






The Briars is proud to be one of the longest-standing and most respected care homes on the island, rated Good overall and Outstanding in Responsive category by the CQC (April 2021).
The Briars offers high-quality residential care in a warm, welcoming environment just moments from the coast. As part of the Greensleeves Care charity, every penny is reinvested into exceptional care – not profit. Thanks to the charity’s Home for Life...
Care Provided by The Briars
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 38 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Stairlift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Fees are set based on the specific care needs of each individual. Fees come with Greensleeves Care's unique Home for Life financial assurance and, as a not-for-profit home, every penny goes towards high-quality care, never shareholders. Give the home a call today for more details.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Briars for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Briars to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Greensleeves Care
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Lesley Shaw(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2012
Room Information
- Single Rooms (38)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (12)
Visiting
- There are no restrictions on visiting Loved Ones. The Briars is the resident's home and therefore visitors are welcome anytime.
Parking
- Like most other facilities on the Isle of Wight, The Briars Care Home does not have large parking availability. Some time ago the home took a decision, for the benefit of its resident, to convert previously allocated car parking space into a lovely communal outdoor facility for the residents to enjoy. Residents, families and visitors are unanimous in supporting this decision and the benefits of it are evident every day in the resident's wellbeing and happiness. This part of the reason the home achieved Outstanding at the last CQC inspection. Visitors are therefore advised to make use of the plentiful on-road car parking space that is available around the home.
The Briars Reviews (61)
The Briars has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.781) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Briars has 61 reviews.
My mum moved in as a new resident early Nov 2025. She was worried about the move and not knowing anyone but this was necessary for her well being and safety due to dementia. I'm very pleased and impressed with the home, I stayed with mum on moving in day and had lunch to settle her in. We struggled to settle her and the staff suggested we stay away for some days, which was very difficult for my father. It's very clean, the staff are always welcome and have really helped to settle mum to her new way of living. They made a wonderful job of throwing an afternoon tea party for my mum's 90th birthday and mid November. She's making a few friends and joins in with some of the activities eg singing to music. The food is excellent and we joined her for xmas day dinner. I do not live locally and now I can relax knowing my mum is being care for and is safe.
Thank you for your lovely review and it was a pleasure to care for your mum.
I am very happy here and have no complaints.
Many thanks for your lovely review which I will share with staff.
The Briars staff are all so very friendly and always willing to listen. The home is very clean and the staff always welcome us and make us comfy with our sister and a drink.
Thank you for your lovely review which I will share with the staff.
My husband lives at The Briars. Residents are cared for exceptionally well and always as individuals. All staff go out on a limb to form a warm and friendly bond with residents. Always a distinct aura of positivity, so helpful for residents and their visitors. I would not hesitate in saying this welcoming home deserves it's many awards. My sincere thanks to everyone.
Many thank for your wonderful review and it is an absolute pleasure to care for your husband.
Firstly I live in Devon so can manage to visit my sister only 3-4 times a year. I see very little of The Briars but very happy to what I do see. My sister is always looking well dressed and care for and with dignity. But always wanting to get out!! I am satisfied to know that she is now allowed out alone for her safety. I also hear of activities when I phone and seen videos of her joining in. I am told she eats very little but she always has a choice. I appreciate getting phone calls from staff concerning any health problems.
Many thanks for your lovely review and it is always a pleasure to see you when you visit.
Taking preferences. The staff are a credit to your company.
Mum has been at The Briars since 2023. Dad joined her in 2025 until his death in July 2025. The evening Dad died, the staff were marvellous & we were treated like family which we were very grateful. Mum has dementia & is virtually non verbal & has to be fed but all the staff treat her with dignity. In my opinion we have been very lucky to find The Briars.
Many thanks for your lovely words and it has been a pleasure to care for both your parents.
My comments relate more generally to the home rather than the last visit in December 2025. The care, support and meals are excellent. As a social worker said 'it passes the Mums test' meaning it would be ok for one's Mum to be looked after there. Being an older property it doesn't have what some newer homes have that is a private lounge with coffee table etc so visitors can have a private chat with residents.
Many thanks for your review. Please pop in next time you are on the Island and we will arrange a private area for your visit.
As a family we are grateful for the outstanding care dad receives from all the staff at the Briars. We always find the staff kind, compassionate and the senior staff extremely approachable when discussing Dad's care or any concerns. It is a peace of mind knowing that Dad is well liked and treated with respect. He enjoys the leisure time that he is able to spend in the dining room or lounge. The home is clean with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We would definitely recommend the Briars to other families.
Thank you for your wonderful review which has made us all so happy.
The security for getting in /out of the home, and when taking my mum out for a walk, feels very safe.
I was present on my last visit for 3 meals, and looked very tasty and healthy. It's just unfortunate that my mother has little appetite these days.
