
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kinds words.
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.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kinds words.
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.
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.
Thank you for your kind words, we really value your feedback.
The staff were amazing and we were always made to feel welcome, they went above and beyond.
Thank you so much for your feedback, we really do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted you and your family are happy with your mum's care.
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.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your wonderful review, we really appreciate your feedback.
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.
Thank you for the wonderful review, we do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your lovely feedback, we really appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We really do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate your feedback.
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.
Thank you so much for the lovely review, we really do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for such a wonderful review; we really do appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we really appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for such a wonderful review, it was an absolute pleasure to have known your grandad.
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.
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.
