The Firs Care Centre

251 Staplegrove Road, Taunton TA2 6AQ
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9.1 30 Reviews
  • The Firs Care Centre, Taunton
The Firs is a residential and Nursing home, situated in Taunton, Somerset.

The Firs is an individual home, registered to care for 40 elderly residents requiring nursing and non-nursing care, specialising in; early stages of dementia, palliative care, sensory impairment, Parkinson’s, stroke rehabilitation, couples wishing to remain together and bespoke services for families in crisis.

The Firs staff are highly trained to deliver person-centred care services to all residents, be it daycare, respite or permanent placement.

If looking to take the next step into residential/nursing care, please feel free to visit the home at any time.

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Care Provided by The Firs Care Centre

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nic Ciobanu (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • No one is admitted without an assessment of needs first
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (40)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2005
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for The Firs Care Centre

  • 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 £750 – £950
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £775 – £975
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £980 – £1,180
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £995 – £1,995
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £825 – £1,025
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £850 – £1,059
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,080 – £1,280
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,100 – £1,350

  • Fees are subject to the level of needs,care provided and type of room
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Firs Care Centre 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • No set visiting times, only ask that if you are visiting at un-social times of the day that you call ahead first so to expect you.


  • Parking

  • Small area to the front of the Firs, also on road parking.


The Firs Care Centre Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
9.1

The Firs Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.099) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs Care Centre has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 9
  • 14
  • 5
  • 0
  • 2

Date Published

30
4
5
11
19

Review from H M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father-in-law says he likes living at The Firs Care Centre because everyone is in the same boat! The staff are friendly and he feels safe. He also says the food is good.

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Review from Jan A (Wife of Resident) published on 14 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I am only able to review my husband's care for the last 7 days as yet, I believe it is very early days to make a proper review. Up until today the03/10/2024 I have found any concerns from me, are answered honestly. In some areas, communication in English could be better not only for the resident but
the carer.

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Review from S R (Sister of Resident) published on 14 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the service provided. My sister's friends travel over 100 miles to visit and always say an extremely good and friendly atmosphere. Thank you.

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Review from Malcolm H (Stepson of Resident) published on 14 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no problem with the home looking after Dad. All the time he has been here any problems or concerns have been addressed quickly with the staff always happy to do things when asked to. The nurses also helped Dad with his health, heart problems and chest problems. Please continue to look after him.
Thanks.

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Review from M F (Husband of Resident) published on 15 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It took my wife a little while to become accustomed to the staff and surroundings. In her condition, it would never have been easy to just drop into place. The staff was always friendly and helpful and even persistent when needed but always with a smile and kind intent. I'm grateful for the care given
to my wife for such a short period.

Reply from Nic Ciobanu, Registered Manager at The Firs Care Centre

Thank you for your kind review sir. We are grateful to have cared for your loved one. We will miss having you around. Kindest regards.


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Review from S J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our father has been very happy in The Firs. He especially likes the food and appreciates all the kindness shown to him. The overall ambience of the home has improved and it is nice to see activities taking place.

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Review from Jacqueline D (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff very attentive, not only checking on Dad but checking in on me.
Two members of staff in particular kept checking on us all night and made sure I was warm enough, and brought in an extra chair so I could be more comfortable.

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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the home very good. Everyone is very friendly and dad has been very happy here. A big thank you to all for making dad's time here all good. The carer team are so good with all the things they do and the food is very nice. Dad is well looked after here. Thank you all for looking after dad.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mum moved here from an extra care facility she has improved markedly in terms of well-being. The new Manager is really trying to move the home forward and the experience has been extremely positive for mum.

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Review from P F (Resident) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The staff are very good. The meals are okay but could be improved but I suppose that depends on the catering budget. I would like to see more healthy options and salads. Some of the building needs an update and general check for maintenance. Some carpets, and floors are now being cleaned it's good to
see the new cleaners doing a great job with the help of other staff. Games and crafts are good for the residents. Overall it's good the staff do a great job especially as they are often short-staffed or with a new agency.

