Careford Lodge

Church Street, Merriott TA16 5PR
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9.0 28 Reviews
  • 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 all on one level with all rooms having their own en-suite facilities and enjoying views into the gardens. The gardens can be accessed through patio doors positioned in most rooms. Each room has a private telephone line and nurse call system with call pendant. For social activities and communal enjoyment, many seating areas are provided, including a large, bright conservatory, a television lounge and an area for dining.

Aside from the en-suite facilities provided, there is also provided, an assisted bathroom and an assisted shower room.
      
The owners and registered manager have extensive experience of caring for older people spanning over 25 years. They are dedicated to ensuring residents are provided with the very best of personal service delivered in a respectful and dignified way.

A POTTED HISTORY
Careford Lodge was founded by Mr & Mrs Careford in 1997. Today you will find the founders’ daughter and son-in-law 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.

CARE AND SERVICES

Careford Lodge provides a warm, safe, secure and welcoming environment.

Services include:
•        Long Term Residential Care
•        Short Term Respite Care
•        Day Care
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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

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1100 – £1300
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1200 – £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1200 – £1300
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1200 – £1450

Please enquire direct for further information about our fees.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Careford Lodge to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Careford Lodge to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Contact Careford Lodge to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Owner

  • The New Careford Lodge Ltd

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)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (8)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time.

Parking

  • Car parking available in own grounds.

Careford Lodge Reviews (28)

9.0

Careford Lodge has a Review Score of 9.0 (8.972) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Careford Lodge has 28 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Careford Lodge
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Review from M H (Son of Resident) published on 8 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This care home is a breath of fresh air, and all the staff are friendly. They care for all the residents with a warm and friendly personal manner. All the males are traditional and you never go hungry.
Set in lovely grounds in the Somerset countryside.
Reply from Laura Zbijowski, Manager at Careford Lodge
Thank you for a lovely review. It is always nice to know families see how lovely the staff are.
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Review from Linda L (Sister of Resident) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 Sally H (Niece of Resident) published on 11 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunt is now in the great care of the staff at Careford Lodge, a residential home where her sister lived in her last days 15 years ago. Because it is local to us and has a wonderful relaxing atmosphere she settled there at once and has given her a new lease of life she was lacking. The motivation
and care are extraordinary and we are very appreciate all the attention and help she is receiving. Thank you one and all.
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Review from Helen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I moved my mum here, aged 93, and she has transitioned very well indeed, after many years of care at home. Her room is a very good size, with a door and a view to the courtyard. The staff have been fantastic at helping her settle in (and helping us settle her in), and persuading her to join in with
some activities and lunch in the dining room. Communication with the home is excellent, and I am very happy indeed with our choice of Careford Lodge.
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Review from David N (Brother of Resident) published on 22 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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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Review from Hilary R (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a retired GP, who has dealt with many care homes and nursing homes, I can say with absolute confidence this is the best care home in the area. Also, my sister-in-law is looking for a care home for her mother and is looking for one just like Careford Lodge, she thinks it’s the best she has seen.
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Review from Imogen J (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother moved into Careford Lodge in October 2016 after a serious fall and hospitalisation. Thankfully, she was able to stay actively mobile in this safe and very caring Home. She could be as private as she chose or join in with a variety of activities and be sociable depending on her mood. Careford
Lodge is a homely, comfortable environment providing pleasant rooms, tasty meals and a relaxed caring atmosphere. It feels like part of the local village community. The team is patient, kind and very understanding of residents’ needs. We, too, have felt very welcome and “part of the family". We have found communication with the manageress easy and effective. We had hoped our mother would be able to see out her days in Careford Lodge but sadly her health has deteriorated such that she has had to move to a Home with advanced dementia and nursing care. Throughout the move, the manageress and her team have been extremely caring and supportive. Thank you from mum and the family.
Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge
Thank you very much for your review and that you felt your mum experienced a smooth transition process.
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Review from Jenny M (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother moved into Careford Lodge in February 2018 following around six weeks in hospital. During her time in hospital, she became increasingly immobile and institutionalised. Since moving into Careford Lodge she has become her old self which is a joy to see. Her care is excellent. She takes part
in the activities, loves the food and social contact, and feels safe. I could not wish for a better environment for her. Additionally, I am in regular contact with the Manager who is always helpful and responds to any queries I might have in a timely manner.
Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge
Thank you Jenny for your review it is a pleasure to care for your mum. Her mobility has significantly improved since being discharged from hospital and she participates in most of the activities. I am…read more
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Review from Tim P (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Careford Lodge is an exceptional establishment. The staff there are wonderful - endlessly caring, friendly, patient and prepared to go well beyond the norm to make sure all the residents are not only comfortable and healthy but feel very well looked after too. The catering is excellent and there are
plenty of activities laid on for those who wish to take part. All this in a modern, well-maintained building. This is definitely the place I would choose for myself.
Reply from Tracey Moore, Manager at Careford Lodge
Thank you very much Time for your review. It is a pleasure to look after your aunt. With kind regards Tracey
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Review from Alastair G (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Careford Lodge provide an exceptional level of care and support to the residents - and their visitors.
The homely and friendly atmosphere combined with the excellent facilities make Careford Lodge a real haven. Each and every resident is treated with great respect and dignity and individual
needs are well catered for. My 100+-year-old aunt concluded last year that she could no longer sustain living alone. Since becoming part of the Careford Lodge community, her health, safety and security are very much improved. It is a great comfort to myself and the wider family to know that she is so well looked after. The whole Careford Lodge Team is to be commended for its excellent work.
Reply from Tracey Moore, Manager at Careford Lodge
Thank you for your review Alistair, it is a great pleasure to look after your aunt. Kind regards Tracey
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Current Review Score: 9.0 (8.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (8.972) out of 10 for Careford Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 3 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 4.889 for Careford Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (32 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 4.889
  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 4.083 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Careford Lodge is based on 3 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.25
    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 18 registered maximum number of service users is 3.6. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 3.6 = 0.833
  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: 5 Dec 2019

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

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 28 Oct 2025

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.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (3)

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Laura Zbijowski

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 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

Jason Chant

Job Title: Owner/Director Joined: 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

Lorraine Chant

Job Title: Owner/Director and Nominated Individual Joined: 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.