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Careford Lodge

Church Street, Merriott, Somerset TA16 5PR
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Careford Lodge, Merriott
Careford Lodge, Merriott
Careford Lodge, Merriott

Careford Lodge is a purpose-built residential care home that provides outstanding care and accommodation for just eighteen older people.

Located in the popular village of Merriott, in the county of Somerset, the property is situated within its own spacious and attractive grounds which border with horse paddocks. The grounds offer extensive gardens with numerous seating areas; all located conveniently for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Refurbished in 2025, accommodation is...  

Care Provided by Careford Lodge

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 18 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential Care£1,100 - £1,300£1,200 - £1,300
Residential Dementia Care£1,200 - £1,450£1,200 - £1,450

Please enquire direct for further information about our fees.

Contact Careford Lodge 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

Owner

  • The New Careford Lodge Ltd
  • Private Owned

Person in charge

  • Laura Zbijowski(Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2025
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (18)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (8)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time.

Parking

  • Car parking available in own grounds.

Careford Lodge Reviews (33)

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9.6

Careford Lodge has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.557) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Careford Lodge has 33 reviews.

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Showing 33 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Sally H (Next of Kin) published on 11 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My aunt was here for 2 and a half years.
She came to join the family at Careford lodge because she needed more care than she was experiencing at her home.
We chose Careford because her sister Patricia had been there years before and found it very caring and consistently friendly and helpful.
It brought a new lease of life for her combining activities but also the privacy in her room to accommodate family and friends when we visited.
They took care of all her medical needs and visits of her weekly hairdresser ,arranged chiropodist,dental and optometrist.
They also arrange all injections and nursing visits when necessary.
Thank you ladies for your friendship and attentive care..and phone calls keeping me informed of any emergency she incurred during her spell with you..

Sally,her neice

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feed back. Your right Careford lodge very much feels like a family.

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Review from Mary W (Niece of Resident) published on 13 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Reviewing the period of my aunt's residency from August 2024 - February 2026, we have found Careford to be well run and managed, and the staff to be welcoming, kind, caring, and diligent - towards residents and visitors alike. The home is realistically like a private home, without the worries of all that goes with home ownership, especially in older age. As relatives, we feel comfortable in the knowledge that my aunt is never alone, would be found quickly should she have an accident, and is well fed and cared for medically, without having to go out in all weathers.
The premises are light, spacious and easy to get around, and the external areas provide a wonderful outdoor space in which to enjoy fresh air, a rural view, and exercise where possible.

The range of daily activities is comprehensive, allowing plenty of social interaction for those who wish it. Outings are organised from time to time, and special festivals appropriately celebrated through the year.

Reply from Lorraine Chant, RI at Careford Lodge

Dear Mary,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Careford Lodge and for leaving such positive comments. Laura will take great pleasure in sharing with the teams how pleased you are with the overall care of your aunt. When you are next visiting we would love to hear from you on...  

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Review from Elizabeth F (Wife of Resident) published on 5 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My husband has one day/week at Careford Lodge, he's enjoying his time there very much. I have seen nothing but kindness and consideration both to him and to myself. He gets a nutritious lunch joining others around the table and later gets a bath before I collect him.
Both the manager and staff have been very professional, showing kindness at all times to all the residents while I have been there.

It is excellent. I visited msny care homes during my working career and am very impressed with The New Careford Lodge.

Reply from Lorraine Chant, Nominated Individual at Careford Lodge

Thank you so much Liz for your feedback and lovely review of our service. We really do appreciate you having taken time out of your day to write those kind words. Laura will be thrilled and will ensure your review is shared with Careford Lodge team. Warmest regards, Lorraine.

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Review from Nicola S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The level of service and understanding Mum receives is second to none. Mum is very happy and content especially with the care taken in her recent move to a new room. As a family we are very happy with the care she receives and we know she is safe, well and happy.

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is lovely to hear your mum is settled in her new room.

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Review from Helen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Xmas was full of festive cheer, fun activities for residents, without going over the top. Carefully thought out. I was away this Xmas, but so very happy to leave my mum, confident that she was well looked after and content. Videos were shown to my mum when I sent them. Very personal attention given to my mum who has dementia. Now looking forward to seeing her after a long break.

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feedback and positive message.

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Review from Holley C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Care home and staff very good. My mother has been living there for 4 years now, as my mother needs get greater the staff are very accommodating and helpful.

