The Orchards

Orchard Lane, Crewkerne TA18 7AF
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9.8 62 Reviews
  • The Orchards, Crewkerne
The Orchards Nursing Home is a modern purpose-built care home located in the centre of Crewkerne.

The Orchards forms part of Amica Care Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which strives to provide exceptional care and support to people and their families.

The home has 45 bedrooms and provides round-the-clock nursing care. All rooms are ensuite and have telephone and television points. The spacious and airy bedrooms can be personalised with the residents’ own furniture to create a home-from-home environment. Within the home, there are comfortable lounge areas and a light dining room. The outside areas offer large secure gardens, ideal for an outdoor stroll.

Regular organised activities and outings are available to residents. The activities team particularly enjoy celebrating special days, where family and friends are welcome to attend. The town centre is just a short distance away with a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Orchards also offers a day care and respite care services. Call now or directly send a message to the home team to book your visit.

Care Provided by The Orchards

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 45 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Dementia Care Types
  • What are the different dementia care types?
  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia
  • This is a home that cares for residents with different stages of dementia. They have a separate unit for residents with verbally or physically aggressive behaviours.
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ruth O'Dea (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Self funded customers, Local Authority referrals and NHS referrals
    • Ages 50+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (45)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Funding & Fees Guide for The Orchards

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,350 – £1,950
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,350 – £1,960
  • Care packages are individually assessed and costed according to each person's needs. This is reviewed on a monthly basis and the care package adjusted according to changes in needs.
    Fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers etc.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Orchards 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
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • The home welcomes visitors throughout the day at times that suit the resident, and also encourage visitors to dine with loved ones at a small charge for the meal.
    The home prefer that visitors do not stay late into the evening or night unless loved ones are unwell and need comfort and support


  • Parking
  • There are allocated parking spaces around the back of the home and disabled parking spaces outside the entrance to the home


Total of 62, showing 1-20
9.8

The Orchards has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Orchards has 62 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 44
  • 16
  • 2
  • 0
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was privileged to have spent some quality time at The Orchards today. The true sense of belonging and homeliness made you feel instantly welcomed. The first thing I noticed was the authentic bond between the staff, where their enthusiastic and caring attitude for each other was mirrored in the care
for their residents. Set in a quiet spot in Crewkerne and surrounded by a naturally beautiful area - this setting ticked the right boxes for being able to provide everything our loved ones deserve.

Reply from Ruth ODea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Evie, Thank you for such a wonderful review, the team were so happy to read your kind words. We are very passionate about providing quality care and being a homely environment, this is something we continue to strive to maintain. We look forward to welcoming you into The Orchards again soon


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Orchards has been the anchor my husband needed after a very distressing and terbulant period. The caring, dedicated staff always take time to chat to him on familiar subjects and have gone out of their way to make him feel safe and cared for. He is very content and enjoys their warm, friendly company.
Many are local which he can relate to and makes him feel more at home.
With patient encouragement, he can now walk again using a frame, which hadn't been the case for many months in hospital and a temporary care home. This has boosted his self esteem and trust in his carers immeasurably.
The room is clean, cosy with a pleasant outlook and staff are always at hand. The food is extremely good with varied choices each day. There is a wide selection of activities which he enjoys but also has quiet times to relax when he wishes.
I can't praise enough the outstanding effort and warmth which runs throughout the home. I am so thankful my husband has settled here. It is truly a very special place and has helped me to come to terms with the massive adjustment of separation after many happy years of companionship. Our thanks to you all!

Reply from Ruth ODea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Susan, Thank you for such a lovely review, it is a true privilege to support your husband he brings many hours of laughter to the team and has a wonderful singing voice. I am sure the team we be over the moon with the kind words of your review. Once again thank you for taken the time to complete this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan moved from the hospital to this care home, all I can say is every time I went to see my nan, the home was clean and very welcoming to visit her and she was always happy right up until the end of her life and all the staff were so pleasant and helpful.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

