






The Firs is a residential care home set in the heart of the small village of Witheridge in Mid Devon close to Tiverton, South Molton and Braunton. The Firs is housed in an elegant period style building which used to be the doctors manor house back in the early 1900s.
The home is nestled within large acres of garden allowing many scenic seating areas and that feeling of being outdoors close...
Care Provided by The Firs
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Learning Disability / Autism
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 27 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
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Stairlift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Prices depend on assessment of care needs.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Firs for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Firs 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
- South West Care Homes Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Harriet Hawkins (Registered Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2000
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (27)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Visiting
- Visitors welcome anytime.
Parking
- The Firs has a car park for visitors
The Firs Reviews (45)
The Firs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.768) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs has 45 reviews.
The care at the Firs is excellent, and my mother has everything she needs. I feel totally confident leaving her there. The home is let down ONLY by the standard of food, which, while obviously adequate for sustenance, is fairly poor. Vegetables are often overcooked, the food is fairly repetitive.I understand that it is necessarily institutional, but I honestly think there is room for improvement within budget. I believe that possibly some training for the chefs could improve things. This has been an issue that I have regularly raised, but things haven't improved greatly. However, I want to stress, that this is the ONLY fault I find. The staff are wonderful and nothing is too much trouble, no matter what my mother's problem may be.
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the care your mother receives and that our team provides the support she needs. I will pass on your kind comments to our care team. We sincerely appreciate your honesty regarding the food, We agree the food we provide...
Recently, there has been an increase in activities, which has been wonderful to see. It's especially nice seeing mum taking part and enjoying herself more.
The home itself is always well maintained, and the rooms are clean and comfortable, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment.
We truly appreciate the time, care, and effort that all the staff put into looking after our mum. It means a lot to our family.
Thank you for your lovely review. I will be sure to share your feedback with the team, including our Activities Coordinator, Jane
The Firs provides a caring and very pleasant environment. I feel that I am well informed about my relatives health and wellbeing, including any changes. It is good to be reassured that the right choice was made when reaching the difficult decision that a care home was necessary.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We are pleased to hear that you feel well informed about your relative's health and wellbeing and that you have found The Firs to be a caring and welcoming environment. I will be sure to pass your lovely comments on to the team.
Mum who unable to care for her/self. Is being cared for by. The Firs. When ever I visit Mum. She always clean. and she never looks stressed. The staff are always happy to answer any questions I have. and always busy helping People like my Mum with their needs. The Home Always presentable and clean. Thank you for your care for Mum.
That's great to hear. Thanks for your feedback, we really appreciate it
Completely satisfied with service and care being given to my mother.
Thank you for your kind review. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the care your mother is receiving. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Nothing is too much trouble & we are truly grateful.
You are all superstars.
Thanks so much for your review it means a lot. Mum is a joy to look after Pip x
It was reassuring for our family to find members of staff attending her with calm consideration during her final weeks and days. We were kept closely informed about her state of health during this time and felt confident that she was receiving the best possible care.
Sincere thanks to all those at The Firs who nursed and cared for her so well, giving her peace and dignity at the end of a long life.
Bless you. Thanks for your lovely review it is appreciated. We really miss Chrissie. Do pop in if passing by. Pip
On my visits to see Christine (my half sister) I always felt welcomed and, although busy, the staff always had time to speak and approached all the residents with professional care, dignity and good humour.
The Firs is well managed, has a happy atmosphere and the hard working staff all deserve medals for the work they do every day. Thank you all so much for looking after Christine so well.
Thanks so much Penny for your kind words, we were delighted to be able to care for Christine. She always appreciated your visits and music. We will miss her, she was always so cheerful and her encouraging words and thankfulness will be missed.
My sister has been living at The Firs for last 2 years she has Alzeimer. She has been treated very well, with care, kindness and respect by all staff. Also they have been very helpful to me when I visit or contact them.
Many thanks for your feedback Jennie, we have loved having Joan with us and it has been great seeing you when you visit her also.
18 months ago I accompanied my friend of 25 years to The Firs I had no idea of just what to expect, but we stepped into a calm peaceful homely environment and when asked about visiting times, was told 'at any-time'. A few months ago her health detereated and after a couple of spells in hospital her mentle health also. She was frightend, confused and very sad. She is now back at home with staff and surrounding familiar to her and she's happy once again.
