Fern Brook Lodge

Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham SP8 4QD
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9.8 57 Reviews
  • Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham
Fern Brook Lodge in Gillingham, Dorset is a friendly, warm and welcoming residential home, where residents living with dementia are treated with dignity and respect. Individuals enjoy a safe, caring environment with all the home comforts and 24-hour specialist care from professionally trained staff.

Staff at Fern Brook Lodge pride themselves on providing the best possible care alongside relevant health and social care professionals tailored for individuals and their families.

Residents are accommodated in spacious single rooms which have en-suite wet room facilities along with a telephone point, high bedside lights and a flat screen television.

There are plenty of communal areas, including quiet seating spaces where residents can relax in comfort. The home also has a number of cosy lounges and dining rooms, offering views over the home’s large gardens and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The home aims to maintain and improve the quality of life of residents by creating a happy, friendly and secure environment, with facilities that are designed to encourage residents to interact with others and make them feel comfortable and 'at home'.

On-site services at Fern Brook Lodge include laundry and hairdressing and there is a wide variety of optional organised entertainment for residents, including beauty and music sessions, minibus trips to local places of interest, coffee mornings and arts and crafts mornings.

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Care Provided by Fern Brook Lodge

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 75 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Deb Wiltshire (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (75)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (75)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Fern Brook Lodge

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,385
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,465
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,510
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Fern Brook Lodge to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Fern Brook Lodge Reviews (57)

Total of 57, showing 21-40
9.8

Fern Brook Lodge has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.812) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fern Brook Lodge has 57 reviews.

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Review from Clifford D (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Very good care home. Only a few disappointments. Staff are very good but not many on weekends. I know you're short-staffed at weekends but I am paying a lot of money over the month for my mum's care and in the week, not many staff about as my mum doesn't like to ask for help. Food is spot on, what I
have seen but once again, seen a lot of food wasted when I have been in and my sister has seen.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am pleased that your mum enjoyed the food at Fern Brook Lodge. Regarding the staffing levels, they remain the same whether it be a weekday or weekend but we are always recruiting and thank you for the feedback. Indeed, if you would like to pop into the home and meet with the management team to discuss anything further, they would only be too pleased to see you. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from Carolina C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always felt welcome and part of a big family. Dad can be a little bit difficult at times. The whole staff are truly wonderful they all take great care and are all very good at their jobs. I always find it a joy to visit. I talk to various other residents and they all seem to be very happy with
staff and surroundings. Well done Fern Brook Lodge.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for giving Fern Brook Lodge a 5 star review! Wishing you all the best.


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Review from Horace E (Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy here and the staff are very helpful and all they do is very appreciated.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

We really appreciate your 5 star review, the team will be delighted.


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Review from G B (Son of Resident) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The loving care given to my mother in her last weeks was excellent and made our experience almost bearable.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your five star review, I will pass on your comments to the team at Fern Brook Lodge. All the best.


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Review from Nicki W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care is given from all members of staff at all times. Not only do they take great compassionate care of my mum, but always make sure we (my brother and I) have everything we need/require.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your 5* review Nicki, I am so pleased to read your comments and am thrilled that you are so happy with the care your mother is receiving.


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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't wich for mum to be in a better care home.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for leaving Fern Brook Lodge a 5-star review, I will be sure to let the team know! All the best.


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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum joined Fernbrook Lodge in early August 2022. She was made to feel extremely welcome, as were we as a family, from the moment she arrived. She settled very quickly and soon made friends with other residents and is very happy. The staff are all very caring and friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
It is a huge relief to us knowing she is happy and being well cared for.

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Review from Janet F (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had to find a home for Mum, looked at a couple but when we found and looked around Fern Brook we knew this was the home for Mum. It was so hard for us to accept Mum had to go into a home. So it had to be right for us and Mum and to hear Mum say this is her home. She's happy, we're happy. From the
moment you go in the floor to visit mum everybody is so friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. One thing would be nice to have a meeting with staff (carers) management to let us know how Mum is getting on after six months. Can not fault Fern Brook. Very good.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review, I will be sure to pass on your comments/feedback to the team at Fern Brook Lodge. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from B F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At last my mum attended the 70th celebration with me. Attending a platinum jubilee garden bbq on Thursday 2nd of June. It was extremely well organised, wonderfully set in the gardens. Balloons, tables nicely laid, music, wonderful food. Everyone looked like they were enjoying the event. The staff worked
very hard to make the event enjoyable. My thanks go to them all.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I am delighted to read you enjoyed the jubilee celebrations, I understand a good time was had by all. Many Thanks.