It means a great deal to us that you have left us a review, thank you for the kind words and appreciation to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care team was amazing when my nan moved into the care home, looked after her and made sure everything she needed was there and when she became poorly. The service was amazing with refreshments and food, the support for the family was incredible and I will be forever grateful for looking after my
grandma.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for taking the time to review us, we really appreciate the kind words and I will pass this on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan moved to The Orchards just before Christmas after being in hospital for a few weeks. She has settled very well and seems so happy every time I visit. The staff are all so lovely, making you feel so welcome and at home. It is always so clean and tidy and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you
to each and every one of the staff.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you Michelle for taking the time to complete a review and the lovely comments, I will share these with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother spent the latter years of her life at The Orchards. The care she received was exemplary. The staff have always been attentive and responsive. During the Covid period, The Orchards was professional and secure but always aware of the need for personal interactions. In difficult times, The Orchards
maintains an amazing standard.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Richard,
Thank you so much for the review, I will share your kind words with the team. It has been a pleasure supporting Mum and her wit and smile is very much missed by us all here at The Orchards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in The Orchards for over a year. She has Parkinson's and has mobility problems. The care she has received is first-class. She settled in very well and quickly! She is very happy there and comfortable. She joins in the activities and social occasions she wants to but is not pressured
into anything. She likes the staff and they are always friendly with her and she enjoys the banter. The room is nice and she has been able to decorate it the way she wants. Any issues we have raised about her health or care have been taken seriously and dealt with. Everyone seems to work as a team and staff, residents and family all feel part of the community.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Victoria,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review The Orchards, I will pass your comments across to the team who will be so pleased to hear the lovely comments you have made. We really do enjoy the banter with Mum, she is a joy to support.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 91-year-old mother has been a resident at The Orchards since August 2021.
Since the very first visit to inspect - mid-Covid - prior to Mum's admission; through Mum's acceptance, induction and her resettlement, right up to the present date, I cannot fault her care or the staff or the manner in which
this genuine 'oasis' of care and consideration undertake their daily duties.
Daily life at The Orchards is not without its issues and each one is met with a professional attitude and solutions expedited in accordance with current health directives. I can only hope that when my time comes, that such an establishment is still obtainable.
The staff greet my mother and me by name and those that perhaps do not know my name are equally in respect of both Mum's needs and my own. Always ready to share a laugh whenever appropriate to lighten the mood and also to equally deal with serious matters as they arise.
The staff (admin, nursing and homemakers) make my mother and I feel valued.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Hi Simon, thank you for such a lovely review, we appreciate you taking the time to complete this. It is a pleasure to support both you and your mum at The Orchards, I will certainly pass on your praise and kind comments to the team. We look forward to welcoming you into the home again soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot express my gratitude to The Orchards for caring so beautifully for dad. He was not the easiest of characters at times due to his dementia, however, the amazing staff always treated him with respect, patience, and much kindness. They also had a giggle with him which would have meant so much
to him, and being sweet enough to take him to a rugby match to watch and a trip around town to buy a tasty treat.


To the end they were there not only for dad but for us too, holding our hands until the end. We are forever grateful.


Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your kind words and praise for the team I will be sure to pass these comments on.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad, who has dementia, has been at the Orchards since January 2023. The love and care he has received has been exceptional. Truly amazing. I have also been so very touched and taken with the love and affection that families and visitors receive too. Nothing is a problem if you need something. I know
dad has been hard work, and everyone was so tolerant and patient while he took some time to settle in. I am constantly grateful. It feels like home.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

It has been our absolute privilege to support dad, we have spent many hours with him entertaining us and making us laugh with his great sense of humour. Thank you for your kind words I will be sure to share them with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother in law has been at the home for a short while and in that time all the staff have been amazing, couldn’t have wished for better. Mum became palliative and not only was mum cared for we were too. The staff were so gentle and caring right upto when she left the home

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review and kind words, these will be passed on to the team here at The Orchards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband always seems clean and comfortable, and I find all the staff that I see are friendly and helpful. I think that he now sees it as his home.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review, we appreciate you taking the time to complete this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is in a caring, clean and friendly environment. That gives me peace of mind for which I am truly grateful. My mother’s health has improved greatly since being moved to The Orchards. Thank you all at The Orchards for being kind, compassionate and happy.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review, such lovely comments. We are very pleased to hear that you feel Mum is doing so well with us here. I will pass your comments on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is always a pleasure visiting my Aunt. To know she is well cared for and the staff always helpful and friendly.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your experience. Your kind words are very much appreciated by the team here at The Orchards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is well looked after. She is clean and comfortable and likes the care staff. Visitors are treated well, and staff are very accommodating.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review, we are glad you have had such a positive reception on your visits and this has been shared with the team. We look forward to seeing you soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

