Fernhill

122 Ringwood Road, Longham, Ferndown BH22 9AW
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9.9 94 Reviews
  • Fernhill, Ferndown
Experience the warmth and care of these friendly, relaxing care homes whilst making new friends.

Residents enjoy companionship and can join in with singing, music, exercise and arts and crafts sessions. There is the opportunity for gentle gardening activities in the summer sunshine, and there is a busy pen pal scheme.
The home is registered for nursing care and staffed by dedicated nurses and health care professionals with extensive experience in caring for age-related conditions and fully trained in infection control.

Fernhill is situated at Longham in the picturesque Dorset countryside, specifically designed and dedicated to the needs of people living with dementia.

Built over three floors, Fernhill has all en-suite bedrooms with shower facilities and flat-screen televisions with Freeview. Each house within the Fernhill community group has its own dedicated team of care staff, while on the second floor there is a guest suite for relatives who may wish to stay overnight.

The home is designed for easy orientation and independent living. There are spacious communal lounges and dining rooms all of which have a lifestyle kitchen and two private sensory gardens for the residents to enjoy, both of which are wheelchair accessible.

Following a refurbishment project in 2012, Fernhill has themed rooms, including a cinema, post office, café and in the garden residents will find a 1958 Hillman Minx.

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Care Provided by Fernhill

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 58 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lorraine Bell (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (58)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (58)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2012

Funding & Fees Guide for Fernhill

  • 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 Dementia Care from £1,732
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Fernhill 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
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • At Fernhill, there are no specific visiting hours, all that is asked is that you let the home know you are in the building by signing in on the Ipad in Reception, if outside of Reception hours, just ring the bell and a member of staff will enable your visit.


  • Parking

  • Parking is available on site at Fernhill, all visitor parking is clearly marked. When coming to view the home, please get in touch and a space can be saved..


Fernhill Reviews (94)

Total of 94, showing 1-20
9.9

Fernhill has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fernhill has 94 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 85
  • 9
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Date Published

94
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5
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Review from S V (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful care home. I can't thank you enough for the love and care that you showed both my dad and my stepmum while they lived at Fernhill. Every single member of the team got to know them with their foibles and celebrated the loving couple that they were. You also treated us with great love
and respect when it came to their passing. Dad was very content and peaceful but didn't want to go on once he had lost my stepmum and you cared for him beautifully, nothing was too much trouble. It was also obvious how much you cared for him as a person. You were also kind to me in those last weeks of his life. It felt like a family not a business. Thank you.

Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for sharing such kind words with us. It means so much to know that Fernhill felt like a family to you and that your dad and stepmum were cared for with love and understanding. Getting to know them both as individuals and as a couple was truly special for our team. Your comments mean a great deal, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share them during this difficult time. I'll be sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. Thank you once again, and we wish you all the best.


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Review from Sally W (Mother of Resident) published on 13 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The relief at finding Fernhill after a long search was indescribably and never once did we regret our decision. Owing to the understanding, patience and kindness of the staff, her initial rebellion metamorphosed into acceptance then contentment. When she died the compassion and gentleness of the staff
helped us immensely.

Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for sharing such a lovely review of Fernhill. It means so much to hear how our team's kindness and care helped your loved one settle and brought comfort to your family. Supporting residents and their families through every stage is incredibly important to us, and we're glad we could be there for you during such a difficult time. Please know that our doors are always open if you need anything or would like to visit. We're so sorry for your loss, and we really appreciate your kind words.


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Review from P D (Wife of Resident) published on 11 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very happy with my husband's stay. The carers have all been very attentive and caring as well as efficient. it looks like there is a lot of staff every day.

Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review of Fernhill. We have a wonderful and hardworking team here, so it's very rewarding to hear such kind words about the care they provided to your husband. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we're grateful to know that our efforts have contributed to a positive experience.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you to everyone at Fernhill for providing a welcoming, secure and caring environment for Dad, enabling Mum and the wider family to have time away to attend a funeral and re-engage with family and friends.
Returning home earlier than the rest of the family it was so good to be able to visit Dad
at any time of day and I was made very welcome at all times.
In addition, everyone was very courteous, kind and caring and nothing was too much trouble. It was so pleasing to observe that Dad's care was individualized at all times and I noticed that staff went out of their way to help residents to feel included in whatever was happening and no one was left out.
I feel reassured that Dad will be happy to stay at Fernhill in the future providing much-needed respite for Mum as required.

Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review of Fernhill. It's wonderful to hear about your dad's stay with us and that you were pleased with the care he received. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every resident feels included and cared for, so it's especially rewarding to know this was evident in your dad's care. We're also happy that you felt welcomed and supported during your visits, and that we were able to provide peace of mind for your mum and the wider family.


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Review from T C (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are all friendly and amazing from the reception to all floors. Fantastic calm atmosphere. Caring is noticeable always there. Always clean residents and rooms etc.

Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you so much for your review of Fernhill! Creating a calm and caring environment is very important to us, and it's fantastic to hear that you found everyone from reception to all floors friendly and amazing. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we will continue to provide the best possible care and experience for all our residents.


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Review from Kathleen M (Wife of Resident) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased that my husband, 88 years old, was offered one day care per week after his dementia assessment. He has some agency personal care each day but his time in Fernhill is a very positive and stimulating experience. He loves the staff, the food, chatting with others and the occasional minibus
outing with one-to-one care with some residents. All the staff from management, reception and carers are kind, approachable and sensitive to my husband and my one needs. Thank you, Fernhill from a very appreciative wife.

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Review from Fiona W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is always treated well. All the staff are kind and friendly. She enjoys all the activities and food. She always seems happy to attend daycare and entertainment. I am more than happy with the care and attention she receives and I know she is safe and well looked after.

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Review from Elaine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in Fernhill for nearly five years now and in all that time, she has been in excellent care from all members of staff (from the cleaning staff, carers, nurses). I couldn't have chosen a better home for her, it was always going to be difficult to put someone you love into a care home but
I couldn't have made a better choice, her stay has been treated with the utmost care and attention and for that, I will always be grateful.

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Review from A C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 18 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visiting Fernhill was arranged quickly after initial contact and there was a visit from the care manager to the home of the resident within a short time. Contact was excellent right from the start with daily updates on how our relative was settling and any issues.
Every member of staff we meet is friendly
and shows care and compassion. It seems to be a happy place. We are welcome to visit at any time and unannounced which is very reassuring. Overall, an excellent home.

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Review from John N (Husband of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience at the home over the past two and a half years that my wife has been a resident has been excellent. The standard of care has been good in all aspects that I expected. The staff are always cheerful, even at times that have been difficult due to Covid and other problems. I am always amazed
at the patience shown, even when residents are being "difficult". Overall, an excellent care environment.

Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review, and we look forward to working with you to improve our score.


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Review from N C (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so glad I persevered to get my wife into Fernhill. All the staff have been brilliant in dealing with my wife in situations due to her Alzheimer's. Something I could no longer cope with at home. They are caring, kind and very professional. The food is excellent and she certainly enjoys the food.
I am very grateful to all the staff for the care they give my wife in sometimes challenging situations. I would definitely recommend Fernhill to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.

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Review from Debbie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is looked after well, both physically and mentally. The staff have got to know her and seem genuinely fond of her, despite her complex needs, at times. They are sensitive to getting it right for her.

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Review from Maurice S (Husband of Resident) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but praise for the staff. I feel the nursing team certainly know what they are doing.
I am glad my wife is here. Staff are great and nothing seems to be a trouble. Very positive - I was impressed with management coming to visit my wife when she was in hospital.

Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review - we look forward to reviewing activities, food and drink to see what else we can do to improve these for your wife.