My mothers care, including giving medication on time, managing her agitations etc, all seems to have been done with the utmost dignity by staff. And she absolutely loved having a bath, which she has not been able to have for a few years.
This is an honest account of my observations when I visited in December, and therefore, these comments are only a snapshot of her time at the home. Unfortunately as I'm not resident on the island, my visits are infrequent. But I'm pleased to say I have no concerns regarding her care so far.
Many thanks for your lovely review which I will share with the staff.
Since arriving at the Briars, my father has settled in really well and always appears happy and content with the care that is being provided to him. He particularly enjoys the range of food on offer. He doesn't really join in with activities, but feels happy and secure in the residence, and enjoys regular visits from friend and family.
Many thanks for your lovely review which I will share with staff.
They had come from the mainland following the passing of my sister in December 2025. When my father passed away in June 2025, my mothers dementia really progressed with all the trauma and greif and the home felt they were no longer able to meet her needs.
From the day she 'moved in' the staff supported her with care and compassion and quickly seemed to undestand her dementia and how the transer would be best supported, to minimise her potential anxiety and confusion.
My mother, I feel is still settling, but getting more familiar with the environment, which at times is busy, but seems organised and is welcoming.
All the staff are friendly and approachable and clearly have a good knowledge of how to support residents with differing dementia needs with kindness and dignity.
Many thanks for your kind review which I will share with the staff.
Amazing carer, compassionate and kind toward resident. Had to apply for social-funding and as a family are so pleased she is able to stay at the home due to the care resident receives.
Many thanks for your lovely review and we are very proud of our home for life policy.
My mother has lived in The Briars for several years there has always been a welcoming atmosphere when I have been there. Family members are also welcomed. I have no faults with any of the staff. I like the way that they tell mum what they are going to do. I.e helping with washing and dressing her. Always with a pleasant manner. I have no concerns.
Many thanks for your lovely review. Your mum is a pleasure to care for.
My friend has been very happy in The Briars and is well cared for. Her clothes are always clean and freshly ironed and his has been true on dozens of visits. Staff take care to ensure that she is given meals that are tasty and she always has the chance to enjoy her favourite foods.
Difficult situations are defused immediately and with humour. They always very conscientious in giving out her medication, making sure she takes it and referring ailments and medical concerns to the doctor. Residents are treated with compassion, dignity and understanding.
Some of the home's facilities are rather basic but they make the best use of them that they can. The garden is very pleasant and residents can sit outside in summer and there is also shelter from the sun. It would be better if staff meetings and training could take place somewhere else than one of the lounges at the end of the building as it limits space and toilet facilities for residents. Security for residents is excellent.
Many thanks for your kind review and we are looking at alternative arrangements for staff meetings and training to minimise the impact on our residents.
I am so pleased with the care my mother receives at The Briars. She has been here for nearly 4 years and is part of The Briars family. I am greeted with kindness and love everytime I come to visit from all members of the wonderful staff.
Many thanks for your lovely review which I will share with the team.
As a trusted friend and POA I have so much confidence in the care that The Briars is giving. To know that the care and everything given is of such a high standard enables me to know that I have made the right decision.
Many thanks for your wonderful feedback which I will share with the team.
I would like to say thank you to all the staff at The Briars as my mum has settled in at ease. She has made so many improvements since her stay at the care home. The staff are very friendly and helpful and always making my mum smile. Always clean when I go to my mum's room and tidy and it always smells fresh. I don't have any complaints, and very satisfied with the care that they are providing. Never seen my mum smile so much which makes me smile when visiting.
Many thanks for your lovely review and we are delighted your mum has settled so well.
After the decision to place mum into care, any concerns we had went very quickly after she settled in within weeks. She loves it! The staff are caring and compassionate there's lots of interaction and we enjoy visiting and seeing staff and residents together.
Many thanks for your kind words and we look forward to your visits.
Our dear friend was a resident for just over 3 years. In this time, the standard of care was exceptional. The management and all the care staff were all very approachable and attentive. Our friend passed her last years being happy and comfortable. The Briars itself is maintained to an exceptionally high standard of cleanliness and decoration. Good management, good staff, makes for a very pleasant environment. My sincere thanks to you all.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 19 March 2020Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (9) & Events (0)
- 12 Jun 2026
We're proud to share that Greensleeves Care has been named among the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026. With more than 60 colleagues currently undertaking apprenticeships across our homes,...
- 02 Mar 2026
Greensleeves Care has once again been recognised in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Large Care Home Groups in England for 2026 – a remarkable milestone and the organisation’s ninth consecutive year...
- 04 Dec 2025
Greensleeves Care is celebrating a milestone achievement — with three of its care homes, Lavender Fields in Sevenoaks, The Manor in Windsor, and Broadlands in Suffolk, becoming the first in...
There are no upcoming events for The Briars.
Awards / Recognitions (19)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Greensleeves Care
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Greensleeves Care
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Greensleeves Care
Meet the Team (7)

