The Briars

33 Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9BD
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9.8 57 Reviews
  • The Briars, Sandown
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 Commitment, no resident is ever asked to leave due to a lack of funds.

Situated in a peaceful residential area with easy access to local shops, seafront walks and community life, The Briars combines homely comfort with round-the-clock support tailored to each individual. Residents enjoy freshly prepared meals, spacious en-suite bedrooms, and a genuine sense of companionship and belonging.

To help make the transition into care easier, The Briars offers a 6-week no-obligation trial, giving families peace of mind and the chance to experience life at the home before making a long-term decision.

The Briars offers:

- A top-rated, not-for-profit care setting focused on people – not profit
- Personalised 24/7 residential care
- The Home for Life Commitment – no resident asked to leave due to funding
- A 6-week no-obligation trial stay
- Comfortable, spacious en-suite bedrooms
- A quiet location close to the beach, local shops and transport links
- Cosy lounges, attractive gardens and a sunny conservatory
- Home-cooked meals made daily on site and a varied programme of activities and outings

With a strong connection to the local community and a dedicated, friendly team, The Briars offers not just care, but a true home.

Families are invited to get in touch to learn more or arrange a visit – the team at The Briars is always ready to offer support and a warm welcome.
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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 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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1269 – £1864
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1269 – £1864
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1269 – £1864
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1269 – £1864

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.

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

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)

Contact The Briars to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

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 (57)

