What types of Care is The Firs Residential Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs Residential Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs Residential Home to the centre of Budleigh Salterton?

0.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

The Firs Residential Home, 33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6AE

Review from Paul C (Next of Kin) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We had to put a family friend into a care home after struggling at home alone, she was very nervous and apprehensive about going into a care home, but from the moment she arrived she was made very welcome by the friendly staff and management team which put her mind at ease. She has settled in very

well and thoroughly enjoying the many activities that the home put on. She really looks forward to her favourite roast dinner. She is certainly living her best life. Amazing care home with amazing staff, would highly recommend.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your review. We are so pleased your friend has settled in, the difference from when she first came to now is amazing, a totally different lady who is so happy, even made new friends. I will feedback your review onto the team at the Firs.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from V M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 29 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My nan spent 6 months at The Firs before passing away in April this year, the staff made her feel so welcome and so did the residents. The activity coordinators are amazing, so many varied different activities, my nan joined in with cooking, flower arranging, arts and crafts, bingo, knitting, all things

which hadn't been possible for her for years. The food at The Firs was lovely, with varied meals, multiple options. Staff always alerted us if they had any concerns, following all the correct procedures when she fell, or when she had a rash or a swollen leg, for example. Myself and my family I can't recommend The Firs enough.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review, we are so pleased that your Nan was so happy at the Firs. We will pass on your kind words to the team.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from C G (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is a lovely care home. The staff are very caring and helpful, friendly and happy.
My father always tells me he is so happy there and very well looked after, which is all you ever want to hear.
I have not hesitations whatsoever recommending this home.
The activities are well thought out,

they cater to all abilities and they even have a bar! The residents really are treated as a family. I couldn't have picked a better home for him

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Your dad always expressing that he is very happy here and has a new lease of life with all the wonderful activities he joins in with. I will pass your lovely comments back to our dedicated team members.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Clive L (Son of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

First impression of The Firs is that the staff are very caring, the management very good with our mums needs. Mum has settled in very quickly, there are lots of activities and a very beautiful garden which she likes to sit in with lovely flowers. The First turned out to be a fantastic choice.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the wonderful review. Your mum really has settled in well and is making new friends and enjoying the activities. We will pass your positive comments to our wonderful staff team.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Jacqui F (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Whenever we visit we are always welcomed and never made to feel in the way. Always offered a cup of tea and a room for chat. The activities they have are amazing, the food always looks lovely. The staff very accommodating and caring. The home has a lovely look and ambience about it. They ring you as

soon as there is a problem. I would like to think there's a home like this available if ever I needed it.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review and kinds words.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Laurence F (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

A fabulous place. I feel I am visiting Mum in her home, not a care home, she seems so comfortable. Who wouldn't though, with such kind, attentive and polite carers. And the food! What a selection on the menu. Walking around, there is so much on the walls to make you stop look and interact with Mum rather

than just walk between rooms. It's as good as you could want for your mum.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review and kinds words.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Patricia W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was very happy living at The Firs, and her care was second to none. When her health recently failed she was looked after with immense empathy and professional efficiency. In her last few weeks I was impressed by the real kindness of all members of staff, with constant medical attention and gentle

sympathetic ministration to her needs around the clock. Thanks to this wonderful care, she passed away peacefully in the night, attended by smart and compassionate professionals.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Valerie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

In my mother's final weeks of life, all the staff at The Firs were outstandingly diligent and kind to our family and especially Mum. When the night staff phoned me at 1.30 am and then I arrived at the home on the night of her demise, I cannot praise them highly enough. They were very smartly presented,

polite and dedicated. The Firs is the perfect home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your kind words, we really value your feedback.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Andy G (Son of Resident) published on 17 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

With everything else going on within our family this was a lovely place for my dad to end his days.
The staff were amazing and we were always made to feel welcome, they went above and beyond.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your feedback, we really do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Julie J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I highly recommend this care home, my mum has been there for over 2 years and although she was shy at first, they soon had Mum joining in with activities (of which there are plenty!). She has been looked after very well, the staff are wonderful and they treat Mum with empathy and support. She loves

going out on outings, which are well organised. They also have many forms of outside entertainment coming into the home, which I know they all look forward to. They are excellent at keeping you updated on all aspects of Mum's health and wellbeing. Excellent care home.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Ann S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

