The Firs Residential Home

33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6AE
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Top 20 carehome certificate
9.8 87 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

  • 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)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (38)

Visiting

  • No restriction on visiting times

Parking

  • Private parking on site available

The Firs Residential Home Reviews (87)

9.8

The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.840) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 87 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 87
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Reviewer Connection to The Firs Residential Home
  • 37
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  • 2
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Total of 87, showing 21-40
Review from Patricia W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 HomeThank 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 • 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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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.840)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.840) 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 4.8 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 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 4.840 for The Firs Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (253 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 300 Ratings = 4.84
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs Residential Home is based on 25 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 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    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 25 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.