9.8

The Briars has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Briars has 57 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 57
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Reviewer Connection to The Briars
  • 29
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Total of 57, showing 21-40
Review from Erica D (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the last 3 months, it has been such a piece of mind knowing that mum is safe and well cared for. All the staff seem to genuinely love their jobs and mum loves them all. Whenever I call to see how mum is doing, whoever answers the phone can give me an instant update on what sort of day she is having
without having to go and find out. I had reservations about mum going into a home but she is safe, well cared for and stimulated. I wish we had done it sooner. Thank you everyone.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsMany thanks for your kind words. Your mum is a pleasure to care for and it's wonderful to see how happy and busy she is each day.
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Review from Emma M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 21 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What I can say that represents how myself and husband feel about the staff at the Briars.
You have shown so much warmth, care and love to our dad.
To one stay member in particular, we want you to know how fond Dad was of you! You are amazing.
Thank you for being there for us today, you are also
amazing. As all the staff.
All of you have made Dad's last year and last days happy.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsThank you for your kind words. Your dad was a pleasure to care for and we are proud to have made the last year of his life as happy and comfortable as possible.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely, caring and friendly home. Mum settled very quickly and the care Mum receives is excellent. All the staff are friendly and attentive. Mum is happy and always kept "busy" with a nice range of activities. As family, myself and my sister are made to feel welcome each time we visit. Thank you everyone!
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsMany thanks for your kind comments. Your mum is a pleasure to care for and has quickly become a much-loved member of The Briars family.
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Review from J G (Sister of Resident) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The experience I have at all times visiting is always good. The staff are all amazing and very patient with all the residents. All your staff treat every resident as an individual with their needs. I know every time I visit my sister she is very well looked after. The Briars is an amazing place and
I would recommend it to anyone. There is so much interaction with all the residents from the carers.
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Review from Jacqui M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 6 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We visit as much as we can, as we live on the mainland and cannot visit as often as we would like. The staff are always very helpful, especially when the situation can be difficult when we visit and also keep us fully informed of any issues with either my father-in-law or his wife, both of whom are
now permanent residents. I have always been able to talk to the management as needed and they have advised us on any queries that we have had, including finance. Both of our parents seem to be happy and settled, although communication with either of them is now quite difficult. I would like to thank everyone at Briars for the care and attention that I can see they give to all their residents in these difficult circumstances.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsMany thanks for your kind words and it is a pleasure to care for both your father-in-law and his lovely wife.
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Review from F M (Sister of Resident) published on 13 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother had a fall and was dealt with quickly and has been in hospital. I went to see him today and found him looking quite well at the home, very clean and presentable which he always is when I visit. He is very happy at The Briars and finds that they are always there for him even for a chat which
seems to put him at ease as he gets confused easily, especially since being in hospital.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsMany thanks for your kind words and your brother is a pleasure to care for.
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Review from Jo B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I visit my mum at least twice a week generally and have been for a few years now. The care staff are always polite and helpful and I am confident she is well cared for. I do have concerns over upper management, (not with the assistant manager). Very little contact, poor communication skills. Also, lately,
I feel there could be improvements with the activities - basically - more of them, as was once the case, prior to the pandemic. I have noticed that most of the residents respond to music/singing, for example, which was once a more regular activity. Maybe more one-to-one chats/reading where possible. Volunteers?
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Review from H J (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has now lived at The Briars for over five years, and I have been extremely happy with the general standard of care provided at most times. The care staff are usually outstanding and provide "kind" care for residents who can have very difficult needs. I would like to thank all the wonderful
staff at The Briars for their care of my mother and their ongoing support of me when I visit.
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Review from Naomi E (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience at The Briars has always been very positive. The ladies on reception are exceptional - so helpful, cheerful and considerate. As I have only known The Briars during Covid times - I cannot express adequately how good the carers have been - they are an absolute credit to your organisation.
They are so kind and have such empathy with the residents. Always cheerful and it is like a family.
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Review from M S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Getting Mum settled in was a challenge as it was at the height of Covid (Dec 2020) and she had to isolate on arrival and then caught Covid (Feb 2021) and had not been vaccinated. She then contracted cellulitis in her legs and had several bad falls, resulting in her being admitted to hospital or paramedics
being called out. The medication given to Mum to keep her calm was not good as it made her liable to falls. However, despite these big challenges Mum does seem to have settled more and she does seem to be well taken care of on a daily basis and the staff are responsive to her needs and are caring. We appreciate the care she is getting.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsThank you for your review and kind comments. We will share your feedback with our staff.
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Review from Shirley R (Friend of Resident) published on 8 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly staff and lovely clean home. Residents are all really well looked after here.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsDear Shirley, Thank you for your lovely review. We will share your valuable comments with our staff.
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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has only been in The Briars care for a short period but so far, seems to be fairly settled and I am happy with the care she has received.
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Review from Claire H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum says everything is tip-top, staff are excellent and couldn't be better. Food is excellent (not enough sugar). Girls (staff) are the very top of the range. These are Mum's words. From me, as an ex carer, I can honestly say The Briars and their staff are excellent. Thank you.
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Review from Carole S (Wife of Resident) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband is well cared for in The Briars and I find the staff so welcoming to myself and my family, when we visit. There is a warm, friendly atmosphere everywhere in the home. Excellent.
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Review from Linda S (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 16 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Can't get used to being unable to walk into the home to visit a friend/family without having to unlock lots of doors. Feels like imprisonment. After noticing food inside the comfy chair seat and complaining, the issue was dealt with immediately. Would like to see beakers used for residents who are vulnerable
to spillage of hot drinks and also oral care daily, with insisting on handwashing after toilet use, please.
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Review from Lesley G (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum has settled very well. I am extremely pleased with Mum's accommodation and how she is looked after and treated with respect by the staff. The home has a lovely atmosphere and I would recommend it.
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Review from L D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been cared for very well. The staff are always very caring and nothing is too much trouble.
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Review from James K (Son of Resident) published on 6 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It has been wonderful to see my mum thrive at The Briars. When she entered in late April she was very frail and weak and in desperate need of constant attention. My wife and I have been so impressed by the quality of care and dignity every member of staff have shown her. The result is a much happier
mum, a steady improvement in her mental and physical health and more importantly her being positive about the future. Thank you!
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Review from M O (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Difficult to make some of these assessments, following nine months without visits. Based on observations previously and email and phone contact too. Excellent care and concern for Mum after a fall (under supervision of interim manager). Excellent staff - consistent team of friendly, personable, caring
workers. Has been most valuable resource form. Concerns of late, with the number of these good staff leaving and how a new team will work together for the residents. Provision and maintenance of very attractive garden for residents valued. Also stimulating visual areas indoors, which are often changed.
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Review from Robert M (Son of Resident) published on 20 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to thank The Briars care home for their exemplary service concerning my father. He was a resident for nearly a year at The Briars and was looked after with utmost care. They have handled the entire Coronavirus situation with commendable care and admirable management. Unfortunately, my father
passed away recently, but the care home gave us ample notice of his condition and allowed us to see my father and pay our final respects, whilst also taking the situation of social distancing seriously. I would wholeheartedly recommend their services, as they look after everyone with absolute respect. I want to say a massive thank you to every staff member at The Briars, for everything that they have done for my father.
Reply from Lesley Shaw, Home Manager at The BriarsThank you Robert for your lovely review and kind words. We will pass your comments to our staff at The Briars who I am sure will be delighted to hear how much their work and dedication is being appreciated.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.816)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10 for The Briars is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.816 for The Briars is calculated as follows: ( (222 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 261 Ratings = 4.816
  2. 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 The Briars 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:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    2. 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 22 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 19 Mar 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (18)

Meet the Team (7)

Lesley

Lesley Shaw

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2019

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.

Kim

Kim Mears

Job Title: Family Liaison Manager Joined: 2018

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.

Cath

Cath

Job Title: Care Supervisor Joined: 2015

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.

Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Senior Carer Joined: 2015

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.

Carol

Carol

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2017

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.

Ava-Marie

Ava-Marie

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 2016

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.

Tony

Tony

Job Title: Head of Maintenance Joined: 2012

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.

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.