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The Firs Residential Home

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

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 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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,400From £1,400
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,400From £1,400

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

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)

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9.8

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.

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Showing 92 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from L H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 5 August 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely reviews, I am happy that your mum is enjoying the meals and activities we provide.
I will pass this lovely review to our staff as they enjoy hearing and reading reviews
Thank you

Emma

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Review from Peter H (Son of Resident) published on 24 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

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...  

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Review from Melanie E (Friend of Resident) published on 17 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello

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 you

Emma

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Review from Andrew D (Grandson of Resident) published on 13 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Firs is a lovely care home. The staff are universally polite, friendly, kind and easy to communicate with.
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

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and heartfelt review.
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...  

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Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
The team at the Firs are all warm and welcoming nothing is to much trouble.
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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review
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

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Review from Diana F (Resident / Service User) published on 24 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Zoe A (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello Zoe
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, I will pass this on to all the staff.
Thank you

Emma

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Review from John B (Resident / Service User) published on 18 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Very useful respite - I have made good progress and now able to return home thanks to the staff at The Firs.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, myself and the team thank you for choosing The Firs. I will pass this on to the team.
Than you

Emma

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Review from Sheila L (Resident / Service User) published on 12 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Dear Sheila
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

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Review from Karen P (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Dear Karen
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

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Review from J F (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello
Thank you for your lovely review
I will pass this on to all the team
Thank you

Emma

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Review from K F (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello
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

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Review from C K (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello
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

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Review from C G (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Hello
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

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Review from Jamie M (Friend of Resident) published on 26 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Allways frendy heldfull kind management and staff second to none would recconend hightly

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Dear Jaimie
Thank you for your lovely review, I will pass this on to my team.

Emma

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Review from J W (Resident / Service User) published on 22 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you taking the time to write this lovely review
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

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Review from A G (Friend of Resident) published on 22 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you for taking the time to writing for writing this lovely review.

Emma

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Review from J C (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I have no concerns whatsoever with the care home or staff.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Thank you for taking the time to submit you review card
Thank you

Emma

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Review from Clive L (Son of Resident) published on 11 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home
Dear Clive
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

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Review from Paula M (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Fantastic from start - staff are amazing - kind. Attentive + warm. Great facilities + so much to do. Can't fault.

Reply from Emma Breslan, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

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.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 20 December 2022
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (39) & Events (0)

News
  • 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...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Firs Residential Home.

Awards / Recognitions (8)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs Residential Home.

Meet the Team (1)

Emma Breslan
Emma BreslanJob Title:Registered ManagerJoined: 2026

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.