
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.
I cannot praise The Firs Residential Home and staff high enough, my mum is settled and happy. Which reassures us as a family. She is cared for and well looked after. She enjoys the activities and has made friends. I couldn't wish for a better home for Mum. The staff and manager are also there for us as a family. Thank you is not enough.
The Firs Residential Home have looked after my Dad for the past 4 months and they are so kind and getting him to do things he has not done for years. They really try their best to engage with him. Thank you to all the staff there.
My dad moved to "The Firs" for short term residential care in March 2021 following a fall at his home leading to a hospital stay. Throughout he has been treated with great care and dignity. He has been included in a wide range of activities and is stimulated by these, one in particular was highly personalised. He is happy. I have not seen his room or been inside The Firs so cannot comment on the rooms or cleanliness.
Dad's last weeks were happy, comfortable and safe, thanks to The Firs. It was evident that staff made efforts to engage with him and establish meaningful communication at a time when his health was impacting on his quality of life. It has meant so much to see his genuine smile and to know that he had company and excellent care, right up to his last day. He spoke highly of the staff and the way they cared for him.
The Firs Residential Home is such a lovely place. The staff are excellent and provide a caring, loving environment for all of the residents. It is so lovely to keep in touch during these times by social media and to see all of the fantastic activities is wonderful. Thank you to each and every one of you who have shown so much love and care to my Auntie. You truly are angels.
Both management and staff have a positive and caring attitude. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful, and great efforts were made to entertain the residents and to make them happy. My father stated regularly the care he received was excellent, the management and staff were also kind and caring in their dealings with myself and my sister.
My sister's care has been exceptional over the last five years at The Firs Residential Home. The staff and management have worked really hard especially in these difficult times (Covid 19) they have kept us well informed and kept us up to date on my sister's welfare. They are lovely caring staff and need to be congratulated. Thank you all.
Finding The Firs has been an absolute Godsend. They have really helped my gran, and she is always doing arts and crafts and other activities. It is always lovely to see the picture of the diverse activities that they do, and my gran is always praising the staff that look after her.
I found the staff and management very caring and understanding, as we are in such difficult times at the moment. My mum was always clean and nicely dressed when I visited. They seemed to be well organised. I am unable to mark many of the ratings as only went to a visiting room.
The staff of the care home have been excellent in welcoming my grandmother. I am extremely impressed with the activities team, my gran has been doing new crafts which she would never have tried and really enjoying them. She has a new lease of life.
The Firs is a lovely residential home. The staff are attentive and very caring. They have lovely bright and cheerful rooms and have plenty of activities. Mum had dementia and was brilliantly cares for, and all her care needs were met. The home is well kept and very clean. Overall an excellent home.
The kindness and care shown by the staff to residents and visitors is second to none. The staff are led by an excellent manager who listens and acts whenever necessary. The residents are given lots of activities to encourage them to mix and enjoys spending time together as well as encouraging their cognitive skills. The improvement is my sister-in-law's mental state and well being has improves so much in the time she has been a resident at The Firs. I am impressed with the whole care and responsibility given to Covid protection.
This review was done from lockdown when my mother's previous care home closed. I did chose her room, then visiting stopped. Once mother was through the doors of The Firs, the loved staff quickly got used to her "way". I have nothing but praise. They listen to any concerns, keeping me informed of her comfort and health. I felt comfort in contacting them at any time. Sadly mother recently passed away. It was heartbreaking for the staff and to lose her so close to the lifting of some restrictions. Mother was not an "activities" person, preferring her own company; this was respected. However, she enjoyed the company of staff, and they came up trumps. Because I could not see her inside, my review relates to the three visits I had, but what I do know is the manager, carers and support staff welcomed her into their "family", and I was never excluded from decisions. She loved her food, wine and chocolates. It was hard for me to let go, but The Firs turned out to be the best decision I made, and I thank them all from my heart.
Your mum was an absolute treasure to look after.
We were so lucky to have known her.
We were so lucky to find The First. Mum has dementia and went downhill rapidly in lockdown. No one would help and she was at risk. The First took her in to look after her as soon as she had a Covid test. She has been well cared for and after a rocky start she has settled well. The staff are amazing and I haven't had any problems. Nothing is too much trouble.
I can't comment on all areas as Mum has moved in during Covid so I have only seen her room, but the care that staff have taken to settle Mum and make her feel at home has been exceptional. Whilst we can't have 'normal' visits in the current situation, they have done their utmost to accommodate us.
My lovely mum went to The Firs days before lockdown. Due to Covid-19, she was welcomed by all the staff and the manager. Their care, engagement and passion has seen my mums mental health improve, she is physically better and encouraged to be part of 'The Firs family'. They allow her to adopt a routine that suits her personality and life choice but ensure she socialises and engages. The manager and her dedicated team have far exceeded expectations at this very difficult time in our lives.
Lovely, friendly and caring staff - who genuinely want Mum to settle down and be happy in her new home. Very friendly to us as her family too. A home is only as good as the staff team, and this is a great team.
The Firs is a relaxed and efficient care home, all the staff are really friendly and the care is very good. My father's health has been very up and down but the staff have kept me well informed of any changes and do not hesitate to call the doctor if needed. My dad is very happy there, and I thought he wouldn't like it at first, I was very wrong.
Mum was always treated with a great deal of compassion and kindness during two and a half years at The Firs. She was always gently encouraged to take part in the various activities on offer and enjoyed them greatly. Staff were very attentive to her needs and quickly spotted if she was in difficulty, either physically or emotionally. They always kept family informed and we felt fully involved in decisions affecting her care. In the past 12 months, there have been considerable staffing changes, bringing with it a perhaps inevitable lack of continuity. However, a new manager has now started with whom I have had many dealings in recent months, as Mum's health has deteriorated and her needs have become increasingly complex. The manager has been excellent in all regards, demonstrating a deep understanding of the high standard of care that people living with dementia deserve and ensuring that Mum's high-quality care was maintained throughout.
Thank you so much for reviewing our service. We are so glad you are happy with mum’s care. We will pass on your kind words to the team. Thanks again.
On the whole, we are satisfied with the service we receive. Mum is happy there, she seems to get plenty of attention and looked after by the staff.
She does not have problems and is not afraid to talk to the manager.
Thank you for the review and for your support through this period of transition. We have great faith in the new manager who is making some great improvements. We have also made great progress with staffing and we are now fully staffed. It is great to hear that your mother is happy at The Firs.
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.
