






Located in Breaston, Derby, The Firs Residential Home is situated within a beautiful Edwardian property dating back to 1908. As the first residential home of its kind in the community, it proudly blends over a century of history with the warmth and care of a close-knit family environment.
The Firs was originally constructed at the height of the Edwardian era, a time known for its attention to architectural detail, elegance, and...
Care Provided by The Firs Residential Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol / Drug Misuse
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 28 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
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Stairlift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- 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
Owner
- The Firs Care Home Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Josie Wilson (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 45+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (24)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
Visiting
- Visiting times 9 am to 10 pm.
Parking
- Private car park at the front of the house.
The Firs Residential Home Reviews (56)
The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.703) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 56 reviews.
The care home is relatively small compared to other homes I have visited which I believe makes it feel much more homely. The staff work hard to provide activities for the residents encouraging as many as possible to participate and keep them stimulated and active. They make use of the garden during the finer weather and have held excellent music performances both inside and outside.
The standard of food and the way it is served to residents is excellent and those that can are encouraged to eat at the dining table affording them the dignity they deserve.
The Firs is in the centre of the village and residents that are able will often be taken to village locations close by.
I couldn't have found a better home for my mother and am truly grateful that we chose The Firs.
Thank you for your review, I will be sure to pass your kind words on to our team.
I could not be more happy with the care my mother has received here. The accommodations are wonderful and feel very homey. The staff have been so kind and accommodating - nothing is ever too much for them. I feel such peace of mind knowing my mum is somewhere like this and receiving the best care possible. I could not recommend The Firs enough for their compassionate and warm approach to care.
I am very happy with the care my father has received over the past 6 months since he moved into the care home. The staff are efficient and caring with regard to both residents and their families. They are so compassionate, loving and caring and it is the staff who have made this care home the special place it is. We were very impressed with the welcoming, comfortable, clean and well-maintained environment, from the moment my father moved in. I have been included in all decisions on my father's care and communication, in general, is excellent.
Thank you for leaving such a lovely review, our staff are dedicated to ensuring the residents are well looked after and family are included in all aspects of decision making.
I would just like to thank you all for the care you gave my dear friend whilst she was at Firs care home. When considering a care home, what was really important to her was to have a really homely atmosphere. This, together with the excellent care she received, made all the difference to her.
Thank you for your review, our staff work very hard to create a home away from home.
The new manager and owners has resulted in a tremendous improvement. They are attentive and friendly like all of the staff.
Thank you for your kind words, we are very pleased to hear he has settled in well and that you are pleased with the care that he is receiving.
Mum has been at The Firs for several years now, the care she has received has been exemplary. It's a really lovely home which feels like a home away from home. I would highly recommend. The staff are so caring and have been wonderful throughout her stay.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, I will be sure to pass your kind words on to the staff.
I find the Firs Residential Home relaxed, caring and respectful of the people they are caring for.
Mum has been a resident for two months and has settled so well. We know she is well looked after and we feel she is safe and secure, and getting all the help she needs. Our stepdad has enjoyed having lunch with her. The staff who look after mum are incredibly kind and always make us feel welcome when we visit.
A huge thank you to all the staff at this beautiful care home who took care of our mum. The amount of care and in some cases, the love she felt was truly amazing and I will forever be grateful to you all. In the last week of her life, all of our family were able to come and go and stay overnight so someone was with Mum until she passed and the staff did everything they could to make us comfortable. I would recommend The Firs to anyone who needs care. Thanks again.
I cannot thank this care home enough for how they cared for my mother-in-law right through until her end of life care. They went above and beyond not only for her but for us all, as a family. They treat everyone there as family and were always welcoming, even when they were busy looking after and caring for everyone else. They are all amazing and my mother-in-law loved being there and loved the staff, so thanks again from the bottom of our hearts we are truly thankful.
The amount of care provided was amazing, not only to my mother at the end of her life but to all the family, who were allowed to stay by Mum's side until she passed. Anything we needed was given, no matter when. I am so grateful to all the staff for all they did during Mum's stay and I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. I know all the staff will appreciate it, as they all like to go that extra mile for the people they care for. We all try to be one big happy family.
My father, who has been at The Firs for over five years, has just celebrated his 100th birthday. I am sure that it is the excellent care provided by The Firs that has enabled him to pass this huge milestone. When he came here, he was in poor health, having looked after my mother day and night for some years. I would like to thank the staff at The Firs not only for laying on a wonderful celebration for him, but also for their devoted care of him. I am so grateful to you all.
My late mother (RIP 24.06.2021) received wonderful love and care at The Firs Residential Home. I am so happy that she spent her final days there. The staff were incredibly caring, professional and understanding. Her room was very clean and comfortable, with all her own home comforts around her. She was treated with compassion and dignity throughout her stay. I could not be happier with this home and would thoroughly recommend.
Amazing staff. Very caring and keep the residents well looked after. Excellent with personal hygiene and make sure the residents have clean clothes on at all times. Food is excellent with a varied choice of menu. My father needs a lot of care at night time and the staff respond to him very quickly, as soon as he puts his feet out of bed, which gives me great peace of mind. Covid rules followed to the book (which keeps the residents as safe as possible). Overall, a very caring home.
My Dad lives in The Firs. He is a difficult character and this is compounded by dementia. My mother lives in a different care home because their needs conflict. The care Dad gets is perfect for him and I am happy that he is cared for in an understanding and considerate way. Dad chose The Firs over some more modern settings and I have to agree that his last lucid decision was a sound one!
Excellent care home providing high levels of support and care. Very good management of the Covid situation during difficult times.
The Firs Residential Home has the air of a relaxed country hotel from a bygone era when things were done properly and people genuinely mattered. The staff are mostly local, some have worked there for over 20 years and they treat the residents with respect and kindness. There is a lovely sunny garden and residents are encouraged to get outside for fresh air whenever the weather permits. There is a gazebo for inclement summer weather. The local doctors' surgery works hand in hand with the home and offers an excellent support service. The residents have no time to be bored as frequent celebrations are held. Whether it be a residents birthday, St Georges day or anything in between. There is an in-house salon for that feel great factor. My mother in law says they offer "good plain food" just as I like it but the regular updates on social media show plenty of treats too.
My mum has only been resident for a few months and due to Covid, I have not seen her room. The rooms I can see through the windows look very nice. Mum comments on how good the food is and has settled very well.
The Firs has a homely feel and all the staff have made every effort to make my mother welcome and keep her occupied. It has been a difficult time during the pandemic but they have found ways to allow safe visits. This is a really caring home that I would have no hesitation in recommending.
The Firs is an extremely welcoming place and you can feel the love as soon as you enter. The staff are very friendly, helpful and considerate of all the residents' and visitors' needs. The food is freshly prepared and of very good quality. My mum is very happy and because of that, I am happy.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 21 February 2025Requires improvement
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledRequires improvement
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 (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for The Firs Residential Home.
There are no upcoming events for The Firs Residential Home.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Firs Residential Home.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs Residential Home.
Meet the Team (2)

