also highlighted concerns about the food on offer at the home, and apologise if we have fallen short of the high standards we aspire to.


Making sure Residents have a choice of their favourite foods is really important to us. We record individual preferences to make sure our fresh food menus are created around what they want most. We are delighted to welcome families and loved-ones to share in mealtimes, and the Sunday roast is a special time at many of our homes.


Thanking you again for taking the time to provide really helpful feedback about the home. We value all feedback and ensure it is recorded and acted upon.


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Review from Les (Son of Resident) published on 13 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are always willing to help, even when busy. Not only do they look after the residents they look after families too, by easing any worries or confusion that occur at a time when having to face distress and upheaval is at its highest. Thank you Fir Trees
for making the transition as painless as possible. Mum seems a lot more relaxed and cared for now.

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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.294)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.294) out of 10 for Fir Trees is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 8 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 4.624 for Fir Trees is calculated as follows: ( (61 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 93 Ratings = 4.624

  • 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 4.67 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Fir Trees is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 46 registered maximum number of service users is 9.2. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 9.2 = 0.87

  • 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: 22 Nov 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • 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 (7)

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Meet the Team (1)

Nicole

Nicole Gunning

Job Title: Home Manager

Introducing Nicole Gunning
Home Manager at Fir Trees, Dukinfield


What does ‘kindness’ mean to you?


“I believe that kind care involves treating people as you would want to be treated, to ensure they lead fulfilled lives.”


Nicole has gained over ten years’ experience in providing care and support to older people, to enrich their lives. She is a knowledgeable and committed leader who is passionate about delivering the highest standards in care and quality of life for Residents.


Having worked at Yew Trees previously for a number of years, Nicole closely shares HC-One’s vision in aiming to provide the kindest care for each and every Resident. She extends this caring approach to her colleagues and works closely with them to deliver care and support to Residents in a way that they gain the most benefit, in a warm and welcoming home.


She also works hard to arrange events and activities with nearby schools and clubs and is always keen to include the local community in life at Fir Trees.


When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Nicole remarked: “I love leading a team and working together to make sure that our Residents receive the best possible care.”


Away from work, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her son.


If you would like to find out more information about Fir Trees, Nicole has an ‘Open Door Policy’ and would be pleased to welcome you for an informal discussion.