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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 Suzanne T (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The team at The Firs are so kind and caring. They work extremely hard to make sure their resident's are looked after and there are plenty of activities for everyone to get involved in. Nothing is too much trouble and there is always a warm welcome. Everybody is treated as an individual not just a number they are brilliant!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Review from Julie R (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot speak highly enough of the manager and all the staff at The Firs. The home is run to a very high standard with a home-from-home feel. The home is always clean and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. The activities provide stimulation and make it enjoyable for all the residents, the outings are an exceptional treat which I know my Mother especially enjoys. The food always looks delicious and the rehydration trolley is a brilliant idea. I also love the social media page which shows everything going on and it's lovely to see all the smiling faces. We hit the jackpot with The Firs and I can't thank the manager and staff enough for how they look after my Mother.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

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

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Review from Rachael G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Wow, what can I say, if you are looking for a care home for an elderly relative this is by far the best residential home in the area. The whole team are warm, caring and genuine. My grandad was so well looked after here and the whole team deserve nothing but thanks. There are so many activities planned each week keeping residents entertained; and delicious food is prepared on-site (to which I was lucky enough to enjoy on Grandad’s 94th birthday). Everyone who works here goes above and beyond. Thank you doesn’t seem enough but the first angels really are the best in the business.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review, it was an absolute pleasure to have known your grandad.

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No Rating

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.

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