Thank you for your lovely kind words, we love having her as part of the Firs family and we are so pleased she is back with us. You know you are welcome any time.
My wife has been at The Firs now for 8 months. The Firs is an excellent care home with lovely food and daily activities - my wife is very happy. The staff are very welcoming I would recommend The Firs to anyone.
Thanks. We are delighted how well she has settled into the home, she already is the life and soul of the party.. She does love her music sessions :-)
I have been visiting my friend in residence alongside a mutual friend for the past 18 months. Each visit, we have seen nothing but friendliness and care from all the staff. The staff even put on a birthday lunch, including both of us plus my husband and grandchild. A delightful time for all. The Firs is welcoming with lots of activities, books, and puzzles if residents choose. A well kept garden for use. An excellent place.
Many thanks for the lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. We enjoy your visits very much.
My sister has been at The Firs for nearly a year, she settled very quickly, is happy and very well looked after which gives me peace of mind. The staff are excellent, the door is always opened with a smile and they are all very easy to talk to.. I am extremely grateful to them all for their kindness and care to my sister and to me.
Thanks Diane for your lovely kind review, we are delighted to have been able to help care for her here @ The Firs. We appreciate your feedback.
My father uses the firs for rest bite at this time , it is always our first port of call when the time comes round , excellent service , friendly staff , a great experience with staff who can accommodate my fathers needs .
Many thanks Richard, we always enjoy seeing Dad when he comes for a stay. We look forward to welcoming him again in the future months. Regards.
My Mother settled into the Fir's just like she was at home. The staff are really friendly and very helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. The rooms and the whole care home is kept clean and bright, making it feel welcoming when you enter the building. The staff took time to prepare my Mother's dietary requirements as she was restricted on what she could eat. I would recommend the Fir's to anyone if you are looking for rest bite care or full time residential care.
Thanks so much for your review, it is much appreciated. We always look forward to Mum's stays. We look forward to seeing you all again soon I am sure.
I just to wanted to say that mum has improved so much since staying with you. We were a bit worried at first if she would settle but you have all been amazing with her and to see the improvement is fantastic. Thank you all very much
Thanks so much Norman, we are delighted to have mum with us. She is settling really well and seems really happy here.
Brilliant approach from all the staff from day one has meant our relative has relaxed and begun to enjoy life again. She enjoys the activities offered, the good food and company of all the staff and residents. Hygiene and cleanliness is really well maintained, the rooms are bright and welcoming. The management and staff are all doing their jobs with diligence to achieve such a high level of care for the residents - we would like to thank them sincerely.
Thanks so much for your wonderful review, it is really appreciated and demonstrates the hard work the team are putting in. We are delighted with how well she has settled and as you say it is great to see her enjoying life once again.
I have visited my ex-neighbour at The Firs several times and find it to be a good home overall. Friendly and helpful staff. The residents seem very happy and well looked after. The one downside is the state of the patio area; weeds growing in the cracks and needing a good brush. Which is a great shame as it upsets the resident that I go to visit as she loved being in her garden at home.
Thanks for your honest review - We have just recruited a new maintenance person and have a gardener on board now, so hope that the weeds will soon be a thing of the past! We have had to prioritise whilst short and I am sure you will agree the priority has and always will be the needs of the residents.
I visited my neighbour who moved to The Firs approx 3 weeks ago. I stayed for approx 45 minutes and so nice to be able to bring my dog for her (some other residents were pleased too!). There was a relaxed, friendly and 'willing' atmosphere created by the staff very welcoming. Without prompting, my friend said a few times' I like it here and the food is nice'. She was bright, smiley, very 'engaged' and asked after people and was beautifully dressed and obviously well cared for.
Thanks for your kind feedback, we are delighted with how she has settled and is enjoying being part of The Firs family. We welcome doggies anytime.
My late mother spent her last five years at 'The Firs' and despite various health-related problems she often said she liked it there and liked her room. It was good to know that there was always a member of staff nearby. I admire their endless patience and understanding when their necessary intervention was not always welcomed!
Many thanks for your review. We all miss Mum very much, she was such a character!
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 04 March 2022Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- 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 (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for The Firs.
There are no upcoming events for The Firs.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs.
Meet the Team (4)

Hello, I'm Harriet, the Registered Manager at The Firs.

Lorelei is the Deputy Manager at the Firs.

Hello, I'm Jodi, a Team Leader at The Firs.

Sue is part of the housekeeping team, which keeps The Firs looking great.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs
What types of Care is The Firs registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The Firs have?
There are 27 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is The Firs to the centre of Tiverton?
9.3 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 Firs to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Firs has an Enhanced Service -more info.