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 41-60
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
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Date Published

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Review from N S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad used Firstlings for respite care. It is a place where he feels comfortable and just like being at home. The staff are like a second family, all very friendly and caring. He really enjoys coming here to see the residents. He has become friendly with and enjoys joining in with all the activities.
He particularly enjoys the range of foods available on the menu.

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Review from T J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the staff at Firstlings very helpful and accommodating. On Monday 14th January 2019, Firstlings had a family meeting in the afternoon. In the morning, when I was visiting Mum, I informed a senior member of staff that I was unable to attend the said meeting. The member of staff was most
helpful and offered to do a one to one meeting with me, then and there. This I found very accommodating and I had ample time to express myself. Many thanks, the staff do a wonderful job.

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Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstlings is always clean, tidy and well presented. All staff are friendly and welcoming. There is usually something going on and the residents always appear happy and settled. My mum says the food is very good and I am always offered refreshments when I visit. It is a weight off my mind that Mum lives
there, she is safe and well looked after.

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Review from Gillian W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has lived in Firstlings for 6 months and I have been very happy with the level of care that she receives.
The staff are kind and caring and visitors are made to feel welcome.
The home is spotlessly clean and comfortable.
Many activities are arranged and participation is encouraged.
The
Christmas party was fun with staff in fancy dress and music provided by visiting singers which made for a lovely atmosphere.
I have no hesitation in recommending Firstlings.

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Review from M W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had dementia and was not an easy woman to care for, but all the staff, from the handyman to the cleaners, the kitchen staff and carers and managers all made her feel she was part of a big family.
When my mum returned from the hospital so she could end her life in the care home, her face lit
up when the night staff came to see her and I felt she was always treated with dignity and respect.

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Review from Jayne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak more highly of Firstlings. Their standard of cleanliness, care and support if both resident and resident's family is excellent.
Being able to speak to my mum on Skype and seeing her in the photographs on their facebook page is more important than you can imagine. I live in Western Australia
but I felt I knew what mum was doing on a day to day basis.
Thank you. I know mum was very happy in their care.

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Review from Barbara C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident for only one year at Firstlings. I have great regard for all the excellent care and warmth shown to mum. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff. When mum required extra help for health problems a doctor was called straight away. Mum enjoyed all the activities and interaction
with all the staff. Great care home. Well done!

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Review from B C (Son of Resident) published on 16 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Residents are well cared for. Staff are very helpful and happy.

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Review from Shiela C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff interact very well with the residents and the home is clean, warm and welcoming.

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Review from Brian H (Husband of Resident) published on 21 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is an excellent residential home. The staff are very attentive and take care in every detail.

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Review from Susan I (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Caring staff to residents and family. Understanding of my mother's needs and making her feel that she is valued. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from Sylvia J (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 19 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

They are very caring staff, they look after everybody well. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from Nicholas C (Son of Resident) published on 6 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A true home from home where all the staff are caring and considerate. The resident's needs are anticipated and well considered, including health matters and appropriate well-timed medical attention. You could not ask for more.

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Review from Pauline C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have great regard for Firstlings care home. The staff treat my mother with warmth and kindness whilst being always mindful of her dignity.
Her room is spotlessly clean and she really enjoys her food. Great care is taken over any health problems, the doctor is called a soon as any health problems,
the doctor is called as soon as any difficulty is suspected. Also, the family is kept informed and made welcome whenever visiting.
The facilities at the home are developing e.g the cinema and newly decorated conservatory and lots of good events are arranged for residents, family and friends.

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Review from Lesley G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In my opinion, my father has received excellent care, the staff and management team are receptive to discussion and any concerns about dad.
The care staff are always polite and treat my father with dignity and respect even if my father becomes agitated. The staff take all reasonable measures to reassure
my father or contact me if necessary. My only suggestion would be an area where family can get a cup of tea without the need to ask a staff member, I know this facility is available in other homes,

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Review from Marian F (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleasant environment with very caring staff.

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Review from Alan B (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 17 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found Firstlings an excellent care home - the staff, facilities and cleanliness are of a very high standard.

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Review from Jeanette B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For all the years mum has been resident at Firstlings, she has always been happy and content. The care she receives here at Firstlings is always first class. The kindness, compassion, and excellent care she has always received is wonderful. They truly care about her mum - we have nothing but praise
for all the staff at Firstlings.

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Review from Barbara K (Sister of Resident) published on 17 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kind, considerate, caring staff and management who treat my brother with dignity and kindness. The cleanliness is excellent and the surroundings are homely.

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Review from B J (Brother of Resident) published on 19 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very kind staff, nice facilities, always helpful.

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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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