Hello, my name is Lesley Shaw and I am proud to be the manager of The Briars.
We are based in the seaside town of Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The Briars is a specialised dementia home where the residents always come first. Our aim is to provide high quality care, in a safe and friendly environment, which respects the rights, dignity and privacy for all who live here.
Being a specialised dementia home my staff are highly qualified and dedicated ensuring everyone can live their life to the fullest. It is a privilege to be part of the team. I am a qualified, experienced manager, I believe in openness and transparency and always have time for a cup of tea and a chat. At The Briars we have strong links to our local community and always welcome new friends.

My role at The Briars is to offer support and advice to families who are looking for care for their loved ones. There is no greater reward for me than helping people on this journey into finding the right home. Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends.

I have worked in care for 30 years in a variety of settings and positions. I joined the team at the Briars in December 2015. Supporting and caring for residents living with dementia is an integral part of my role that I find full-filling and each day brings new experiences.

I joined The Briars 5 years ago as a Care Assistant and have now progressed to a Senior Carer. My residents here are very important to me and I will always take time out of my shift to chat to them and check they are doing OK. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and paddleboarding, weather permitting.

I feel very privileged to work at The Briars, the staff and residents are what make the home such a nice place to be. I enjoy my job knowing that the job I do makes a difference to the team and residents. Out of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and walking my three terrier style dogs.

I have worked in the catering sector of residential care for just over 10 years. I have previously worked as a Cook in holiday camps and public houses. I enjoy spending time with the residents and finding out about their likes and dislikes in terms of food. In my private time, I enjoy kayaking, swimming and spending time with my family.

I enjoy my role as no two days are the same, for example, one day I could be changing fire doors, the next making a wooden birthday cake! In my spare time, I like to go kayaking with my sons and dog in tow! We enjoy exploring the Isle of Wight with plenty of walks and trips to the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Briars
What types of Care is The Briars registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The Briars have?
There are 38 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The Briars?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is The Briars to the centre of Sandown?
0.2 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 The Briars to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Briars has an Enhanced Service -more info.