Furze Hill House was opened in November 2007 as a purpose built Home for 40 older people. Most of the residents are from the local area and many continue to remain in touch with families, friends and the local community. It is located on the outskirts of the lovely and historic North Norfolk market town of North Walsham.
Furze Hill's mission is to provide care in a safe, secure and homely environment. The aim is to give quality care in a purpose built home, so that an individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met. Support is given to each resident whilst also encouraging their independence.
The ethos of the home is Christian and this is enhanced by having a Chaplain (ordained minister) as part of the team.
Special attention is paid to the needs of people with dementia. Staff do all they can to help those with dementia hold on to their cherished memories. Encouragement is given to residents to acquire new skills and interests as this will give a sense of purpose and quality of life, so as to maintain mental, physical and spiritual health and well being.
All the bedrooms are single and en-suite and have views of the gardens, the surrounding woods or across the open fields towards Happisburgh.
Outside, the home has pleasant gardens, patios, seating areas and an ‘all weather’ gazebo. There are some raised beds where residents can grow vegetables.
The Home employs an activities co-ordinator who compiles a programme of weekly activities. These include board games, puzzles, crafts, skittles, film shows, reminiscence, quizzes and gardening. Daily activities are posted on the Home’s notice board. Residents are invited to be involved in what they want to do with their activity time. Throughout the year there is a regular programme of choirs, musicians, dancers and other entertainment.
Group: The Salvation Army
Person in charge: Jodie Hemmings (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Norfolk County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned , Registered for a maximum of 40 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's • Hearing Impairment & Deafness • Speech Impairment • Visual Impairment
Admission Information: Ages 65+.
Single Rooms: 40
Shared Rooms: 0
Rooms with ensuite WC: 40
Weekly Charges Guide: Personal Care Single £672 – £756 (These prices are only a guideline, please contact Furze Hill House to find out the exact price for your requirements.)
Facilities & Services: Palliative Care • Respite Care • Own GP if required • Smoking not permitted • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Bar/Cafe on premises • Residents Kitchenette • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Visiting:
Welcome visitors any time of the day, However please avoid meal times which are from 0830 - 0930 , 1230-1330, 1630-1730
Family & friends able to come and have lunch with there loved one at anytime
Parking:
Parking is available on site
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Furze Hill House: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.7 (maximum of 10) for Furze Hill House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 9 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Furze Hill House in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.813 for Furze Hill House is calculated as follows: ( (88 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.813
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 4.875 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Furze Hill House is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 8 positive Reviews (40 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 7 Reviews ÷ 8 Target = 0.875
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Furze Hill House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.688) from 9 Reviews
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Christine (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 7 May 2018. Relates to May 2018.
My mum has been at Furze Hill for just over a year. She has flourished with the care provided - her mobility has improved as has her general wellbeing. The staff are wonderful - I witness lots of interaction with residents when I visit and mum clearly likes them very much. There are lots of activities for residents to join in with which is great, and the bedrooms are all spacious with en-suite shower rooms. I haven't been present at mealtimes but mum assures me that she enjoys the food and has lots to eat! It's a big weight off my mind to know mum is safe and well cared for.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Aaron Bellward, Head of Care at Furze Hill House responded to this review on 08 May 2018:
Thanks for your kind comments Christine. It's a pleasure to care for Mum.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Frederick M (Husband of Resident) on Monday 12 March 2018. Relates to January 2018.
It would be difficult to find a better care facility than Furze Hill. I did visit a considerable number of care homes prior to choosing Furze. The management team here are friendly and efficient and are always available to discuss any of the problems that inevitably arise with dementia patients. The care staff are superb. Nothing is too much trouble and the commitment and kindness that they show to residents and relatives is so reassuring. We still have the occasional hitch with hearing aids that go missing or not fitted correctly. Overall excellent.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Susan N (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 1 March 2018. Relates to February 2018.
Furze Hill is a lovely, bright modern home. Kept at a very high standard by the housekeeping team. In the past three years my mum has lived there it always smells fresh and there are usually fresh flowers around, which makes it feel very homely when visiting.
The staff are friendly and a cheerful bunch, who care for the residents with respect and warmth. The rooms are bright and modern, with good quality fittings. They are a really good size, with large walk in shower rooms in them all. The soft furnishings have recently been replaced, and residents were asked to choose fabric designs they liked for their rooms, which I thought was lovely. There are lovely views from most rooms over the gardens or countryside, and many quiet areas to sit. I would highly recommend this home,as I know my mum is safe, warm and well looked after at a time in her life when failing health make life very difficult for her.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by John H (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 21 February 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Lovely, bright, warm and welcoming home. Staff second to none. Made to feel very welcome when I visit my friend. Management very friendly, always greeted with a smile. Rooms very spacious and large.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by William S (Husband of Resident) on Wednesday 21 February 2018. Relates to May 2017.
My wife was a resident of Furze Hill House for one year and the attention and care was excellent.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Patricia W (Friend of Resident) on Tuesday 16 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
When I go into the home to visit my friend, the staff are very welcoming and friendly and I think that the activities and entertainment provided for the residents is excellent. The place is always very clean and my friend's room is always tidy, with good facilities that support her needs.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Likely
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Aaron Bellward, Head of care at Furze Hill House responded to this review on 16 Jan 2018:
Thank you for your kind comments.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Heather W (Wife of Resident) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to November 2017.
My husband has been part of the Furze Hill family for over six months now. During this time he has blossomed in the loving care and attention of the staff team.
He is very settled and seems extremely happy in this environment.
The bedrooms are large and bright and the food/drink is prolific and varied.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Aaron Bellward, Head of care at Furze Hill House responded to this review on 12 Jan 2018:
Thanks for your kind comments.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sarah W (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 1 March 2017.
