The Lodge

22 Spicer Road, Exeter EX1 1SY
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9.9 75 Reviews
  • The Lodge, Exeter
Originally designed as a home for a successful Exeter family in the late 1880s, The Lodge is an impressive Victorian villa with extensions added throughout the years, with the latest completed in 2018. The whole home provides an excellent standard of accommodation to suit everyone, including suites for couples and it is still very much a home today, providing the highest standards of nursing and residential care to people who appreciate the sense of refinement with a homely ambience.

The Lodge's philosophy is to provide 'exceptional care for the individual' and it is evident in everyday life at The Lodge, from the fine dining experience, to the varied activities in the social calendar that cater for a wide range of hobbies and interests. Located in the heart of Exeter, The Lodge is a beautifully designed care home offering tailored residential, nursing, and respite care. With 50 thoughtfully furnished rooms, it provides a tranquil yet engaging environment for its residents. Surrounded by mature gardens and scenic views, The Lodge offers the perfect balance of serenity and accessibility. A lively activities programme encourages residents to explore their interests, with opportunities including music therapy, arts and crafts, and regular outings. Dining is a highlight, with delicious, chef-prepared meals served in a welcoming atmosphere that fosters community and conversation. The Lodge is a home where care, comfort, and connection come together seamlessly.

Care Provided by The Lodge

  • Primary Care Categories
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Deborah Skinner (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (58)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (58)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2017
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for The Lodge

  • 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 from £1,900
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £2,000
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,300
  • We will apply for NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) for all residents receiving nursing care and if awarded this will be deducted from your fees.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Lodge to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Limited parking at the front of the building. Telephone for access to the rear of the building. Otherwise short term on street paid parking or a car park some 400 yards away, also paid.


Total of 75, showing 21-40
9.9

The Lodge has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.929) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Lodge has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 68
  • 7
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wonderful dad was brought to The Lodge at a point in his life when he needed some extra help. I cannot recommend the place and staff enough - from the manager to every nurse and carer we encountered - we were nourished and comforted spiritually and physically every step of the way. Wonderful, empathetic
and highly skilled team. No words to describe the journey we have had guided by these amazing humans. Many heartfelt hugs were received. As someone who has worked in healthcare for many years, I have learned an awful lot. My only regret is that Dad wasn’t able to enjoy The Lodge at an earlier point and had been well enough to sit in the lovely dining room enjoying the hospitality. Grateful thanks.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

The feeling was mutual from The Lodge staff with regard to your dad and his family - it was a brief encounter that was very much enjoyed and I too wish it had been for longer. As a family you showed the best of human spirit in every way. Thank you!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I came to The Lodge in need of a respite break after ten years caring for my husband. I was at a low ebb and The Lodge gave me a lifeline. The management, staff and volunteers helped me overcome any initial nervousness. In the ten days I was there I was shown kindness, care and consideration; friendship
and genuine empathy by everyone, including some of the other residents. I am so very grateful and would love to return.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much indeed for this review - I hope you would feel you could return as we would be happy to have you here!
Very best regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge was a great comfort to her during her last days. The staff made her feel safe, loved and part of a family. We could not have placed her in a more caring, gentle and friendly home to pass her final days. Every member of staff always had time to talk and comfort her.
Thank you team lodge for
giving us an extra 6 months of love with our sister, we will be ever grateful.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so very much for this review. We miss your sister and we will miss you all too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you. Because of the extreme care and dedication that was provided by Team Lodge, we have been able to have an extra six months of family love and laughter, which the family will be ever grateful for.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you again for this review. As you know, we have so loved having not only your relative but all the family as well. We will miss everyone.
Debbie


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot rate The Lodge too highly. We needed to find a home for our sister which offered palliative/end-of-life nursing care. She had heard of The Lodge and wished to come here, and so we were really pleased when it worked out. She has been here since November, and as a family, we have been blown
away by the attention given by everyone involved with her care. This care covers nursing, psychological and emotional well-being, indeed not only for our sister but also for us too as a family. Our sister feels safe and secure here, which has helped towards her well-being just as important as the medical interventions. The staff have also taken time to get to know our sister as a person not just another resident. As a family, we too are grateful to The Lodge for the security that she is safe and also values the quality of communication the staff have with us.
Thank you.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Sue - thank you so much for this review, and I am so pleased that your sister had those extra months with you all as a family. As you say, we get to know all of you, and it's sad when we have to say farewell to you. Thanks to Dave as well for his input to The Lodge - he has also become a friend to everyone.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are absolutely delighted with the care and support Mum has received since coming to The Lodge Care Home in October last year. The staff are absolutely superb and are true “angels”. Mum is certainly in the best place and Dad has been made to feel “part of The Lodge family”. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

A lovely review and very much appreciated. The staff work so hard to make residents' lives as fulfilled as possible and I'm grateful for their commitment. Mum is a pleasure to have at The Lodge - as is her husband!


