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 21-40
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
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Review from N B (Niece of Resident) published on 4 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit my aunt at Firstlings at least a couple of times a week and can say she is very well cared for. She particularly enjoys the in-house entertainment including bingo and singing and also getting her hair done as she has always looked after her appearance. The staff are very professional but also
friendly, the home is welcoming and clean and I am very grateful for how happy my aunt is here, it's an amazing home and I highly recommend it.

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Review from Sarah C (Friend of Resident) published on 3 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend seems happy and content and is always clean and happy when I see her. Her mental capacity has deteriorated over the year she has been resident, but I would have expected that as this was the primary reason, she needed 24-hour care as even with the support of carers in her home her overall
health was deteriorating, however, her particular physical health issues which were ongoing issues with swollen oedematous legs have improved 100% and I think this is due to the care of the home but also that she is now well nutritioned and her every need is met. She has her hair done weekly which she loves, and a paper delivered every day, at home she had lost interest in reading. I am always treated well when I visit and I now find that I can spend quality time with her catching up on things, and on the advice of the carers now know how to manage her memory loss and talking to and listening to her in the time and place she is on that day. The staff are caring and supportive.

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Review from Cheryl H (Private Carer of Resident) published on 27 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

When I call they answer with manners and politeness. They always made to feel very welcome and my lady is always very clean and very happy and well looked after, the room is clean and tidy and I get offered a hot drink on arrival.

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Review from Sarah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Firstlings Care Home during the summer of 2020. As we were in lockdown at the time, we were not able to visit or settle Mum in. The staff did everything they could to try and reassure us, making Mum feel at home. She settled really quickly. Facebook photos helped us to glimpse inside
her new world and know what she was up to. This was vital because her Alzheimer's makes it increasingly difficult for her to communicate with us.
Mum's interactions with the staff show how much they care for her and also how cared for she feels. With Alzheimer's, her reactions are genuine and it's always comforting for us to see how well the staff know Mum and care about her as a person, not just a resident.
Even when stretched, the staff have time for you and listen to your questions or concerns. There is real stability amongst the staff too which is hugely important for anyone with dementia, but also their family.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Firstlings and cannot thank them enough.

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Review from Janette B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I can't fault the staff at Firstlings Care Home. Mum has been very difficult. I have had lots of support and advice. Getting Mum's medications sorted was a great relief and has made a huge difference.
Having regular hair appointments has been good for her.

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Review from Sandra W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has had first-class care and support during the whole of the seven years that she has resided in Firstlings Care Home and cannot fault them in any way.
There is plenty of stimulating entertainment and activities for each individual's needs.
The home is spotlessly clean, with five-star nutritious
and appetising food.

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Review from T S (Son of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has only been here a month so a bit early to comment but all seems good so far. She is bedridden but is kept clean and comfortable the staff do a very good job and we are pleased overall with the care she is getting.

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Review from Jennifer M (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum is very happy here, mum still thinks that she is in her own home doing all her own washing, cleaning etc and we know she's not. However, it just proves mum is happy. She eats well, is sleeping well and loves telling everyone what to do. We know that she is safe and well and if ever she is unwell
the doctor is called and she is seen the same day so that is very important to us. The staff are all wonderful and from what I have seen they love their job.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been with Firstlings for a few years now and has Alzheimer's.
Our experience of the home has been excellent. The carers are thoughtful and tireless, can't do enough to help. We have visited the home a lot and each time the residents are treated with complete respect and kindness and their
needs are taken care of. The chef and kitchen staff are amazing and cook fresh, nutritious, tasty-looking food each day. There is support from nurses where needed. The residents are kept entertained with various activities during the day by people who genuinely want to be with them and who get to know each person and their needs/quirks. There are two comfy lounges where they can sit, chat, watch telly etc. My mum didn't want to go into any care home, because she was afraid of change. In fact, she just couldn't manage at home.
Firstlings dealt with this transition very sensitively and mum soon settled in and is so happy and smiley each time we go. I wouldn't want to leave her with anyone else.

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Review from c e (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum had to be found a care home at very short notice and it was also during Covid. After an initial telephone conversation then a zoom call with the deputy manager I knew that this place was the best home for my mum. I was not able to view it prior to her moving in (due to Covid) but once I was allowed
to visit I was very pleased I had made that choice. Every single one of the staff I have come into contact with since mum moved in (April 2021) has been lovely and also know my mum personally, she is not just a number. The home is small in comparison to some others, but I think that suits mum as it definitely feels more homely. Mum has dementia so is not really able to speak up for herself but I have no concerns about her care whatsoever. Firstlings is a lovely place for her to be and peace of mind for me too.

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Review from P W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has been in Firstlings for six and a half years and has been so well looked after. It has been like a home from home for her. She seems to have aged very little considering she is 101, which is indicative of the quality of the tenderness and care she is given at Firstlings. Family visitors
are also treated as important to the well-being of the residents, and she is able to benefit from regular visits that Firstlings encourage.

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Review from P W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During the past 18 months throughout the covid pandemic, the care staff in Firstlings have been amazing in caring for mum, and keeping me up-to-date with all the safety precautions necessary for the well-being of residents and visitors. They must have had to work beyond the call of duty and I thank
them for all they have done and are still doing.

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Review from K H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings are amazing with mum. I wouldn't have her anywhere else. The staff are wonderful.

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Review from T W (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 22 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found the staff at Firstlings to be caring and kind. The care provided is faultless and I never have any concerns about how she is being treated. I was totally confident that she was being well looked after during the year or so when I was unable to visit. Thank you Firstlings!

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Review from V T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are always most helpful.
The home is always clean, I am very happy with all aspects of the care that my mother receives.

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Review from M E (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my parents have been residents of Firstlings, and the personalised care and support they have received have been excellent. The staff and management take time to get to know their residents and personalised care to their individual needs. I am very content that they have my parents best interest
in mind at all times.

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Review from J R (Husband of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Beautiful home, staff and food. Can't complain about anything. My wife is looked after ever so well.

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Review from Lesley M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff very good. Food is good. They let my father have dinner with my mum and he is very well treated. Looked at other care homes, but this one was the best.
Cannot fault the care that my mum has.

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Review from K M D (Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel very safe in my home and most of the staff are very good too. I am top of the world.

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Review from E C (Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Safe and secure. Much better than hospital. Treated very well.

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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.

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