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 41-57
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.

Overall Experience

  • 50
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Date Published

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33

Review from Marcus A (Grandson of Resident) published on 10 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This home gave my grandfather the best final years he could have hoped for. Staff went above and beyond to ensure he was looked after and had all he needed. The final months of his life were made fundamentally better due to his location. I cannot recommend this home more. Thank you from the bottom of
my heart.

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Review from P T (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 10 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely building, modern and very clean.
Staff are fantastic.
My elderly relative is very happy here and tells me she like everything; after being lonely at home and not being able to cope.

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Review from J N (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff very friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. Due to covid unable to answer all the questions below as unable to access the home completely.

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Review from Angie T (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly but serious with it. Lots of laughter for mum, but the get on with the job. Couldn't be more helpful. Even made a special for with screens for the pandemic. We really lucked out when mum came here.

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Review from Jean (Private Carer of Resident) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience of dealing with the staff was a very good one. They were all pleasant and nothing was too much trouble. They made a real effort to get the diet right because of the lactose intolerance. I would not hesitate to use the home again and recommend it to others.
It has certainly restored my
faith in care homes as I have had a particularly bad experience recently with a care home. When the service user returned home he was more or less relaxed and in no way anxious as has been the experience with other homes.

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Review from David A (Brother of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my brother is getting is excellent. The staff are all very kind and know when he is 'not right' ie under the weather and act quickly to deal with the situation. He gets on well with the staff and enjoys having a joke with them. He doesn't always join the activities although he does enjoy
the quizzes and going on the little outings. A lot of work has been lifted from my shoulders since he has been in Fern Brook Lodge, as I know he is in a safe environment.

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Review from Peta S (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother, a resident at Fern Brook Lodge since 2015, has been extremely well cared for by the staff who have shown her great kindness and attention. Although suffering from dementia, she has been provided with activities to stimulate her memory and visits from pets have given her much happiness. Many
thanks to the caring staff for their hard work.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has always been well cared for and the staff have always been friendly and attentive. I believe my father feels happy and safe. The home is spacious and purpose-designed. He likes the food and says he is well cared for. He joins in and enjoys most of the activities.

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Review from Bryan C (Husband of Resident) published on 8 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff were friendly and helpful at all times.

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Review from Christopher A (Son of Resident) published on 22 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father is in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s. Despite not getting feedback or recognition from him, staff spend time talking to him, playing or singing hymns (he was a church organist) and making sure he is comfortable. The home has dedicated activity staff who ensure there are varied activities
for the residents. A priest from the local church visits regularly. The staff always strike me as particularly caring.
The home has struggled with staff retention. They struggled to find a home manager, probably contributing to staffing issues. They now have a permanent manager. There was a monthly meeting between management, residents and their loved ones to address issues, although with COVID-19 this has obviously stopped.
I feel very welcome when visiting. I’ve had many a cup of tea made for me, and sometimes had a meal with my father. I’ve attended church services at the home with Dad too. It is a great comfort knowing that my father is looked after by staff who really care.

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Review from K H (Great-Nephew of Resident) published on 24 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of St Martins Grange. The staff are so friendly and professional and do everything they possibly can to make residents and visitors feel at home. My great-aunt (95 yrs old) moved in because we needed 24-hour care for her after several falls at home. The manager and staff
made the whole experience so simple and stress-free from our initial visit through to moving her in. St Martins feels as much like home as you’ll find anywhere and I can’t them they enough for making her feel so welcome. As a family, we wanted the best possible care within what we can afford, and St Martins Grange provides as good value for money as you will find. The daily activities programme gives my great-aunt plenty of opportunities for socialising and keeping her mind and body active. Meals are superb; nutritious and delicious. Above all, we have been impressed by the kindness of the staff, and the compassion they offer in their interactions with residents.

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Review from Sheila W (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Not enough staff and too many agency staff who do not engage with residents. Some of the permanent staff are caring and kind but the management leave a lot to be desired. They do not seem to be able to cope with more demanding residents.
The food was poor although I gather there is now a new chef.
Not aware of many outside trips or activities. The staff never seem to have enough time or support.

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Review from Michael L (Husband of Resident) published on 4 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been in three care homes. This one is a gem.
I visit every week and take part in activities which are excellent. I have made lots of friends which helps cope with my wife's Dementia. It is a beautiful home for my wife. She has been at St Martines Grange for 3 years.

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Review from Gordon P (Husband of Resident) published on 30 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good home, my wife is happy to that helps me.
My wife is doing everything, she gets out and it's superb.

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Review from Peter D (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The standard of love and care shown by the staff is quite exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble. Visitors are made to feel welcome and are offered coffee on arrival. The atmosphere is very relaxed and happy. I would not hesitate to recommend St Martins Grange to anyone.

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Review from Liz B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at St Martins Grange simply go that extra mile for their residents. This home is purpose built and immaculate, the food is delicious and plentiful and mum always looks her best, including lovely hair and painted nails if she wants them. Her room is exceptionally comfortable, well decorated,
clean and homely. We feel mum is safe without being 'enclosed' - big windows and open outlook all around - and the family is welcome to visit at any time. We have experienced the worst examples of care this year in our quest to find the best for mum's Alzheimer's needs - now we feel we are experiencing the BEST of care. From initial (despairing) phone call which immediately put us at ease, to the first visit where the manager took more than an hour showing us around, to the way everything from essential admin to personal care and individual needs has been handled, we cannot recommend highly enough. It's never easy when your loved one enters care but St Martin's has made the transition easier.

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Review from Fran B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Totally brilliant care home, the whole family are delighted that my father in law is being taken care of so brilliantly and even he said himself it's an excellent choice, I'm very happy here. His room is lovely and overlooks our house across the fields. The staff are exceptional, very professional and
make visiting a real pleasure. A special mention goes to all the staff and the maintenance man, all go above and beyond the call of duty with a really positive can do attitude, nothing is ever too much trouble and everything is beautifully taken care of. A special thank you to all the staff. A* highly recommended (from one big happy family).

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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.

View Latest Report

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!”