The Firs Residential Home

My first visit to The Firs (Barnsley) to visit my aunt. Having visited many care homes in the past I was so very pleasantly surprised by what I found at The Firs. An unannounced visit - the staff were so welcoming and friendly, full of life - absolutely engaged with the residents. There was an armchair aerobics session going on and it was brilliant to watch residents and staff having "fun". The home itself was colourful, with a lot (not too much) of visual stimulation, "conversation" pictures provoking memories, it was clean, pleasant and comfortable and wander of corridors - a library! No TV blaring out soft music and conversation for a change. A wonderful experience. Well done.

All the staff were very helpful and caring. Out of 20 homes we visited, this was the best one. My friend is very happy with their room and enjoys the food. The visiting hours are good and mean we can visit often. It was the best feeling in a care home I've felt.

The care home has taken mum in at short notice. They have given her excellent care and support when she needed it, they have cared for her with dignity and love and kept her safe and we as a family couldn't expect anything else and want to thank all the team involved in her care.

Mum has looked so well and happy whilst staying at the care home. The staff are caring and sympathetic, the food is good. There could be more outside activities.

Staff and management very approachable, helpful + friendly. Dad appears settled + happy and also seems to have a good relationship with his carers.

My dad recently passed away, prior to that he was a full-time resident. The care he received was exemplary. The staff in The Firs did all they could for him and nothing was too much trouble. The Firs have a relaxed way of doing things and the residents are very happy there.

Very impressed with the in-house activities. Access to social media is great for those of us who live a distance. The care shown to mum is great and everyone seems to keep a careful eye on her well done.

My father is very lucky and has a placement for end-of-life care at The Firs. The staff, carers, and everyone involved are absolutely outstanding. They are all 110% dedicated to their jobs even on the most demanding of days. The way that the staff work and bounce off each other during testing times is a sight to be believed. In 5 months of them looking after my father we, as a family, have never had any problem with the unlimited care given to Dad. They deserve medals, working as hard as they do, still managing to smile and laugh even on the most trying of days. Believe me, I've stood back and watched them all and they really are a team. We can relax knowing that even though Dad is on end-of-life care, he will be looked after regardless of how much or little he is in need. Teams of people like this don't happen very often, but the staff at The Firs, the love, the care, and the attention to detail is absolutely outstanding. Well done all involved and thank you all for caring for our hero.

I visited my friend on the bank holiday Monday at approximately 2.30 pm. It was lovely, there was a sing-along in the lounge, the singer had some music and the staff were dancing and singing with some residents who could. My friend gave her son (my partner) the biggest smile. She has dementia and we know she's happy at The Firs. Staff are so kind, patient and helpful. As a family, we feel so assured. Thank you so much, The Firs.

My husband was admitted to The Firs for end-of-life care. The care he received was excellent - I couldn't fault it. They were kind and spoke to him with compassion. They were also extremely kind to me during a very difficult time. It was good that I could take our dog and he was aware of how ill my husband was - she even said goodbye in her way. The home was clean and didn't smell, but it was slightly shabby. Fresh flowers would help.

You could not ask more from delightful, kind and caring staff, and that’s from the cleaners, handymen, carers and the manager. Food isn’t 5-star but it’s simple and balanced with good portions. I would have liked some sort of check sheet when my brother became a permanent resident, from his doctors, payments, food, redirection of his post, attendance allowance and what was required from us. However, when asked and issues like this arise, they are dealt with promptly. As with most care home fees, it’s a lot of money, but I am delighted that my brother is safe and cared for. He has drastically improved in his mental health and is happy and smiling.

Our auntie was admitted during the pandemic which was a very testing time for families and staff alike. the staff put things in place to allow us to see our auntie and we were very obliging on the telephone. The management and staff seem to really care about the residents, giving them lots of individual attention. Our aunt has had to move now and we were very upset, we would have loved her to remain at The Firs. I have nothing but praise for the care and attention they gave our auntie. We will miss them all.

My mother was an emergency admission in Dec 2021, suffering from Alzheimer’s. She then became permanent. She is settled and very content, the care is excellent, staff are attentive to the residents' needs. They are amazing and work very hard. The home is spotless and the facilities seem well monitored. On visits, the meals observed look very appetising. The management team are very professional and communicate regularly with families. The weekly doctor's round is reassuring of prompt medical attention and reviews. As a family, we feel that my mother is safe and looked after and this brings a great deal of comfort to us. I can't thank them enough for the care and dedication I see, especially when care is an undervalued profession.

My grandmother was taken into the home after being unable to live on her own, due to dementia. She has always been proud and independent and the staff try to help her stay as independent as she can. She is well looked after and always says she enjoys her meals and the activities they do throughout the day. She has adapted so well and I can’t thank the home enough for everything they have done for her and for me also, as I have never had expertise with a care home and they have helped me greatly in being able to visit my grandmother and also make me feel very welcome. Fantastic home and fantastic staff. Thank you.

The Firs is probably very much the same as all others in our area. It is understaffed compared to the needs of the residents - not as per legal requirements. The manager and staff obviously do not communicate, as knowledge across the spectrum of all levels of staff varies. The actual carers do their best. The management are not communicative or respectful of relatives' wishes and this often acts against the best interests of the service user. Not good communication with doctors or other NHS services either.

My mum has been at The Firs for about 4-months now. She has taken a while to settle; the staff have been marvellous with her, so patient. The home is not super posh like some of the homes, but the care is second to none. I feel as though I have made new friends; they make you feel so welcome. They definitely go the extra mile.

The care at the home is good. The outdoor space for residents to use is not fit for purpose. It could be so much better. The area is not secure and the floor surfaces are uneven. At the time of the review, there was no outdoor furniture for residents to use, seats, benches etc. The administration of the care home is very poor. No receipts are issued for residents ancillary spending. The rooms are very basic.

We have only been allowed in in the last few weeks due to COVID but it all seems very nice and my Auntie seems very settled. The staff I have met are lovely.