Mother seems very happy. Place is always clean and tidy. Mum joins in as much as able as she is blind, this sometimes is difficult. She enjoys quizzes and bus journeys out and singers/musicians. The carers are always kind and helpful. She mostly likes the food. The reason she sometimes does not is because of nausea, not to do with the food.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J L (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 25 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
The home is light and airy. All the rooms are spacious and have a view over the gardens or countryside. The staff are kind and caring and take an interest in individuals. There are activities every afternoon for those who want to join in and trips out. A comfortable, happy and friendly home.
How likely would you be to recommend Furze Hill House? Likely
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Aaron Bellward, Head of care at Furze Hill House responded to this review on 25 Jan 2017:
Thanks for such a lovely review!
Job Title: Chaplain
Joined: 2013
Description:
My name is Major Diana Bennetts and I am a Salvation Army Officer (Minister of Religion). I was ordained in 1996. I have been in my role at Furze Hill House as Chaplain since July 2013. My previous experience has been as a Corps Officer, (Church Leader)
As Chaplain I aim to accommodate people’s spiritual needs this includes more than organised faith based activities. I enjoy coming alongside the residents just to chat or assist them if needed in any activities they might be involved in. I have what is termed as a ‘presence’ ministry, which means that I am here as needed.
In my role as Chaplain I am privileged to be included by families and friends when their loved ones reach the end of their life to offer time to talk, pray if requested and very often I will conduct the funeral service.
I hold a Prayer time each week day at 10.15am and on a Sunday at 11.15am. These times alternate between the main lounge and Mildred Duff Chapel. I will also organise visits from clergy coming from different denominations if requested. A bi-monthly Communion service is held in the Chapel.
I am also the treasure for the ‘Friends of Furze Hill House’. I look after the shop and café in the home which is part of the Friends fund raising efforts, along with coffee mornings, Easter, summer and Christmas fayres. All funds raised go towards something for the residents.
Job Title: Head of care
Joined: 2012
Description:
I started working at Furze Hill House in 2012 as a member of agency and jumped at the chance to have a full time job there as a care assistant, after a few years I then became a Team Leader and have now progressed to the Head of Care position working closely alongside the Manager and Team Leaders. I thoroughly enjoy my job. I have been working in the care sector for over 10 years and have completed many training course and hold both my NVQ 2 & 3, I am currently working towards my Level 5!
The residents at Furze Hill House are my main priority to ensure they receive the best possible care whilst maintaining their Independence and dignity.
At Furze Hill we have such a wonderful relationship with families, friends and outside professionals. It such a pleasure to work in a lovely warm friendly home.
Job Title: Team Leader
Joined: 2015
Description:
I am the newest member of the management team at Furze Hill House, After a year working as a care assistant and completing all the relevant training, I am now a team leader.
I previously worked in the theatre at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, I also hold a qualification in sign language.
The residents that reside here at Furze Hill House are so important to me and being able to deliver a person-centred care approach which recognises peoples wishes, needs & preferences which enables us to provide a care that is tailor-made to suit any individual.
Job Title: Acting Team Leader / Carer
Joined: 2015
Description:
I am an experienced carer looking after the elderly, I have achieved numerous qualifications including my NVQ 2 in Health & Social Care.
My job role is to provide each resident with personal centred care regardless of their age, ability, creed, religion or sexual orientation. I give my besty ability whilst at work and provide the highest possible care I can.
Job Title: Care Assistant
Joined: 2011
Description:
Hi Im Hayley, I have been working as a care assistant at Furze Hill House for 5 years, The care team at Furze Hill ensure that all residents needs, wishes and preferences are met, respecting individuality & dignity at all times.
I have various qualifications including my NVQ health & Social care level 2 & 3
Job Title: Care Assistant
Joined: 2010
Description:
I am an experienced carer that has attained numerous qualifications as well as my NVQ 2&3 in health & social care. My job role is to give personal centered care to a range of residents with differing abilities & needs.
Our home has achieved the Gold Standard Framework and we aim to give the best end of life care to each individual and meet their wishes and preferences.
Job Title: General Assistants Supervisor
Joined: 2015
Description:
I have been a general assistants supervisor at Furze Hill for 2.5 years, I have secretarial qualifications and also a diploma in hotel management, I spent a year as a trainee manager at 2 sister hotels in norwich with a view in either running my own B&B or becoming a hotel inspector,However over the next few years i was blessed with 3 beautiful daughters and whilst they were growing up i worked as a personal assistant and then as an office administrator for an estate agents this was before opening my own coffee shop which i had for 5 years before coming to Furze Hill, I live in North Walsham with my partner, Some of my hobbies include Crochet, Knitting , Reading, Gardening and watching films (not horrors)
My job role involves overseeing the cleaning of the home to a very high standard, this also includes the laundering of residents clothing and bedding to a very high standard. I train, supervise and appraise a team of 7 General Assistants and am there to advise and support them as and when needed. On a weekly basis i carry out a cleaning audit to ensure that the cleaning standards are being met, I also allocate on the cleaning rota which staff member will be cleaning certain areas since i have been in my position i have completed a QCF level 2 in healthcare support services. I am passionate about my job and love to be involved wherever i can and have just joined the friends committee of the home which organises fund raising events
Job Title: Handy Person / Gardener
Joined: 2013
Description:
I have been employed at Furze Hill House as the handy person / Gardener since feb 2013 , I undertake all the maintenance in the building and also ensure the gardens are kept nice for the residents. I enjoy my work knowing i've made a nice environment for our residents here at Furze Hill House.
There are currently no Care Home Idol entrants who have performed at Furze Hill House