The Firs Residential Home

33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6AE
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Top 20 carehome certificate
9.8 75 Reviews
  • 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 a true sense of retreat.

Each resident receives support tailored to their individual needs – whether for long-term care, respite stays, or recovery following a hospital visit. The care team is recognised not only for professional expertise, but also for warmth and thoughtful attention.

All bedrooms are en-suite, and there’s ample space to enjoy – from inviting communal lounges to the recently redesigned garden, featuring a pergola, greenhouse, and potting bench. The activities programme is inclusive and varied, offering something to suit every interest and energy level. Past favourites have included gala week bingo, ice cream in the sun, gardening club, creative crafts, and gentle reminiscence sessions.

Mealtimes are an occasion to enjoy, with seasonal dishes prepared by in-house chefs – nourishing, delicious, and made with care.

To learn more or arrange a visit to The Firs, please get in touch.
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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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1400
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1400
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)

Contact The Firs Residential Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nicola Shayler (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • 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 (2)

The Firs Residential Home Reviews (75)

9.8

The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.780) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 62
  • 13
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Date Published
  • 75
  • 2
  • 8
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  • 62
Reviewer Connection to The Firs Residential Home
  • 32
  • 14
  • 7
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 75, showing 21-40
Review from Martin W (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank you for such a wonderful review, it was an absolute pleasure to have known your grandad.
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Review from H M (Ex Family Member) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful caring environment to be in. There are lots of activities and the home looked amazing over Christmas. The staff are attentive and hard working resulting in the residents being looked after properly. Keep up the good work care team.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Maureen C (Friend of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have a friend who moved there recently and she seems to have settled in very well. Also she looks a lot brighter and joins in the activities and we are offered a tea or coffee when visiting. We know she is well looked after.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for leaving us a review, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Brian M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs is an adapted and extended Victorian house. Its layout is quirky but this is more than made up for by the thoroughness and quality of the care. The manager is hands-on and the staff took my wife to their hearts. They all go that extra mile. I cannot praise them more highly.
I can rest assured
that my wife is in the best possible hands.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for the lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Mark B (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing care home. My mother had dementia and could be at times hard work. The manager and her team were very attentive, caring and thoughtful. On my visits (I live 3 hours away) everything was done to make the visit enjoyable. This was the perfect care home for Mum. I cannot thank you enough. They
have regular activities to entertain the residents and the Queen's Jubilee party was an unforgettable experience!
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for your lovely review, it means so much to us.
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Review from L G (Partner of Resident) published on 6 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It took a while for my partner to settle because of dementia and loss of speech. He appears happier and calmer as time goes by.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for your feedback, we really do appreciate it.
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Review from Jacqueline L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I live a long way from the care home so have only visited twice. On both occasions staff have been lovely. Every day I see pictures on Facebook of my mum looking so happy and doing such amazing activities that she would never have done before. I know that she is being cared for and looked after in a
lovely place. Thank you to everyone.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.
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Review from Rachel D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Finding out my Grandma has dementia with lewy bodies was one of the hardest news to receive, for the first couple of years I thought I was losing my grandma. However, since being at The Firs Residential Home, I feel like I have gained part of my old grandma back. The activities that are available for
the residents at The Firs are simply amazing. It's so nice that not only my grandma but other residents get to experience this new lease of life, rather just sitting in a room with 4 walls around them (what's even great is that we are kept updated through Facebook about what's been going on, so even if I haven't been able to visit, I know exactly what they have been up to!). I am unbelievably grateful for the amount of time and care they put into looking after my grandma. Every staff member goes above and beyond for the residents at The Firs and it really is a comforting feeling knowing my grandma is receiving the best care. Thank you to everyone at The Firs!
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.
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Review from H W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs Residential Home is such a wonderful place.
The staff are so accommodating and treat each resident as if they are family.
They provide so many different activities to keep everyone entertained and mentally stimulated it is wonderful!
As a family we cannot thank you enough for all you do
and our grandmother is so happy and settled with you. It really is a home from home.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for the lovely feedback, we really do appreciate it.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have noticed Mum responds to her carers in a positive manner and is grateful for their help with daily tasks. Mum's room is bright, friendly and always clean. Staff and residents pop in for a little chat which makes The Firs Residential Home feel like a home. The Firs staff are always open to visits
and also take Mum on wonderful day trips, none of this would be possible at home.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for such a wonderful review! It is such a pleasure to be able to support your mum.
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Review from Sandie F (Friend of Resident) published on 5 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend's mother, who is a resident at The Firs, was really struggling during early 2022. Very emotional, lost and depressed. The Firs, with all their activities and wonderful staff, has restored her happiness which is just lovely to see.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for your lovely words and high-standard review!
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Review from Joan P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well looked after. Good variety of food. The staff are very helpful and considerate.
Wide range of activities.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for such a positive review. We really appreciate the feedback.
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Review from Caz T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Whilst seeing my nan go through Dementia and Alzheimer's was heartbreaking, I couldn't have been any happier seeing my nan in her new forever home. My nan was given a new lease of life. She socialised more than she ever had. She participated in different activities on a daily basis. Her love for gardening
and listening to Elvis perform was continued. This happened because The Firs team make it happen. The genuine care and passion the staff have shines through. When my Nan was coming to the end of their life, the team went above and beyond. From staff arriving an hour before their shift to hold my nan's hand before they started their work, to ensuring we had something to eat and drink throughout the day. I couldn't have wished for my nan to be any happier than she was and I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for your loved one's new forever home.
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Review from Roger P (Husband of Resident) published on 23 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Always very good.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for your review, we appreciate your feedback. We do have a Facebook page - The Firs, which shows all the wonderful activities we provide.
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Review from K W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum has been made to feel at home and has settled into her new environment well. The staff are attentive and have taken the time to talk to Mum and get to know her likes and dislikes. Mum is encouraged to join in the excellent range of activities - but equally is allowed to withdraw to her room if she
chooses. Mum is not keen on some of the food on offer, but that's possibly just personal taste.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for your review, your feedback is very important to us.
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Review from Verna C (Sister of Resident) published on 30 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and kindness given to my sister is excellent, also the kindness given to me is so good. Myself and my sister's daughters are so relieved to know that she is well looked after and that she is happy.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for your lovely review.
Your feedback means so much to us.
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Review from Z N (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Respite for 2 weeks. Excellent care dealt with various issues within the two-week stay, and kept informed. Very caring staff and nothing was too much trouble.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for your lovely review, we appreciate your feedback. It was a pleasure to have supported your mum.
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Review from Carol H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is settled, happy, always clean and nicely dressed. The staff are always caring and attentive. the activities are plentiful for those who wish to join in. It's lovely to see the photos on social media to catch up on what the residents have been up to. I cannot thank you all enough. The care you
give is second to none.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for a lovely review, we appreciate your feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.780)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.780) out of 10 for The Firs Residential Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.955 for The Firs Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (149 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.955
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.825 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs Residential Home is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.825
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 20 Dec 2022

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Breslan

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 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.

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.