Would recommend to anybody looking for a home from home for their relative.

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is lovely to know you would recommend us.

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Review from Mark Anthony H (Son of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Careford is a lovely place hidden in a nice quiet setting in Somerset.
My Mother has settled in with the help from the lovely staff, also my Mother is much more relaxed now after a traumatic time.

It's always lovely to visit and we are always made welcome, with a nice beverage of your choice.

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feedback. You mum has settled in really well which is lovely to see.

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Review from Ian H (Son of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mum is happy & well looked after, she has hearing difficulties & everyone makes allowances for her so we are very pleased with the care she receives. The staff are very friendly as are other residents and combined with the outings & events arranged she is enjoying this part of her life which gives us great confidence and peace of mind. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Careford Lodge to any potential resident.

Yours sincerely,Ian H

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is lovely to know you would recommend us.

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Review from Linda L (Sister of Resident) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
A VERY good Care Home, home from home.
Caring staff with a lot of patients nothing is too much bother. If there are any queries they are delt with straight away.
The food is amazing good choice and qualify ,( plated to resiidents choice)
Plenty of activities, or sit in your room for quite time to read or watch TV listening to the radio,
All birthdays are celebrated with a lovely home cooked cake and candle with a lot of happy birthdays.
As a resident visitor it's like visiting a big happy family, I was always made to fell very welcome, and Christmas there was a Christmas lunch for visitors with there family.
If I have to go into care I would not hesitate to choose Careford Lodge.

I liked to visit everyone was always welcoming.

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Review from Chris E (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My Dad sadly passed away after spending 5 very happy years at Careford Lodge. He felt safe, comfortable and respected and developed a warm and friendly relationship with the staff. He passed away gently and peacefully and I'm sure this was largely because he felt so at home in Careford Lodge. At the end of his life, the manager and all the staff looked after him and us, his family with so much care and affection. We really couldn't have asked for more. THANK YOU!

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Review from Stephen H (Son of Resident) published on 25 September 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Careford Lodge provides an excellent service. The staff are considerate and professional and the rooms are clean and comfortable. It is a great comfort to me that my father is safe, secure and well cared for.

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Review from Andrew M (Brother of Resident) published on 15 September 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A warm caring environment with efficient, friendly staff. Residents of this care home are looked after extremely well with compassion and respect. I would not hesitate to recommend Careford Lodge to anyone.

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Review from V W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
From the moment I met the manager and was shown around I knew that this was the place for my mum. There is no pretentiousness, what you see is what you get. Respectful care, humour and encouragement; and that's not to mention the food!

At 95 and coming from independence in her own home, it took Mum a month to stop becoming 'befuddled' (her word) but from then on she has definitely come to look upon Careford as home. She joins in activities I never expected her to and has made friends and, very importantly, my siblings and I know that she is in very good hands.

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Review from L G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Having Mum here gives me complete peace of mind.
I know she's looked after and happy.
It's a great setting and many rooms have access to their own outdoor space.

The staff are great and many have been there for some time or return to work there again.

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Review from David N (Brother of Resident) published on 22 August 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My sister has now been a resident at Careford Lodge for 4 months and seems physically and psychologically a great deal better than she had previously been - a tribute to both the regime and the caring qualities of the manager and staff. Initially bewildered, resentful, uncommunicative and obviously unhappy, the patience and kindness shown to her has seen a gradual transition to a much more outgoing and sociable person and I think an awareness in her that she is being cared for by people who do their level best to make her feel comfortable and supported. Whenever my wife and I visit we see committed, hard working staff doing a difficult job with a willing cheerfulness and pleasant manner. Her residency began at a hugely difficult and stressful time for people in the care sector which looks set to be the pattern for the foreseeable future. I feel grateful that my sister is so much better cared for here than I could have dared hope for.

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Review from Vicky G (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Although I live a considerable distance from the home, I have always received prompt information and answers to all my queries in the most helpful manner. When visiting, even in these very testing times, every courtesy has been shown.

