Firtree House Nursing Home

30 St James Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2JZ
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9.5 55 Reviews
  • Firtree House Nursing Home, Tunbridge Wells
Firtree House Nursing Home provides the highest standards of nursing care for up to 42 elderly residents, including trial stays, short stays, convalescent care and long-term care for individuals or couples. The home has strong community links and is situated a short distance from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Firtree House is an attractive property that was sympathetically converted and extended into a care home in the 1960s, since its conversion the home has undergone a major refurbishment plan and now provides an attractive, safe and stable environment in which staff and residents are actively involved in the day to day decision making of the home.

This attractive period property provides a choice of single or companion bedrooms, many of which have en suite facilities. All bedrooms are individually decorated and comfortably furnished, and residents are welcome to personalise their rooms with the addition of personal mementos and small pieces of furniture to ease the transition of the move into a care home.

To ensure they are able to offer the very best support to all residents, staff at Firtree House undergo specialist dementia training. The means they recognise the importance of meaningful activities and a stimulating environment for people living with dementia as well as all the clinical aspects of care.

This specialist training also equips the chefs and kitchen team with the skills and knowledge to cook and present food in such a way to offer a positive dining experience for residents living with dementia and/or dysphagia.

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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate 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)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1225
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1225
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1475
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1475
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1375
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1375
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1475
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1475

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Firtree House Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Jackie Cullip (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (41)

Visiting

  • Firtree House operates an open door visiting policy. Family and friends are always welcome and can see their relatives and loved ones as often as they wish.

Firtree House Nursing Home Reviews (55)

Total of 55, showing 21-40
9.5

Firtree House Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.522) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Firtree House Nursing Home has 55 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 37
  • 17
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  • 1

Date Published

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Review from Geoff N (Partner of Resident) published on 15 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were very lucky to have found Firtree House Nursing Home after seeing four other care homes back in the day. On our first visit to find a safe place for my partner, it was very obvious straight away it was a lovely home and I felt we were lucky to have found it for her. She is always looked after
cheerfully and with much care. I wouldn't hesitate giving Firtree ten out of ten; smashing people and that's what it's all about.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Geoff, thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that your partner is receiving such great care at Firtree House. I will pass on your kind comments to the whole team.

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Review from Caroline A (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident for nearly a year. Right from my first visit, Firtree House Nursing Home felt a good fit, calm, friendly and homely. Mum is cared for by loving, skilful and caring staff. The whole team - management, nursing, catering, cleaning and everyone involved work so well together making
Firtree House a home from home. Not only do they care for the residents but also they have been very supportive of me, making Mum's move so much easier. All in all, a loving and caring home, what more can one ask for?

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with Firtree House. It's wonderful to hear that you feel our home is a good fit for your mum and that it brings with it a calm, friendly and homely feeling. It's also great to hear that you have found the staff to be loving, skilled and caring and that they have made your mum's move so much easier by being supportive not only of her but of you as well. We will certainly pass on your feedback to the team, who will be delighted to hear it. Thank you again for your kind words and for entrusting us with your mum's care.

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Review from M O (Resident) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I don't have enough words to convey how wonderful the staff were, although not home, you were made to feel you were at home. Your room was your home, and friends and family had the choice of visiting anytime, and they were impressed. I was here for one month, and time did not drag; always something
going on.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and recognition of the team at Firtree House, you are a joy to care for. Your comments will be passed on to the team. Please remember our doors are always open.

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Review from Jane G (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot thank Firtree House enough, firstly they took my dad in at very short notice for his end of life care, the manager and the clinical lead couldn't have been more helpful with his admission, especially with his complex needs. Then to hear my dad say he was happy in his final week of life and
it was the best thing he'd done, made his passing so much more bearable, he said the staff were amazing and really looked after him, so thank you to all the carers and staff for making my dads passing as comfortable as possible for him.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you Jane for your kind words and recognition of the team at Firtree House. Although your dad was only with us for a short time we are pleased we made his last few weeks as comfortable as possible for him and the family. Your comments will be passed on to the team.

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Review from Nicholas F (Husband of Resident) published on 24 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

the words of highest appreciation come from my wife (the resident) who feels well looked after and enjoys the variety of activities on offer. As her husband, I echo her statements. The friendly staff always go out of their way to ensure residents are well cared for. In particular, the staff make a big
effort for special occasions such as a fete, bbq, tea party. I am confident Firtree House Nursing Home will take care of my wife's current and future care needs.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that both you and your wife are happy with the care received at Firtree House and that you enjoy the events and the activities as much as we enjoy doing them. I will pass on your kind comments to the whole team.

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Review from S H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good at taking care of Nan. Comfortable, helpful, kind and happy environment. Friendly staff. Good nursing, taking care of people. Good food and drink and cleanliness. Excellent home.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that your nan is receiving such great care at Firtree House and she is enjoying the food and environment. I will pass on your kind comments to the whole team.

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Review from A B (Son of Resident) published on 19 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I found the staff friendly and cover any questions I have. I know mum can be awkward and glad she's being looked after.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Many thanks for your positive review. The team at Firtree House ensure that all our residents are well cared for and their families are kept up-to-date. I will pass your feedback on to the team, thank you.

