The Briars

33 Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9BD
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9.9 49 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.

Care Provided

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

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.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Lesley Shaw (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • 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.

Total of 49, showing 41-49
9.9

The Briars has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Briars has 49 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 33
  • 15
  • 1
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Date Published

49
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Briars is a wonderful home for my parents. They are well looked after and treated with respect and dignity, nothing is too much trouble. Staff are kind and thoughtful and always on hand to help and support when needed. The standard of care and well-being is outstanding.
It really is ‘a home’ for
them!

Reply from Ian Leitch, Home Manager at The Briars

Thank you for feedback it is much appreciated, it’s our pleasure to see your parents enjoying their life together.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband is in the home and we find the staff lovely and caring. Very pleasing.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nan is very happy here, she is very well looked after, she loves her food and enjoys the lovely meals on offer.


The staff are always very cheerful and friendly and it is clear to see that Nan likes them and feels safe with them.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After an unexpected trip to A&E, the staff from The Briars drove to the hospital to find my mother and stay with her. He and the team then arranged for her transfer to The Briars. I felt overwhelmed by the caring attitude given to mum and also me as at the time I was 100 miles away and helpless to do
anything. What superb service. A very caring place, everyone had a smile and nothing is too much trouble.

Reply from Ian Leitch, Home Manager at The Briars

Thank you very much for your kind review. It was nothing more than a pleasure to help 'Mum' out on such a difficult day for her. It was simply a common sense response that we would look to afford for anyone in such a situation. Ian Leitch - Home Manager.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find the home friendly, caring and very professional, also it's a pleasure to visit.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since my father has been in The Briars approximately 6 weeks he has settled in very well. He has been assessed for his mental capability by the psychiatrist. We have noticed a marked improvement in his mental awareness since he has been in the home.
The management and staff have been very friendly
and supportive to both dad and our family. My father seems to have got a bond with them especially the chef and seems very happy and settled.

Reply from Nicky Shepherd, Home Manager at The Briars

I'm really glad your dad has settled so well into life at The Briars and we are always here and happy to help.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a permanent resident at The Briars for almost three years.
The care is excellent, it is a bright, cheerful place, with a lovely garden.
The staff are always so kind and caring.
The home has won awards for outstanding care.
My husband went for two days a week day care for a long
time before becoming a permanent resident.
There are lots of activities and special games and books for dementia.
They really care there.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My honest information.
Already seen a great difference in staff and patients.
So you have made a good choice in your new appointed lady.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father moved into The Briars on 1st May 2017 and from the first moment, he was made to feel very welcome. Many members of staff came to his room to say "hello" and introduce themselves, all using dad's first name and showing great kindness and a very genuine caring attitude. Due to his dementia,
this was a very difficult and emotional time for dad, myself and our family as a whole.
From the moment of my first contact with The Briars to enquire about the availability of a room, through the assessment process and first visit to the home and carers, managers, cooks etc have shown great compassion and understanding about how hard it is when a relative has to move into a care home which has really helped us to deal with the difficult early days of the transition. Thank you very much.

Reply from Nicky Shepherd, Home manager at The Briars

Dear Rachel, thank you for your wonderful review. At The Briars we always strive to welcome new residents and make the process of coming into care comfortable and stress-free for all concerned and I am pleased we have been able to support you and your family through this time, and your dad has settled so well.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.946)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10 for The Briars is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.946 for The Briars is calculated as follows: ( (191 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.946

  • 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 The Briars is based on 17 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 17 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: 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)

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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.

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