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Review from Linda S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Following a short period of respite care in 2015, Careford Lodge were very accommodating at finding a room for Mum at short notice 18 months ago, caring for her with love, compassion and dignity until she sadly passed away at the beginning of December. Management and carers were always interested in her as an individual, getting to know her life story and understanding her personality, needs and preferences. In 'normal' times I felt I had great access and was always made to feel welcome. During 2020 staff became Mum's second family and she was very happy there. The home was appropriately cautious about Covid but managed to maintain good quality socially distanced visits during the year. I was given safe and sensitive access towards Mum's end of life. All rooms are on the ground floor with private facilities and open onto nicely maintained grounds. As a relative, I always felt she was in safe and caring hands. I would strongly recommend this home even in these difficult times.

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Review from Sarah C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother was at Careford Lodge only for a short time before sadly she died. She always said that the staff were wonderful, and looked after her very well. I noted that she was treated to facials at times, it's those little things that make all the difference in life. The care home is set at the heart of a lovely village. Careford really does a great job all round, and communication with the staff was very good. Even with Covid19 making things so difficult for us all in our lives, the staff at Careford were very understanding and helped us in every way that they could in these trying times.

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Review from Sue S (Niece of Resident) published on 4 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Uncle has been at Careford Lodge since February 2020 the care he receives is excellent, all the staff are caring, supportive, friendly and very professional. They are supportive to both residents and families. My uncle's sister was also a resident at Careford Lodge for seven years and was extremely happy and always called it her home.

Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much for a lovely review. The staff work hard to ensure we run a person-centred home.

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Review from Amanda C-H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 April 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mum was at Careford Lodge for 15-months, until her death aged 96. Mum often said, "I am as happy here as I have been anywhere."
All I need to add is that the amazing staff go out of their way to care for the whole family - not just the elderly resident.

Good food and a real sense of fun, whilst respecting the personality of the cared-for. Highly recommended.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 05 December 2019
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

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 13 July 2026

We have one vacancy at Careford Lodge for 24-hour long term or respite care and accommodation. A large en-suite room with direct access to patio seating and gardens. For further information, please contact us and we will be pleased to provide you with more information about our home and services.

News (20) & Events (0)

News
  • 02 Jul 2026

    Photo stories in our July newsletter include D-Day anniversary remberence Time with horses Flower arranging Arts & crafts Al Fresco dining Visit from Tasty Treats Icecream van Clothing party ........

  • 10 Jun 2026

    From indulging in the joy of our newly refurbished courtyard to celebrating VE day and enjoying a barbecue, our newsletter gives our readers a taste of all we have been...

  • 15 May 2026

    Our May Newsletter is now published and shared. Full of useful information, puzzles and facts, we also celebrate everything we got up to in April. Happy reading.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Careford Lodge.

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (3)

Laura Zbijowski
Laura ZbijowskiJob Title:Registered ManagerJoined: 2018
Laura joined the team at Careford Lodge on

the 1st October 2018. Before this, she had also worked at Careford Lodge for 16 years between 2000 and 2016, ascending in roles from care assistant to deputy manager.

At Careford Lodge, we celebrate the rich blend of life experience, knowledge, and skills of each resident, and those of their family and friends. We aim to continually improve our listening skills, our consultation process, and our partnership with each unique individual to safeguard and promote his or her holistic health, well-being, dignity and independence.

Jason Chant
Jason ChantJob Title:Owner/DirectorJoined: 2025

Jason has been affiliated with Careford Lodge through his wife, Lorraine, since 1997. Jason's career has been in mechanical engineering and, more recently, in the management of a plant hire depot. Jason takes care of the day-to-day maintenance and safety at Careford Lodge.

Lorraine Chant
Lorraine ChantJob Title:Owner/Director and Nominated IndividualJoined: 1997

Careford Lodge was founded by Mr & Mrs Careford in 1997. Today, their daughter Lorraine and her husband Jason are walking in their same footsteps, embodying the very same positive values of kindness, compassion, empathy, integrity, humility, loyalty and responsibility in everything they do to enhance the lives of those who afford them the privilege of knowing and caring for them.

Lorraine was the registered manager of Careford Lodge from 1997 to 2016. In 2016, Lorraine relinquished her registered manager status to assume the position of nominated individual and to support the then owners of Careford Lodge to look after their care home portfolio.

In 2025, Lorraine and her husband Jason purchased Careford Lodge to bring the family care home back into the fold.

Frequently Asked Questions about Careford Lodge

What types of Care is Careford Lodge registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Careford Lodge have?

There are 18 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Careford Lodge?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Careford Lodge to the centre of Merriott?

0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Careford Lodge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Careford Lodge has an Enhanced Service -more info.