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Review from J W (Resident) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Would like to see some improvements, more staff, less waiting time, and cooking to adapt to my dietary needs. Staff are okay and do their best where possible. Feel good living here. Go to activities and enjoy them.

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Review from M J (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

During the time my mother lived at The Firs, just over two years, they lost her hearing aids, glasses, and ring. They were not good at responding to emails or answering the phone. The staff doing the caring appeared very caring and trying to do a good job but I would not recommend this home.

Reply from Tamsin Forde, Clinical Manager at The Firs Care Centre

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. All feedback is taken very seriously. The staff enjoyed looking after your mother whilst she was a resident with us. We are sorry you feel your experience did not meet your expectations and if you would like to discuss your feedback we invite you to contact the home directly.


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Review from Veronica M (Resident) published on 27 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

During my time spent in The Firs, there were things I wasn't happy with. There were problems with my medication. I usually had to ask them to bring me an Atovastation which I normally had to take - good job I remembered. Then there was a problem with my ice pack which I had to use every 2 hours - apparently,
this couldn't be frozen as the freezer was in a room that was locked. I checked the tablets given to me when I came home and they were not all there but were found when I asked. The manageress is aware of this as I then had to query the payment.

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Review from Chrissy M (Wife of Resident) published on 17 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Everyone at The Firs treated my husband with kindness. I could not have wished for better care. The staff went the extra mile to ensure that he was clean, comfortable and content. They also cared for my well being in those very difficult last few weeks of his life. At his death, they were there for
him like family. I shall always be grateful to the staff. They all give their best.

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Review from M A (Son of Resident) published on 2 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A real nice home for my mother, with caring staff who do a great job in difficult times. These staff should be given so much more credit for what they do for our relatives. This home is great as it also provides activity staff, who are always involving my mother in cooking, games, music, films etc.
It is a lovely, clean home and always welcoming to me, when I am visiting.

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Review from R W (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been extremely well looked after during a worrying time for us all. The staff have shown marvellous dedication and commitment to the resident's care and wellbeing. I have had the changed to see my mother every week via Facebook messenger, a screen both or a personal visit. I appreciate
all the effort it took to offer me this.

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Review from Penny D (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We haven't seen Mum for a year, but we speak most days on the phone. I can tell she always sounds content and in good spirits. She seems to have a great rapport with the carers. They all seem lovely. The ones I remember from a year ago seemed excellent. We hope to see her soon, but I have no concerns
about her care or welfare. She has a lovely room and keeps her door open so that the carers can look in on her.

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Review from Gerald B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As far as I am concerned, my wide is being well looked after. The staff are all very nice people.

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Review from Wendy C (Niece of Resident) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

No complaints about my auntie's care.

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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Advertised as nursing but not equipped to provide nursing care.
Dietary requirements are not met as advertised or led to believe.
Staff rude to my father.
Complaints not responded to and when you chase for response your relative gets given notice for antisocial behaviour.
Service unsafe and manager
a waste of time.

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Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.099)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.099) out of 10 for The Firs Care Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 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 4.299 for The Firs Care Centre is calculated as follows: ( (59 Excellents x 5) + (47 Goods x 4) + (21 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 127 Ratings = 4.299

  • 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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs Care Centre 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 8 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

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 (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Tamsin Forde

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2021

Tamsin is a Registered Nurse with many years experience in the Nursing/Care home environment. Tamsin commenced her career in management in 2013 and has continued to develop and share her knowledge and skills with her colleagues ensuring the best possible care standards are provided and maintained within the team at The Firs.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs Care Centre

What types of Care is The Firs Care Centre registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Learning Disability, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & No Medical Intervention are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Firs Care Centre provide?

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

How many Rooms does The Firs Care Centre have?

There are 40 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs Care Centre?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), 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 Care Centre to the centre of Taunton?

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