
The Firs is a fantastic care home. Always a warm welcome from the staff and they are always nearbyPeter B(Son of Resident/Service User)

We hit the jackpot with The Firs and I can't thank the manager and staff enoughJulie R(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


The Firs is a fantastic care home. Always a warm welcome from the staff and they are always nearbyPeter B(Son of Resident/Service User)

We hit the jackpot with The Firs and I can't thank the manager and staff enoughJulie R(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Set in a peaceful location with leafy gardens and light-filled spaces, The Firs offers more than just a place to live – it’s a place to feel at ease. Residents can relax in the comfortable lounge, share time with others in the dining areas, or enjoy a quiet drink in the bar. With the scent of sea air drifting through the garden, the calm, unhurried rhythm of life here provides...
Care Provided by The Firs Residential Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 38 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
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- 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
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Firs Residential Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Firs Residential Home 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
- Buckland Care Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Emma Breslan (Registered Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed with both male-only and female-only unit(s)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2023
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (38)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (38)
Visiting
- No restriction on visiting times
Parking
- Private parking on site available
The Firs Residential Home Reviews (92)
The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.842) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 92 reviews.
when we arrived today, we were greeted by A, who's in the office, always smiling and very helpful, Mum was in her room as it's cooler, the staff are lovely very caring and helpful, Mum is enjoying the meals, there are activities every day which Mum joins in most days, Mum has had a lot of pain which they sorted very quickly and now out of pain. We are very happy to know Mum is being so well looked after, and has settled in so nicely. Thank you.
I will pass this lovely review to our staff as they enjoy hearing and reading reviews
Thank you
Emma
We are extremely pleased with the care and attention that has been provided for our Mum. We visit regularly and the staff are always welcoming and very helpful. The activities provided are excellent. Our Mum has adjusted well and seems very comfortable in her room.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words about The Firs care home. Were delighted to hear that your Mum is receiving the care and attention she deserves.Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and its wonderful to know that youve experienced...
I have visited a friend several times over the last few months. I have always found the staff to be very polite professional & really take care of the residents the new manager has brought a very well organised team together. It is a lovely home beautifully decorated and all the residents I have met are very happy & well cared for.
Thank you for sharing your positive experience and taking the time to write this lovely review that I will pass on to all the our lovely staff
Thank youEmma
On arrival Nan was met with staff and her favourite music. A word search book in her room was a thoughtful touch.
The manager holds high standards and is keen to improve training for all. The home is bright clean and well maintained with they have a personable dedicated maintenance man. The gardens are kept well with there is recently an enthusiastic hard working Gardner.
The food is exceptional, freshly cooked with a focus on lunchtime offerings. The food is varied and of high nutritional value - sadly Nan couldn't make the most of it but I often wanted to eat it myself.
The activities are broad ranging and accessible for all. Nan enjoyed the armchair exercises when she was able to and we enjoyed the bingo and the cake!
Most importantly Nan has been treated with respect and encouraged with her activities of daily living.
I would not hesitate to recommend firs care home
Your kind words mean a great deal to our whole team.
It was truly an honour and a privilege to care for your Nan. We are so pleased that she felt welcomed from the moment she arrived, and that the little...
My dad recieves a high level of care always treated with respect and dignity.
The activities provided are amazing my dad is very happy.
Thank you Emma and your team for all you do.
We are so happy that your dad is happy and enjoying the outings and activates the team provide
I will pass this lovely review to all the staff
Emma
I wanted to put excellent against many of these categories below but have had issues with nightstaff that are currently being addressed. My experience with the current manager is excellent and the day staff who treat me with kindness and respect and can't do enough for me.
The care mum has received has been truly marvellous. Every member of staff has shown genuine kindness, patience and understanding, and they take the time to get to know her as a person. The activities programme is immense, varied, engaging and thoughtfully planned - and it has made a remarkable difference to her well-being. We feel very grateful for the support she receives.
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, I will pass this on to all the staff.
Thank you
Emma
Very useful respite - I have made good progress and now able to return home thanks to the staff at The Firs.
Than you
Emma
I have been here 2 weeks and settled in very well. The staff and Emma the manager have made sure I am so well cared for.
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, myself and all the team are so happy that you are with us.
Thank you
Emma