Josie Wilson brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare and residential care sector. She holds a Level 4 NVQ and is a certified Registered Manager, ensuring the highest standards of care are maintained within the facility.
Josie has demonstrated ability to lead and manage a multidisciplinary team effectively, promoting a positive and supportive work environment. She has strong clinical knowledge and understanding of best practices in residential care, ensuring optimal health outcomes for residents. Josie is proficient in ensuring compliance with CQC regulations governing residential care facilities.
Josie has brought with her a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance care delivery and resident satisfaction. She has recently introduced many changes to modernise and upgrade the home, including digitising social care records.
Josie is compassionate and empathetic towards the needs of residents, treating each individual with dignity, respect, and kindness. Moreover, she is a strong advocate for resident rights, autonomy, and quality of life, ensuring their voices are heard and their preferences are respected.
She is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the residential care sector as well as preparing to complete her Level 5 NVQ.
Josie Wilson is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where residents feel valued, safe, and empowered. She believes in fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and collaboration, striving to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of each resident under her care. Josie has the full support of both Directors in ensuring we commit to delivering the highest standard of care possible.

Amelia has been a part of the team at The Firs for almost two years, originally joining in domestic services. She stepped into the role of Activities Coordinator in May 2025, after discovering a passion for creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for residents.
Since taking on the coordinator role, Amelia organised a successful Summer Gala, raising an amazing £520 for the Residents’ Comfort Fund, which was used to purchase a projector screen for movie afternoons. Events like this allow the team at The Firs to enhance the well-being of residents while strengthening connections with families and supporters.
Amelia is always looking for new ideas to keep things fresh for residents with engaging and inclusive activities for everyone, from seated sports like basketball to decorating cookies; there's never a dull day at The Firs!
Building relationships is a big part of Amelia's role, as she takes her time to get to know residents so that she can incorporate their interests into her plans. Examples include a bee sanctuary that was added to the garden after one of the residents expressed an interest in bees. She also introduced pet therapy, which has been a big hit with residents, as well as local community visits from the local preschool and church.
Amelia is committed to ensuring everyone at The Firs feels valued, supported, and involved. Her goal is to integrate activities into the wider community, creating opportunities for residents to connect, participate, and feel part of the world around them.
"I love bringing energy, creativity, and companionship into the daily lives of residents at The Firs, who I consider family."
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