While being a resident at the care home, my husband has received the best care possible from a team of extremely friendly and hard-working carers. My only less than excellent review is the lack of communication facilities, i.e. technology. This would have made it easier to contact my husband during
the extended period of lockdowns last year.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for the review and kind words, hopefully, now he has a phone this will support with communication. We are always looking for ways to improve our service and appreciate you taking the time to offer some ideas. Thank you for your support last year with the garden, it was very much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are so kind and have been supportive to the whole family. Mum has settled so well now, she is happy, we know she is safe and looked after so well. Nothing is too much trouble. Staff are always on the end of the phone for advice, updates and help. We appreciate all they do.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for the lovely review, it is a pleasure to support Mum here at The Orchards, her smile brightens our days. I will pass on your kind words to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Apart from the excellent personal care at the Orchards, I must congratulate them for the wide range of entertainment which is provided both in and out of the home. This is so important and can make a big difference to the mental health of my mum. She is very happy to be in your care. I would like to
thank all the staff who have worked so hard to keep everyone safe during the pandemic and not only safe, but content also. I feel like part of the family when I visit and a big shout out to the staff on the reception desk, both are so welcoming and very pleasant always. Also, big thanks to our lovely manager, who is very approachable and lovely. I don’t know all members of staff by name yet, but suffice to say they are all so wonderful and caring. I wouldn’t want my mum to be anywhere else. Thank you all.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Linda, thank you for such a lovely review, I will be sure to pass this on to the team. It is a pleasure to share time with both you and Mum and to know we are making a difference. I very much look forward to seeing you at our next quiz.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been very well looked after at The Orchards for the past four years. The staff are so good to her and seem to have infinite patience. They always make me feel very welcome and are very good at updating me on my mother's health and well being which has been very good, particularly during
the past two years, when visiting has been limited, due to Covid. The home is kept very clean and the food always looks and smells very appetising. The garden is a very pleasant space for the residents to enjoy during the summer months. The activities team come up with some good ideas to keep the residents occupied.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Rachel, thank you for the review. Mum's smiling face always brightens our day and we consider it an honour to support Mum and be there for you both. I will pass on your comments to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Orchards Nursing staff have always contacted me if there are any concerns about my mother. It took a while for my Mum to settle and it took a while for me to understand their way of working. My Mum had never wanted to go to a home so the environment has been very challenging for her. They have treated
her with dignity and respect.

Reply from Ruth O'Dea, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Sally, thank you for taking the time to write us a review. I understand how difficult the last year must have been, but rest assured we will continue to support both you and Mum through this process.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.794)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) out of 10 for The Orchards is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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 4.794 for The Orchards is calculated as follows: ( (106 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 131 Ratings = 4.794

  • 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 Orchards is based on 11 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 45 registered maximum number of service users is 9, which has been reached with 11 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: 21 Dec 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

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 (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Orchards

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Meet the Team (4)

Ruth

Ruth O'Dea

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2018

Ruth has more than 20 years of experience in elderly care; She is a qualified Registered Mental Nurse and holds a Level 4 NVQ in Care Home Management. Ruth has a passion for collaborative working and inclusion, encouraging others to see beyond a person’s diagnosis.
Since qualifying as a nurse, Ruth has undertaken various courses, including a dementia championship certificate completed in conjunction with the University of Bradford. Ruth also presented at the National UK Dementia Congress with regard to community involvement. She has been a member of a National Guideline Committee responsible for shaping care for those with dementia in the UK. 


In her spare time, Ruth enjoys reading, philosophy and travelling/exploring the countryside with her Siberian Huskies. 


Jon

Jon Tiller

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Jon is the Deputy Manager for The Orchards.


Michelle

Michelle Jones

Job Title: Activities Lead

Michelle is the Activities Lead for The Orchards.


Michaela

Michaela Sweet

Job Title: Receptionist

Michaela is the Receptionist at The Orchards


Frequently Asked Questions about The Orchards

What types of Care is The Orchards registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care & Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Orchards provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Orchards have?

There are 45 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Orchards?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Orchards to the centre of Crewkerne?

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