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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 Maureen C (Friend of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank you for leaving us a review, we really appreciate your feedback.

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Review from H M (Ex Family Member) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review, we really do appreciate your feedback.

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Review from Brian M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience
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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience
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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

Always very good.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home
Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank 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
Overall Experience

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 Home

Thank you for a lovely review, we appreciate your feedback.

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Review from Joanna C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The Firs carers and administrative staff were all extremely kind, caring and attentive towards my mother and the family. My mother could not have been in a better place to spend the last few months of her life.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. It was our pleasure.

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Review from Hubert P (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My wife received outstanding, first class care at The Firs.

Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential Home

Thank you for a lovely review, we shall miss that beautiful smile. Love from the Firs Angels.

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Review from A W (Respite Resident) published on 2 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

No problems. Very comfortable room. Good food. Attention to my needs. Friendly staff who were all very helpful.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 20 December 2022
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (39) & Events (0)

News
  • 24 Jul 2026

    The lively fortnightly sessions have become a firm favourite at the home, with residents enjoying a range of gentle, adapted exercises designed to support movement, strength and confidence. From arm...

  • 02 Jun 2026

    Residents at The Firs Residential Home came together for a special afternoon of music, memories and celebration to mark VE Day. The home was filled with a wonderful sense of...

  • 02 Jun 2026

    Residents at The Firs Residential Home came together for a special afternoon of music, memories and celebration to mark VE Day. The home was filled with a wonderful sense of...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Firs Residential Home.

Awards / Recognitions (8)

Accreditations

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

Meet the Team (1)

Emma Breslan
Emma BreslanJob Title:Registered ManagerJoined: 2026

Emma is a highly experienced care professional with over 25 years in the care industry.

She has recently worked as a turnaround manager. She has achieved Outstanding ratings in previous care homes and was proud to be recognised in the Top 20 Care Homes in the UK awards. Known for her pure dedication to providing the highest possible standard of care, Emma has successfully managed and inspired some of the most effective and compassionate teams in the sector.

Emma lives locally in Lympstone village in Devon and comes from a proud military family background — her husband served 28 years in the Devon & Dorset regiment, and she has two sons, both serving in the Army. Her daughter and grandchildren live locally in Exmouth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and making the most of family life.

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