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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 Hilary R (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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 very pleased that you are pleased with the service being provided.

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Review from Tim P (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 April 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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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Review from Jill T (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A lovely, homely, caring home from home that gives my mother and myself the peace of mind knowing that she is safe, fed and very well cared for. She is surrounded by pleasant caring staff who all say how much they love their work. She is treated with every dignity and encouraged to keep her mobility and independence. A gem.

Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much for your review. It is a pleasure to look after your mum.

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Review from Ian H (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother spent just over three years at Careford and my family count ourselves very lucky to have found it. She died at Careford in January aged 103.
The village location is ideal for those who have lived most of their lives in the country, as had my mother.
The variety of resident's rooms offers something for everyone and the shared areas are all very comfortable, light and airy.
The variety of food offered should suit all tastes, is home cooked and can be taken in the dining room or in personal rooms.
Although my mother chose not to participate, there is a wide range of activities daily, which many of the other residents enjoy.

Above all, the care and thoughtful attention of the staff to those in their care is outstanding and my mother and all of our family cannot speak highly enough of the team at Careford.

Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much, Ian, for your review and your very kind words. It was a pleasure to care for and look after your mum. She is very much missed. Kind regards Tracey.

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Review from Derek S (Son of Resident) published on 12 March 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I have nothing but praise for Careford Lodge and its management and staff.
My 100-year-old father, having finally accepted that he could no longer safely look after himself in his own home, even with carers visiting daily, moved into Careford Lodge following his second hip replacement operation.
I think it is fair to say that he was dreading the move, being very independent and valuing his privacy, even though he certainly wasn't happy since my mother passed away several years ago.
But the wonderful Staff at Careford Lodge made him feel welcome and valued, as a new member of the residential 'family', right from the first day.
Whilst he could, at times be difficult, grumpy, anxious or confused, the ladies (carers) at the Home treated him always with respect, friendliness, patience and helpfulness, and it was such a relief for me and my wider family to see him gradually emerge as a much happier and contented member of the community.

I cannot thank all of the staff enough!

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Review from Carole C (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
The staff at Careford Lodge are amazing. My mother has been here for almost three months and needs a lot of care. All the staff are gentle and kind and give her so much help. The food I have seen and experienced is of a very high standard with lots of choices.

I would recommend Careford Lodge to anyone who needs to find the best care home.

Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much, Carole, for your review. It is a pleasure to have your mum living here at Careford Lodge. With warmest regards Tracey

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Review from Trevor C (Godson of Resident) published on 2 August 2017 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My godmother was a resident of Careford Lodge - Merriott until her recent passing.
I always knew she was in the best home for her and knew she would be very happy there.
From my first visit, I always knew that there could be no better place for her to spend her last years.
The 100% dedication, love, care and respect for the residents starts at the top with the manager and continues through the staff what ever the staff age.
It's like a top hotel and would without hesitation (110%) recommend to anyone who is looking at homes for a family member.

Sadly I live 200 miles away and if I ever need a local home in Kent I know nothing will match the quality and standards of Careford Lodge - Merriott.

Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much for your review, it was a pleasure to meet you and have your Godmother stay with us. She is very much missed.

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Review from Victoria G (Friend of Resident) published on 30 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Having been to a lot of care homes I can say that Careford Lodge is most definitely the best. The staff are all fantastic, so kind and helpful. Residents are treated as individuals and everyone's disabilities are covered.

Reply from Tracey Moore, Registered Manager at Careford Lodge

Thank you very much, Vicky, for your review, it is a pleasure to have your friend staying with us.

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Review from J F C (Resident / Service User) published on 24 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I gave up my home and moved into Careford Lodge. It had been recommended to me so very pleased I believed the person. The organiser is a very understanding person and can see where care is needed, yet does not make one feel "helpless" and encourages independence. She deals with staff individually so we benefit from good organisation.

Reply from Lorraine Chant, Group Manager at Careford Lodge

Many thanks for your feedback. I am so pleased that you are happy with the services being provided at Careford Lodge.

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Review from Tina M (Friend of Resident) published on 17 March 2016 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I visit a friend regularly and am most impressed with Careford Lodge.

The staff are very friendly and always speak to residents and visitors. They are happy to help in any way that they can. The atmosphere is relaxed and responsive.

Whilst I was visiting, they held a residents meeting where they were encouraged to speak on any matter or future suggestions, be it menus, trips out or activities etc.

The rooms are spacious, allowing for a sitting/television area so that residents can have privacy if wanted. The lounge and dining area allow for recreational activities and games to be played.

My friend has settled in very well and been given plenty of encouragement since she has been a resident.

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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.

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.