Thank you


Debbie


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum was admitted back in October, not expected to live more than a couple of weeks. She is now fitter than she has been for years, her memory is completely gone but she is physically well. The care she has received since she has been here has been exceptional. I have visited many care homes in my
work capacity and this one is far and away the best, so much so that we didn't even look anywhere else when it came time to find a place for Mum. The building is just like staying in a hotel, it doesn't look, feel (or smell) like a typical care home. The food is amazing and lunch in the dining room is a lovely centre point for the day. Every time I visit I feel incredibly grateful that we knew of The Lodge and more so that we were able to get a room here. There are a lot of social activities and outings, I think the sherry morning is a special favourite!

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you, Daryl, and yes I completely agree. The transformation in your mum has been nothing short of amazing and I’m grateful for it. She’s a real delight to have in The Lodge with the added benefit of your dad visiting each day too.
Thanks again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the first time I have left my mother in care. I chose The Lodge because the atmosphere was warm, friendly, professional and caring. The staff treated my mother with respect and dignity. Their approach was positive and encouraging and I felt confident in leaving her in their care. The facilities
were extremely well appointed with plenty of space. There were regular daily activities and the food was first-class. I would recommend The Lodge to anyone who was seeking care for a friend or relative.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

I am so delighted with this review, Judith. Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to get to know you and your mother and I wish we could be the right place for her. Thank you and best wishes to you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was admitted here for respite almost 6 years ago and chose to stay until she died in March. Having gone in just for respite at short notice, we hadn't done extensive research into the options, but Mum couldn't have been anywhere better. Although, like all care homes, The Lodge had Covid and recruitment
challenges to contend with during this period, the care was consistently person centred and genuinely caring. During Covid they facilitated my dad having daily video calls with Mum, which made a huge difference to both of them. Beyond that, the established care staff, receptionists, manager, activities coordinators and nurses regularly went "above and beyond" and in some cases became valued friends to both my parents, as well as being highly professional. Any hiccups - eg new staff not fully understanding Mum's requirements- were very promptly addressed as soon as identified. I would recommend The Lodge to anyone.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Liz, thank you so much for your review and for bringing to the fore the difficulties we faced during the dreadful Covid era. As I have always said, Mum was a pleasure to have at The Lodge and a lot of fun.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From our first contact with The Lodge we found the management and staff to be both professional and caring.
Mum experienced both understanding and friendship throughout her 5 year stay.
I would recommend The Lodge without hesitation.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much - as I have said before, your mum was nothing but a pleasure to have known and will be much missed by us all at The Lodge.
Debbie


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge has become "home-from-home" for my wife. I feel secure in knowing that she is there. The care she received is first class, and everything is done in an atmosphere of calm. Activities are wonderful each day, the food is excellent, and the rooms are spacious. My wife is happy to be here!

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so very much for this review. It has been quite a journey with a great end result.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy to be a resident of The Lodge, especially with the current inflation of the cost of living - food, fuel, heating etc. I was given the choice and moved to a downstairs room, overlooking the front garden with wheelchair access to the patio. I'm very much looking forward to sitting outside
when it is warm enough. Although I no longer want to join in most of the activities in my wheelchair, including trips out in the minibus. I still have a good memory and know most of the residents by name, who also join in.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you for taking the trouble to give us a review Jean - I hope for warm sunshine too and plenty of sitting outside on the benches.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having visited a number of care homes before making our decision, we were delighted that my mother was able to stay at the Lodge. We were pleased with not only the standard of individual care, but also the feel of the Lodge and the general ambience which greets you from the outset. It is elegant, clean,
well presented and well run yet it retains a distinctly relaxed and homely feel. And that comes from the top. The care home manager and office staff were warm and welcoming from the first meeting, taking a personal interest in my mother and building a trusting relationship with us as a family. The nursing staff and care team were also dedicated and personally committed to each resident which is so important. My mother was at the Lodge for just over two years, through what turned out to be a highly unusual and difficult time and I would recommend it to anyone - from first meeting to final parting. Everything handled with respect, kindness and care.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