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Review from Sue H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You have lovely staff, who all work hard. The home is very clean, and the food looks lovely.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and the great suite is very comfortable.
Many thanks for looking after our dad so well.

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Review from M W (Son of Resident) published on 24 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and his team kindly set up an online meeting for my wife and I as we live overseas. My mother came in at the beginning which was a lovely touch.
Thereafter we discussed progress and I am very happy with the level of attention and care that my mother is receiving at Colten Fernhill.

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Review from Richard H (Husband of Resident) published on 5 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From one who was reluctant to put his wife in any kind of care home, I cannot find the space provided will cover its virtues. The home is like one big family that provided the love, care and devotion to its residents that we could never attain because of our working lives. No matter what status the
loving care is displayed by all during their working day, it's one big team! Over the past 2 and a half years I have witnessed many acts of kindness by all.
I regard them all as my family, this is a beautiful home full of love.

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Review from R H (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 24 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Enjoyed his stay and really liked all the staff. They took time to talk to him and they looked after him well. He found some of the "inmates" (his words) very strange! Overall he had a good time. Liked the food. He cannot get shoes on as his feet are swollen and sore.

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Review from Ros P (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum arrived at Fernhill in February for emergency respite care as she was not coping on her own. Within a few days she was brighter, sleeping well, enjoying meals and even joining in activities. She has now been there for 6 months. She shares her "house" with other ladies with a similar level
of dementia. Without exception the staff are kind, friendly and understand the dementia journey so are able to calm and reassure her. The facilities, decor, and activities are superb. We especially appreciate the Sunday hymns and readings as mum has always been a church-goer. When I visit she is bright and relaxed and I am welcomed by the staff who are always available for any queries or requests. Rooms and common areas are spotless and she enjoys the little coffee shop on colder days (and the coffee is excellent!). I would have no hesitation in recommending Fernhill - they are simply brilliant!

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Review from Anne B (Next of Kin) published on 14 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle arrived at Fernhill Care Home in April from another care home where he was quite unhappy. The care he has received at Fernhill has been outstanding and the friendliness, attention to detail and professionalism shown by the staff is wonderful. His lovely room is kept spotlessly clean by the
very friendly housekeeper and everyone works hard to help him to join in with activities. He particularly loves the beautiful garden and is much calmer and happier now.
We have been very impressed with the flexible visiting arrangements and the helpfulness of all the staff at every level. They have always made time to listen and respond to my queries.
My professional background includes working in dementia services and it is lovely to see how well all the staff understand the needs of people with dementia while treating each person as a unique individual.
We are completely satisfied with our choice of Fernhill and would have no hesitation in recommending it for short or long-term care.

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Review from S P (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father, and us, his family, have been very warmly welcomed into Fernhill. We cannot speak highly enough of the care, support, energy and compassion shown by all members of the team. Staff are always there to answer questions, and their dementia training is evident in how they care for residents.
A big thank you!

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.921)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10 for Fernhill 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.921 for Fernhill is calculated as follows: ( (174 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 189 Ratings = 4.921

  • 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 Fernhill is based on 16 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 58 registered maximum number of service users is 11.6, which has been reached with 16 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: 31 Oct 2019

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 (10)

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Meet the Team (2)

Lorraine

Lorraine Bell

Job Title: Home Manager

Lorraine leads the team and is ultimately responsible for every aspect of life in the home, ensuring the highest standards of care and service are delivered. Her door is always open if you have any questions or queries.


Cornelia

Cornelia Bekker

Job Title: Clinical Lead

Cornelia is responsible for leading the team of registered nurses and carers to meet the individual needs of the resident, through the delivery of consistently high levels of clinical care.


Frequently Asked Questions about Fernhill

What types of Care is Fernhill registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Fernhill provide?

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

How many Rooms does Fernhill have?

There are 58 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Fernhill?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Fernhill to the centre of Ferndown?

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