The Orchards

Orchard Lane, Crewkerne TA18 7AF
Submit a Review
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.

Show The Orchards on the Map

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


The Orchards Reviews (62)

Total of 62, showing 21-40
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
  • 0

Date Published

62
2
4
11
51

Review from Jan T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my Mother moved to The Orchards 18 months ago, we have had complete peace of mind knowing that she is in safe hands. The staff are really person-centred, warm, friendly and approachable. The team have a wealth of knowledge and experience in caring for elderly residents and information is shared
with us on a regular basis. Mum is offered a wide range of daily activities and her dignity and choices are respected. During covid, they have kept Mum and all the residents safe doing their utmost to maintain safe visiting in line with government guidance. We feel extremely lucky that Mum is being cared for at the Orchards.

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

Dear Jan, thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, we are very humbled by such high praise.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Brenda P (Wife of Resident) published on 20 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is so well looked after. The nurses and carers are brilliant with him. They relay care about his wellbeing and when I visit, the carers and nurses always make me feel so welcome. My husband looks so content and cared for.

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

Dear Brenda, Thank you so much for your review, it is an honour to support your husband and we very much enjoy seeing you for your visits.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Rosalind S (Friend of Resident) published on 20 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear friend was extremely well looked after at The Orchards. She was always treated with dignity and respect by all the staff who cared for her. She moved from another care home where she had been very unhappy and immediately felt at home there. The staff involved her in activities and were often
popping into her room for a chat so she never felt lonely. She was visited by a hairdresser regularly and even had her finger and toenails painted. Little touches meant a lot to her. The Orchards has a warm cosy feel to it, a home from home and l would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone looking for a suitable care home for their loved ones.

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

Dear Rosalind, Thank you for taking the time to write a review, we greatly appreciate it. Please stay safe and we hope that you will continue to keep in touch with the home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jo W (Friend of Resident) published on 20 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Orchards cared for my friend for the last 18 months and I cannot thank them enough for the care and compassion all the staff had for not only my friend, but also for me. During the height of the epidemic, they did all they could to keep the residents safe and to ensure, where possible, contact could
be maintained, when safe to do so. She made many friends among the staff, who I felt went above and beyond to ensure that she was well cared for and happy. Any activities organised still included her, even though she was unable to leave her room, as they brought it to her. There was always something going on to keep the residents occupied. When my time comes, I would be happy to reside there.

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

Dear Jo, Thank you for the lovely review, we will miss her dearly. She brought us such joy and is very much missed by us all. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Patricia P (Wife of Resident) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot thank The Orchards for the care and compassion that have given and continue to provide for my husband. Since arriving in November 2020, his general health has improved. During my visits, he always appears happy and contented. He joins in with the many activities they provide, and looking on
Facebook at the photographing evidence is lovely! Our children have not seen their Dad for six months, couldn't believe how well he was doing considering all he has been through. The staff are very friendly and helpful and always notify me immediately if there has been a cause for concern.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at The Orchards

Thank you so much for your kind words; we will be sure to pass this onto all the staff.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Geoffrey G (Brother of Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister is looked after by all the staff so well. It's always a pleasure to visit her.

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

Thank you for your lovely review, Geoffrey. I will pass on your comments to the team. We always appreciate feedback to support and guide us to ensure we improve our service and the lived experience of our residents.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Susan B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is very happy at The Orchards, has been there over 2 years. She is well looked after and likes the food.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from David L (Son of Resident) published on 29 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very well organised. All staff seems very caring and friendly and very helpful.

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

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review, I will share your comments with the team as they work hard to promote a home for each of our residents at The Orchards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Marlene S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came into The Orchards about 2 years ago. She has been looked after very well in all that time and has settled in really well. The carers are all very kind to my mum and treat her with respect, compassion and kindness. We, as a family, are very happy with her care.

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

Thank you for your lovely review and the kind comments, I will share these with the team. Mum is an absolute treasure and it is an honor to support her here at The Orchards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from T P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The visit was very friendly even though COVID restricts what you can and can't do. The staff were friendly from a distance.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at The Orchards

Thank you so much for your review and I am glad that you enjoyed your visit with your mother. The staff are working really hard to keep everyone's spirits up in these unprecedented times, and you having that reassurance is so important to us.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident of The Orchards for approximately 14 months. During this time she has been well cared for and protected. She is kept clean, warm and very well fed. Her room is adequate for her needs with a lovely outlook (sports field and trees). The staff are respectful, kind and they
work very hard for the residents, especially during a difficult and lengthy lockdown period. They have done wonders to keep everyone safe. The home is well-appointed, always clean and tidy and reception staff are helpful and welcoming.
It is my observation that The Orchards need more staff. Residents are kept waiting for too long to use the bathroom or to be returned to their rooms after being in the dining room or lounge which causes anxiety. Also, residents' bells must be answered promptly.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P S (Son of Resident) published on 9 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Father has been in the care of The Orchards for over 3 years and I have always found the degree of care and consideration of the staff to be excellent. Father is well cared for and the staff have, on more than one occasion, gone way beyond the extra mile to be of assistance, and always maintain a friendly
and helpful manner. The home is clean, tidy and appears well run and provides a fine service to the community and care and consideration toward its residents and their families.

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

Thank you so much for such a fantastic review, I will share your lovely comments with the team. I appreciate you taking the time to complete the review and share your experience.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P H (Son of Resident) published on 25 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in very good care at The Orchards. Keep up the good work.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at The Orchards

Thank you, I'm glad you feel that your mother is well cared for. We strive to provide quality care for everyone.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jill G (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home has been amazing during COVID time. To not have had any symptoms from either staff or patients is outstanding.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at The Orchards

Thank you for the lovely recommendation. The staff have been amazing and have worked hard to keep COVID out of the home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kate S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't sing the praises of The Orchards highly enough during this pandemic. All the staff have been wonderful, not only with the care they've given but also with keeping up the spirits of all the residents. They have managed to keep COVID out of the home altogether which shows just how dedicated and
professional they all are. This has been a very special home for my mother for many years and so is like an extension of our family. Thank you so much, all of you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D H-S (Son of Resident) published on 18 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Orchards benefits from being a purpose-built care home with easily-accessed and well-equipped rooms and facilities. Day-to-day the home runs efficiently and caters well for the diverse range of needs both of its residents and those of their families. We are grateful to the home for the measures
it has taken to keep its residents safe during the corona-virus crisis.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J B (Son of Resident) published on 11 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care and cannot praise the staff enough.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mary T (Wife of Resident) published on 22 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband spent 3 days at The Orchards for end of life care under the continuity care provision on discharge from hospital. From first contact to the end of the day, The Orchards provided care over and above anything my family were expecting. He was kept comfortable in a very pleasant room and my family
and I were cared for and nurtured through what could have been a very traumatic experience. He was able to die a good death, something we have reflected on with great thoughtfulness. My husband was a name of great faith and a Christian nurse at the end of his life blessed us all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jackie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted 3 years ago, the home has looked after him with true kindness and compassion facilitating his needs and ours. It has not been easy for any of us, but everyone has worked so hard to make the transition from home life to care home life as smooth as possible and with a good outcome.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S W (Resident) published on 21 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm happy here. The manager got me a fridge for my room. I like the food. Staff listen to me. I painted stones, shells and flags.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

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