Firstlings

7 The Street, Heybridge, Maldon CM9 4NB
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Top 20 carehome certificate
10 73 Reviews
  • Firstlings, Maldon
Firstlings has been established since 1986 and has an excellent reputation within the area. Firstlings is located in Maldon and is very near to lots of local amenities. The home welcomes elderly people and elderly people with dementia.

Firstlings is beautifully presented throughout and offers residents a clean environment in which to stay. Carers pride themselves on maintaining high standards at Firstlings and always push themselves to do even better.

Has a big focus on activities and you will always see residents happily engaged in some kind of activity. Activities are planned daily and always have a great participation level at the home. Residents also enjoy regular big screen movie nights, where they get to see all time classics.

Firstlings is the top 10 of recommended homes in the region and has reached number 1 on many occasions. The home also achieved a good CQC report on all areas of inspection in 2015.

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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 32 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1300 – £1400
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1300 – £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1450 – £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1450 – £1450

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Firstlings to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Tina Bentley (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2018

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (32)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (26)

Firstlings Reviews (73)

Total of 73, showing 1-20
10

Firstlings has a Review Score of 10 (9.978) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Firstlings has 73 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 69
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

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Review from Colin S (Son of Resident) published on 29 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we are all very happy with the way my father is being cared for here. We have no complaints. The staff here always seem to be cheerful and have time to talk to all the residents.

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Review from R H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly, caring, helpful and happy to help.

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Review from Alex C (Son of Resident) published on 16 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous. Mum is clearly in very good hands.

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Review from Leigh G (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bringing dad to Firstlings and watching him settle has taken a massive pressure off me and my family. I love the way the staff interact with the residents. It feels like a proper homely home. There is good communication between the management and the family, which is comforting. If I had to go into
a home, this would be my 1st choice for myself to reside in.

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Review from Karen R (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we have been very impressed with the standard of care at Firstlings. All the staff have been extremely kind and caring towards Dad. Dad loves the food and the interaction with friendly staff. Dad is also enjoying chatting with other residents and the social side of this very happy place.
A particular member of staff does so well, as does everybody else, motivating residents.

Reply from Karn Sohal, Director at Firstlings

It is our pleasure to care for your loved one. Thank you for your continued support of our team and kind words, they will be passed on to the staff team.

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Review from Denise H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having had both parents at Firstlings for several years have have been very satisfied with the care and attention they received from all the staff. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from D N (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am grateful for the care and compassion my mother received from all the staff at Firstlings. I felt relieved to know that my mother was getting the care she needed.

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Review from Neil W (Son of Resident) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been well cared for and has been very happy with all aspects of his day-to-day life. I'm pleased for him to have the most wonderful people around him and supporting him. I feel confident and at ease knowing he's safe.

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Review from Mark J (Son of Resident) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings is a very welcoming place. The staff are amazing. We feel Mum is safe and cared for and this eases my worries. We are treated very well when we visit. Staff always have time for us and keep us updated.

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Review from Samantha J (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are friendly and attentive. We feel reassured knowing that Mother-in-law is getting the palliative care she deserves. We are kept updated at all times and made to feel welcome when we visit.

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Review from Ros G (Wife of Resident) published on 16 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has settled quickly into Firstlings. He feels this is his home and gets on well with the excellent staff. He enjoys the activities and participates. He is free to wander around the corridors but he also sits happily in the lounges watching TV. He is cared for in all his needs including his
health and welfare. He enjoys the food as well.

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Review from Angela R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is spotless and the staff are very friendly and caring. They have a lot of activities, games and celebrations for birthdays and other public holidays. The residents all seem very well looked after.

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Review from Micheal R (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum loves the home and the staff. We can visit anytime. Always clean and tidy. The staff are very friendly. Management is helpful and kind.

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Review from Ann H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Welcoming environment. Healthcare needs are met and we never need to worry. Support and care are given. We can always ask any questions about my mum. Participate in meaningful activities. All staff are friendly and caring.

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Review from Mark R (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been in the home for a few months. It has been difficult moving her from a bungalow to the Home and we have found the staff very friendly and very helpful in this process. Mum is settled in very well with the help of the staff guiding us, when visiting the home I cannot do enough for you
any problems are sorted out very quickly. We found them great support in Mum’s care which has helped us as well as Mum.

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Review from Stuart R (Partner of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a new resident so far we are very pleased with it all.

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Review from John C (Husband of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

the staff are very helpful and attentive with a very caring attitude.

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Review from Julie R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a resident in Firstlings for about 5 months. Throughout that time, the care he received was excellent.
Every member of staff from management, carers, entertainment, maintenance, domiciliary to kitchen staff give such a high standard of care, delivered in a professional but friendly,
caring way.
All of my family, my mother and myself were always greeted with a smile and they were all so welcoming.

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Review from Stephen S (Cousin of Resident) published on 21 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In respect of my cousin, who was a resident at Firstlings Care Home for a period of twenty months, I cannot speak more highly of the love, care and respect given by the staff and management. As a relative, we were treated with respect at all times and advised by the staff of anything that we needed
to know in respect of the health and well-being of our cousin. They are wonderful people as well as being extremely professional.

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Review from M B (Niece of Resident) published on 10 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit my aunt regularly at Firstlings, the staff are very helpful, the home is always kept clean and my aunt is very happy here. She is kept clean and tidy and loves her manicures there. Would highly recommend this care home.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.978)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.978) out of 10 for Firstlings is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.978 for Firstlings is calculated as follows: ( (221 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.978

  • 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 Firstlings is based on 19 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 32 registered maximum number of service users is 6.4, which has been reached with 19 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.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 2 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.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (2)

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Tina Bentley

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 1999

My name is Tina, I have worked at Firstlings since 1999, progressing from the role of Junior Carer to Registered Manager in 2009. I'm extremely passionate and caring and have adapted to the many changes that have been introduced within the care sector. My ethos is to be the voice for my residents whilst accommodating their individual needs.


We have been awarded several accolades over the years and continue to receive some great testimonials from the families of our residents, not least of which was to be accredited with an "Outstanding" rating by the CQC, which is indeed a testament to the sheer dedication of every valued member of my team.


Of worthy mention, is the fact that I also worked alongside the parliamentary review for care homes, to give some real insight into our world and the many challenges that we continue to face, both operationally and commercially, in our assertive effort to deliver the very best level of care within our community.

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Kerry Taylor

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2009

I have worked at Firstlings since I was 20 years old. I joined as a Care Assistant, then moved on to Senior, where I worked night shifts for 15 years before taking up the role of Deputy Manager in 2009.


Firstlings is more than your place of work, it is also like being at home.


I enjoy all aspects of my job and find my role very rewarding, one aspect being the end of life care. To support our residents and their families whilst ensuring everything is in place such as Farleigh Hospice, anticipatory medication and to ensure their passing is pain-free and dignified. I feel the last part of the care you can finally give is a great honour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Firstlings

What types of Care is Firstlings registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Firstlings have?

There are 32 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Firstlings?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Firstlings to the centre of Maldon?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Firstlings to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Firstlings has an Enhanced Service - more info.