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Review from S G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and all the staff have been amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. Reception staff are very friendly.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you, this is so lovely to read. I'll be sure to let the team at FBL know. Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from T S (Son of Resident) published on 24 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was more than somewhat concerned about my Dad going into residential care. However, upon my first visit to Fern Brook Lodge, my fears were without foundation. The team at Fern Brook had done what they do best. Making new residents entirely comfortable, at ease and at home. I had not seen my father
so full of spirit for some considerable time.


There was a certain ‘atmosphere’ I felt upon entering the building. An atmosphere of happiness. It seemed to me that all the staff genuinely enjoyed the jobs and cared about those in their care.


I left Dad after my initial visit confident in the knowledge he is in a first-class building, with all necessary facilities and the most professional staff one could wish for.


I would add Care South provided the above as a ‘Not for Profit organisation. There are others out there who charge much more for much less.


Whilst I cannot speak for other Care South facilities I have no hesitation in recommending Fern Brook Lodge.


Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your review, it means the world to the team at FBL to receive such wonderful comments. I am delighted to know that Dad has settled in so well. Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from Roger S (Friend of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a lovely car home Fern Brook Lodge is. Whilst visiting a dear friend who had been there only two weeks I was amazed to see how well he looked after being so I’ll for some time. The staff and facilities are some of the best I’ve seen in a care home. This is a well-run facility that puts the occupants
needs first.

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Review from Sue G (Respite Resident) published on 10 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is only one word to describe Fern Brook Lodge... Outstanding. From the dedicated carers, excellent food, spotlessly clean rooms and beautiful gardens. Fern Brook is a caring family environment with some of the kindest and dedicated people I have had the pleasure to meet. Unlike so many care homes
that are in converted old houses – Fern Brook was built only 10 years ago. A great deal of consideration has been taken with the interiors - no boring brown drab colours to be seen. What you will find are bright, fresh and colourful interiors. The café on Birch Wing is like a French bistro, just wonderful. The food is excellent, an abundance of fresh fruit every day; strawberries, blueberries, homemade cakes... Everything is freshly prepared on the premises. The chef makes a mean omelette too! We can never thank the fantastic team at Fern Brook enough for the care and respect that they all showed to someone so very special to us. We will forever be so grateful.

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Review from Debbie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and the team of staff could not have done more to welcome my mum to Fern Brook Lodge and ensure he stay was as comfortable and happy as possible. This was a short respite, so she missed the comforts of her home; own bed and arise and recline chair, but otherwise, all was excellent. As a
daughter, their communication to me was exemplary. Thank you!

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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nothing is too much trouble at Fern Brook Lodge. The carers who look after Mums are always cheerful, friendly and patient. Great communication keeping us up to date with any medical episodes or changing needs. Loads of different activities to join in with if you want to.
Ranging from quizzes, flower
arranging, pamper days, darts to bingo and minibus outings. The new manager is welcoming and happy to talk over any concerns. He gets out and about visiting residents introducing himself and getting to know their personalities and what is important to them. Mum is very well cared for and I would highly recommend Fern Brook Lodge as a safe and secure residence.

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Review from Jennifer H (Niece of Resident) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Warm welcome. Easy Covid test. Tea and cake! Homely feeling in the rooms.

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Review from Ann C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care home, modern and clean. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Our mother enjoys the activities provided although suffering from dementia, she has been provided with activities to stimulate her memory. The only downside is there is not enough feedback on medication and communication.

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Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident here for six years. She is 101 years old going on 102 years in August, apart from deafness, she is completely 'compos mentis'. She thinks the world of some of the carers. In all the time she has been here, there has only been a couple of complaints. One of which resulted
in the carer leaving, so I think the standard of care here is very high.

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Review from D P (Husband of Resident) published on 17 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From comments made by my wife, she considers the home to be well run, with caring and courteous staff. She is well satisfied with the facilities. I would be happy to recommend the home to others requiring a care home.

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Review from A H (Son of Resident) published on 12 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All good - staff the lot.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.812)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.812) out of 10 for Fern Brook Lodge 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.812 for Fern Brook Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (239 Excellents x 5) + (33 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 282 Ratings = 4.812

  • 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 Fern Brook Lodge is based on 22 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 75 registered maximum number of service users is 15, which has been reached with 22 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: 4 Mar 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (1)

Deb

Deb Wiltshire

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

“I have been in care for 40 years and have been a Home Manager for ten. Prior to this, I was a Senior Lecturer teaching student nurses in Cambridge. I originally trained as a nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital where I specialised in district nursing. I am incredibly passionate about palliative care and continence which is reflected in my qualifications.


“I love making a difference, particularly when someone is in the latter part of their life, it is just so important to make this time as special as we possibly can for them and to make every day count.


“I adore my two dogs, both are rescues, and I spend most of my free time walking them or trying to stay upright on my newly acquired paddle board – although not too successfully!”