We were made very welcome by the manager when we visited Mum. In fact all the staff made us feel very welcome. Mum has settled in very well, the care she has received has made this stage in her life much easier for all the family, especially as her admission was an emergency. Mum has transformed from

a tense, anxious lady into the mum we know and love, happy and relaxed. An amazing place with amazing staff.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted you and your family are happy with your mum's care.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Peter B (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is a fantastic care home. Always a warm welcome from the staff and they are always nearby if you need help with anything or have any questions. My mum is cared for very well, her room is lovely and has everything she needs. I’m very impressed with the range of activities and days out that they

do at the Firs there is always something happening for the residents. There are different entertainers that visit, singers, musicians, crafting, baking, visits from different pets a visit from birds of prey, such lovely ideas and things to do. Day trips out can be to the beach for an ice cream, or to the shops or garden centre, lunches out, boat trips, cinema, and shows, fetes and fundraising. The staff arranged a surprise tea party for Mum on her birthday with all her friends at the Firs, this was such a lovely idea and proves to me that they know how to put a smile on mum's face. Regular updates and photos on social media are great to see. Thank you so much to the team at the Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is a brilliant care home where all the staff are amazing. My mum has now been there for a year and is very happy and enjoys taking part in the many activities and outings that are put on for the residents. Photos of activities are put onto social media and it is great that we are able to see

our loved ones smiling, laughing and having fun. The home is always clean and warm and Mum's room is bright and airy and is also kept clean to a high standard. I am always kept informed of any problems/health issues that may occur. The staff put on special occasions for the residents that families can also attend. They include afternoon teas and charity events where you are guaranteed to sample some lovely cakes and goodies most of them made by the staff. I highly recommend The Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful review, we really appreciate your feedback.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Suzanne T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is an amazing residential home. The important word being 'home'. This is my mum's home, full of love, compassion, kindness and excellent care. The team at The Firs are brilliant, they are attentive, caring and happy. On my frequent visits, I see lots of smiles from both staff and residents.

Importantly I really feel my mum is treated as an individual and her needs and wishes are sought and prioritised. I am also always made exceptionally welcome and am updated frequently. A huge thank you for everything.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Eric P (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum is always treated with dignity and respect at The Firs. She always appears happy. When she appears in any photos on the social media page she is always smiling. Whenever I visit, the staff are always welcoming and nothing appears to be too much trouble for them. I am advised when she is feeling

unwell so that I am kept in the picture and consulted on any matters that concern her well-being.
There are plenty of activities available at The Firs and Mum is encouraged to join in when she feels like doing so.
I am pleased that I chose The Firs for Mum's long-term care. It is difficult to find any faults with the establishment.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for the wonderful review, we do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from A K (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum has been a resident of The Firs Residential Home for the last 8 months and has settled in very well due to the kind and caring team at The Firs. All of the team whether they are the carers, support (kitchen, laundry, cleaning etc.) management or administration are all focused on making the resident's

lives as positive and fulfilling as they can be. She is looked after very well as indeed are her family and friends when they go to visit her, nothing is too much trouble.
I am particularly impressed by the activities team who do so much to keep the residents engaged on a daily basis. I am constantly amazed at all the different activities they get involved in, they are so imaginative and innovative. My Mum gets involved and does more at The Firs than she would ever have done had she been able to stay in her own home. I have only admiration, respect and gratitude to all the staff at The Firs Residential Home for making my Mum's final years as enjoyable as they can be.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback, we really appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Georgina H (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum has dementia and there are times when she can be grumpy but the staff are caring, empathetic and attentive. It's lovely to see pictures on social media of the residents in the variety of activities that The Firs put on. Occasionally I see Mum enjoying herself when she decides to get up!
If Mum

has had a fall or is unwell the home will always inform me.
Cannot thank them enough for all they do in looking after Mum.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We really do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Janet G (Wife of Resident) published on 3 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My husband was in The Firs for 15 months and could not have received better help and care. He was clean and dressed nicely and encouraged to take part in lots of activities. Food was excellent, which if lucky enough to enjoy on his birthday and our wedding anniversary. Staff were always available and

attentive. If I had to mark out of 10, it would be 10 plus.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate your feedback.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been in The Firs for 11 months now and has settled in well. She really likes the staff, who are friendly and caring and attend to all her needs. Despite having limited mobility, the carers make every effort to include her in all activities, including taking her out on trips, which she

particularly enjoys. The staff always have a smile on their faces and are welcoming and polite. Communication between staff and family members is excellent so that we are kept well informed about my mother’s care. The social media page is very useful for allowing us to see the events she has been involved with in between our visits.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review, we really do appreciate it.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Review from Martin W (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Firs is an outstanding care home. My mother has been at The Firs for a year now and she is extremely happy, content, and secure with the tremendous care she receives. The staff are incredibly caring. The facilities, food, and quality of the resident's rooms are all first-class. The Firs is a very

happy place with a real community vibe which my Mum flourishes in - it has bolstered both her confidence and well-being. The residents enjoy a varied program of activities, music, visits, and crafts so they are kept busy and engaged, the staff goes the extra mile to create an inclusive environment for the residents so that nobody is left out. I recommend The Firs 100% - it offers the highest standards of care and it is wonderful to see my Mum so happy there.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate it.