The transition to The Firs residential home has been very smooth. Mum has settled in very well, mum has been enjoying all the activities. The staff have been excellent and Emma has gone above and beyond to make sure mum feels happy and safe.
Thank you for you lovely review, we are all so happy that you chose The Firs for you lovely mum.
I will pass your review to all the team
Thank you once again
Emma
Very friendly staff. Residents well cared for. Social meetings and activities amazing. Would be useful for relative to let themselves in/out of home. Less work for the carers.
Thank you for your lovely review
I will pass this on to all the team
Thank you
Emma
Staff are friendly, welcoming and experienced in the needs of older people: my mum needs alot of hands on support with toileting and self care. She is well cared for by the staff, she enjoys the daily activities provided every single day. She enjoys breakfast in bed and then being helped to the lounge the home is well staff, well run and v. clean we are very happy with our experience.
Thank you for your possessive review and kind words, I am glad your mum enjoys breakfast in bed and all the activities our wonderful team provide.
Thank you
Emma Breslan
We are more than happy with the care at this home. Our father is settled, feels safe and is happy - we cant ask for more. The day outs seem a firm favorite so more of those would be perfect.
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review and your farther have settled into the Firs and taking advantage of all the activities we provide .
I will pass your lovey review to all the tam at the firs.
Emma
I find The Firs to be a very lovely, happy and caring home. They have activities, day trips and entertainment to amuse the residents. Our father is very happy here, he always tells us he is well looked after and that is the main thing. He loves the food, the staff and always seems well cared for.
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review and my team are very passionate about enhancing residents lives with meaningful and personal centred activities.
I am so happy that you farther is happy with us and continues to be.
Emma Breslan
Allways frendy heldfull kind management and staff second to none would recconend hightly
Thank you for your lovely review, I will pass this on to my team.
Emma
Very happy at The First Residential Home. I have been here nearly 3 years. Food very good and plentiful. Staff very helpful and friendly, no complaints at all.
We are please that you chose The Firs and are happy here
I will pass this lovely review to all the staff
Thank you
Emma
The Firs is a lovely care home the staff are really friendly nothing is too much trouble for them. The manager is approachable and friendly. The home is very clean and very well decorated.
Emma
I have no concerns whatsoever with the care home or staff.
Thank you
Emma
Mum come into The Firs last May 2025. I think its fair to say mum is very happy here. So if mum is happy we are all happy. She has a clear friend here called Hazel who was a former neighbour who she loves too. Mum always comments on how well she is looked after and the lovely staff. They do lots of great activities. She is very happy.
Thank you for your lovely review and we are so happy that your mum is happy and enjoying her life at the Firs with all the lovely friendships she has made.
I will pass on you review to all the staff.
Thank you once again
Emma Breslan
Fantastic from start - staff are amazing - kind. Attentive + warm. Great facilities + so much to do. Can't fault.
Thank you so much for your review, We are so pleased you experienced an excellent rapport and service from the team. It has been a pleasure to see how your dad has thrived at The Firs.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 20 December 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 (39) & Events (0)
- 24 Jul 2026
The lively fortnightly sessions have become a firm favourite at the home, with residents enjoying a range of gentle, adapted exercises designed to support movement, strength and confidence. From arm...
- 02 Jun 2026
Residents at The Firs Residential Home came together for a special afternoon of music, memories and celebration to mark VE Day. The home was filled with a wonderful sense of...
- 02 Jun 2026
Residents at The Firs Residential Home came together for a special afternoon of music, memories and celebration to mark VE Day. The home was filled with a wonderful sense of...
There are no upcoming events for The Firs Residential Home.
Awards / Recognitions (8)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: The Firs Residential Home
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Buckland Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Buckland Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs Residential Home.
Meet the Team (1)

Emma is a highly experienced care professional with over 25 years in the care industry.
She has recently worked as a turnaround manager. She has achieved Outstanding ratings in previous care homes and was proud to be recognised in the Top 20 Care Homes in the UK awards. Known for her pure dedication to providing the highest possible standard of care, Emma has successfully managed and inspired some of the most effective and compassionate teams in the sector.
Emma lives locally in Lympstone village in Devon and comes from a proud military family background — her husband served 28 years in the Devon & Dorset regiment, and she has two sons, both serving in the Army. Her daughter and grandchildren live locally in Exmouth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and making the most of family life.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs Residential Home
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.
How many Rooms does The Firs Residential Home have?
There are 38 Single Rooms.
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.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Firs Residential Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Firs Residential Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.