I am delighted with this review and I am grateful that I had the pleasure of getting to know this super family. Thank you for submitting this review and for taking the time to do so. Debbie.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge is an excellent care home. The staff are kind and caring and always friendly and efficient. The rooms and facilities are always clean and tidy. My mother had her 100th birthday in December and although the home was in lockdown, they gave her a wonderful party which made it a very special day
for her. I feel confident that my mother is supported and being well cared for.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

This is a great review thank you and the party was very much enjoyed by us all, especially the residents. I'm delighted you and your mum feel supported here at The Lodge. Thanks again, Debbie.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Not all care homes are alike, as you know. The Lodge in Exeter is excellent. The tone is set by the manager who runs a pleasant, motivated and caring staff group. You can tell a good care home from the way the staff interact with each other as much as how they relate to the residents. They are helpful
and genuinely interested in each individual, who are treated collectively with great respect. the buildings are well cared for, immaculately clean and homely. Residents eat their main lunchtime meal together in the dining room and the food is of a very high quality. Each day, morning and afternoon there are social activities with dedicated and highly skilled staff. This really brings the home together as a true community.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much for this excellent review and for your supportive words about my staff. I agree that they care hugely for their residents, in what has been very trying circumstances this last 12 months. It is a great pleasure to see families again so that they can enjoy their relatives' company. Thank you again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff/management are always friendly and helpful. They try to facilitate visits as best they can, given the current lack of government guidance. The activities, when families were able to join in, have been varied and extremely interesting/entertaining. They always ask residents' opinions before
carrying out care. We thank them all for their care and consideration of both residents and the family members.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you for this lovely review and it is a pleasure to have your resident here with us. It has been a challenging path this last year with Covid guidance and I hope 2022 is clearer. Regards and thank you again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first enquiry, the staff have gone out of their way to help and engage with me. Even during lockdown and dealing with another very obstructive home, they persevered and made the transition smooth. The care, dignity and respect given to all patients is commendable and everyone is treated with
equal compassion.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so much for that review. I well remember the difficulties and I’m glad we got past them! Thank you again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been in three care homes, this is by far the best. The manager worked so hard to settle my husband and find a congenial company for him. Everywhere is well furnished, there is wifi, TV, easy chairs, excellent food. Activities run so use an iPad for Zoom contact for family and church.
Nothing is too much trouble, going to put the phone in my husband's hand. The Lodge compared to his previous homes is so congenial friendly and caring, professional home.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much indeed for this review. I am delighted to have been able to ensure he has good company and that you both feel well cared for.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in The Lodge for almost three months, after spending two months in the local hospice. Mum was very apprehensive at first and upset at losing her independence but gradually she has settled in, made friends and has started to enjoy her new life at The Lodge. Obviously, during lockdown,
it has been hard to assess all aspects as not allowed to visit her room but when visiting the garden and drawing room, there is a lovely friendly, almost family atmosphere every time I visit. Mum has started to look forward to taking part in the social events, particularly the arts and crafts, cooking and music afternoons. Mum is also receiving nursing care and this is also excellent. It has been such a relief to us to see that she is receiving good 24-hour care but also enjoying making new friends.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much indeed for your review. Your mother has been a tonic for other residents and the activities team alike. It’s been a pleasure to get to know the whole family!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My godfather spent 6 weeks at The Lodge for convalescent purposes after a hospital stay. The team were brilliant and the premises extremely clean and homely. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Lodge to others!

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.929)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.929) out of 10 for The Lodge 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.929 for The Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (328 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 350 Ratings = 4.929

  • 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 Lodge is based on 30 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 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 30 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: 18 Nov 2021

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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 (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Deborah

Deborah Skinner

Job Title: General Manager

Having trained as a nurse in Plymouth and achieving a BSc Hons degree in psychology a few years later, Deborah has been General Manager at The Lodge since 2006. Under Deborah’s leadership The Lodge attained an ‘Outstanding’ Care Quality Commission rating in March 2020, a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all staff and of the exceptional care provided to our residents.


In spite of working in several specialisms including surgery and paediatrics, elder care was to become a lifelong passion of Deborah, as shown by over 20 years in the care home industry. Remaining passionate about The Lodge residents and staff has never presented a challenge, as the role of General Manager is more than just a job – it becomes part of an extended family for many working there, as our long service records show.