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Review from S C (Wife of Resident) published on 18 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff here are wonderful, very caring, very friendly. You are made most welcome when visiting. My husband is well cared for, very clean, nicely shaven, nail cut and clean. Lovely room, very nice. The food is very good, he eats it with relish.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

We would like to thank you for your words of kindness which are very much appreciated. We are so glad your husband is enjoying the food and his time with us at Firtree House. All comments will be passed on to the team and thank you again for the review.

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Review from R B (Wife of Resident) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely home where my wife is looked after so well. Staff are kind and caring, always ready to help with anything my wife needs. I am very happy my wife is here as she could not be cared for any better.

Reply from Home Manager, Home Manager at Firtree House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review! We're happy to hear that your wife is receiving such great care at Firtree House and will pass on your kind comments to the whole team.

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Review from Margaret S (Friend of Resident) published on 15 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff and manager at Firtree House enough, they have looked after all their residents during the pandemic keeping them all safe and well which has not been easy. I try to visit Firtrees at least once a month to see my friend, and nothing is too much trouble for the staff, they are
kind and caring and I notice that to them their residents come first.
My own mother was also in Firtree for two years and the care that was provided to her was amazing, she loved it there and was very happy.

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Review from Patricia S (Wife of Resident) published on 16 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I did know at some time soon that my husband will need 24/7 care, and I wanted him to go into one care home not far away from where I live. The start was that my husband was having falls quite a bit and in and out of the hospital. Then, from there, they put him in another hospital for rehabilitation,
and that did not work. So, my doctor said to me that my husband will have to be in a nursing home having 24/7 care, so, from the hospital, they transferred him to Firtree House Nursing Home. When I went for the first time to see him, I thought it is a very nice place indeed. The staff are very caring, also very friendly, always ready to help if needed, and nothing is never too much trouble for them. A lot of people have said to me that your husband is in an excellent home in Firtree, and I feel the same way. The more I visit the home, the more I am very happy that my husband is there. I know that I have said more, but I had to tell you my feelings.

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Review from S M (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 9 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff have always been helpful and friendly and professional. Thank you.

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Review from Rosemary E (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent her last fifteen months in Firtree House. As well as treating her with dignity and respect, the staff were very friendly, kind and responsive. Mum was very particular about what she wanted to wear each day and they were very patient, and she had a new nail colour every week. The home
itself is comfortable and cosy, and mum was made to feel at home. Covid made everything very difficult but Firtrees handled her last days sensitively and I take comfort that I was able to be with Mum at the end.

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Review from Juliet K (Friend of Resident) published on 13 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Good care environment. Safe and well-led. Clean home. Dedicated staff. Good choice of activities for residents. Excellent Manager. Help when needed. Great support. Friendly and welcoming.

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Review from M C (Resident) published on 24 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very satisfying and pleasurable. The home is always clean and tidy. The staff are caring and compassionate. A family and friendly environment. I am very happy to live here.

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Review from Penny A (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad was placed at Firtree House once it became impossible for him to stay at home. Firtree House gave Dad back his dignity and gave us back the ability to just be daughters.
Dad was well cared for and seemed happy. We were able to relax in the knowledge that dad was safe and no longer vulnerable on
his own.
We cannot say thank you enough to the wonderful staff who cared for dad and helped prop us up during his last days, we would have been lost without them.

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Review from R W (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum came from hospital to Firtree House. The manager came to see us in hospital and she did everything she could to help us as a family, mum was then placed here permanently. Mum has a lovely room and has settled well. The manager has had numerous meetings with myself regarding mum and has supported
us well. Nothing is too much trouble, it is a very relaxed home and staff are very caring. Thank you for everything.

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Review from Rodger B (Son of Resident) published on 20 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff very caring.

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Review from Sandra S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not wish for a lovelier home for our mum. Staff are very lovely to our mum and us. Rooms are very clean and homely. My mum enjoys all of her meals.

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Review from Shirley W (Cousin of Resident) published on 5 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Happy with care. Always friendly, staff very caring. Girls so good and staff at the top excellent.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.522)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.522) out of 10 for Firtree House Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.522 for Firtree House Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (131 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (16 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 186 Ratings = 4.522

  • b) 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Firtree House Nursing Home is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 15 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 4 Mar 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Requires improvement

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (2)

Jackie

Jackie Cullip

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2009

As Home Manager of Firtree House, I lead a professional staff team in delivering the highest standards of nursing care for up to 42 elderly people.


Having started as a Care Assistant at Firtree House over 15 years ago, and working my way up to Home Manager, I understand what makes the home tick. I firmly believe in involving residents and their families in every aspect of life at the home. This approach has ensured the large property has maintained a homely feel, as highlighted in a recent report by the Care Quality Commission.


My Care Team and I work with each resident to develop a personalised care plan, which caters for their specific needs and ensures that residents have choice and control over how their care is delivered.


I am particularly passionate about getting to know residents and their families and feel that having a good understanding of each resident’s background is essential in building a relationship of trust. I always encourage family involvement through a culture of open communication, which has resulted in the calm and friendly atmosphere experienced at Firtree House.


I live just a few miles from Firtree House and, outside work, I like to take full advantage of the rural life that the local area offers. I enjoy reading, swimming and socialising with family and friends.

Mira

Mira Rusu

Job Title: Clinical Lead

I find my job very rewarding, ensuring that we provide the highest standard of care to our residents and help them to live a happy satisfying life. Firtree is where my heart is and I feel like I am at home working here.

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