
Very impressive, thank youP S(Wife of Resident/Service User)

A big happy family for residents and staff alikeF S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We are both made to feel part of a family, with great kindness and respect.Janet(Wife of Resident/Service User)

Very impressive, thank youP S(Wife of Resident/Service User)

A big happy family for residents and staff alikeF S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We are both made to feel part of a family, with great kindness and respect.Janet(Wife of Resident/Service User)

A stone’s throw from Exmouth Beach, Fernihurst has an excellent reputation, with a team devoted to enriching the lives of their residents. Providing nursing, dementia and palliative care, respite care breaks are also available.
The team are dedicated to creating wonderful activities and experiences for their residents. The maintenance man created a workshop for them to enjoy woodwork and tinkering. And he even built a Tiki bar for happy hour!...
Care Provided by Fernihurst Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 50 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
- Palliative / End of Life Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for nursing care start at £1600, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.
*If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Fernihurst Nursing Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Fernihurst Nursing 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)
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 £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Sanctuary Care Ltd
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- David Sarreira (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2011
Room Information
- Single Rooms (50)
Fernihurst Nursing Home Reviews (93)
Fernihurst Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.834) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fernihurst Nursing Home has 93 reviews.
My partner has been in Fernihurst Nursing Home for eighteen months and the care he has received is 2nd to none. That's why I have ticked every rating as excellent. I can find no fault at all. The staff listen to any worries I have, and sort things out, I would recommend anyone looking for nursing care to try Fernihurst
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that your partner has received such excellent care and that our team has been able to support both of you. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us.
The staff are a joy to the residents I feel a code should be fitted to the life to stop patients wandering up and down the levels, which could endanger them & other residents.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear your family are pleased with the standard at Fernihurst and that our team bring so much joy to residents. It means a great deal to us.
It is 3½ years since my wife became a resident at Fernihurst, and as a family we feel blessed she is in their care, despite her developing Alzheimer's condition she is content and happy, being so well looked after by such a marvelous team who clearly love what they do. They are also concerned for my well-being which is so important as our family lives abroad, that emotional support is invaluable. Thank you all at Fernihurst!
Thank you for sharing such heartfelt feedback. We're truly touched to hear that your wife has been happy and content at Fernihurst over the past three and a half years. Knowing that our team's care, compassion and support have made a positive difference to both her wellbeing and yours means a great deal. Thank you for your kind words and for placing your trust in us.
A home that cares well for people with very complex needs. The managers and staff are caring, open and responsive - especially when there are issues and are keen to see how they can improve care for each person. They celebrate occasions and make a great birthday cake - my relative enjoyed it very much as well as the carers singing happy birthday and a birthday card. This makes the day feel more special - despite all the things they're living with - and they enjoyed the fuss. These touches mean a lot alongside the clinical care. Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear how much these thoughtful touches meant, alongside the care provided. It's wonderful to know your loved one felt celebrated and supported, especially on such a special occasion.
The care home has greatly improved since Eve went into care there.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We're delighted to hear that your friend has received outstanding care and that you felt warmly welcomed and well informed throughout.
My husband was living with Lewy Body Dementia & was very poorly. After calling 111, my husband was taken into hosptial where he stayed for over 2 weeks. We were very lucky to be offered the only vacant room Fernihurst had at the time, and from day 1, my husband was welcomed, was given such loving care on his birthday on the 14th Oct, Fernihurst pulled out all the stops. It was a perfect day, and although my husband did not know what was going on, I could tell he was content and happy. All of his carers there were so gentle, helped him keep his dignity & whenever I left to go home after a visit, one of the staff would sit with him straight away.
Thank you for sharing such heartfelt feedback. It means so much to hear how welcomed and cared for your husband felt, especially on his special day. We're truly grateful to know he was content and supported during his time with us.
They were so compassionate, patient and kind not only to our Mother but to all the family too.
The home is spotlessly clean, food and services excellent.
Every member of staff were always so friendly and helpful.
Fernihurst always had such a happy positive atmosphere and it was a joy to visit and spend time there.
Thank you to David and the whole of the team at Fernihurst.
Thank you for sharing such heartfelt feedback at such a difficult time. We are deeply moved to know that our team helped your family feel supported and that your loved one was cared for with compassion. It means a great deal to hear you valued the warm atmosphere, high standards and welcoming environment.
The manager and team at Fernihurst have been very welcoming, responsive and caring. My mum was moved there in September with complex needs and has been well looked after. She has been able to attend her medical appointments outside the home and been accompanied so I have not needed to travel from Oxford to be with her, for this I am very grateful. Any questions I have had, and they have been many, have been answered swiftly, politely and with good advice. I would not hesitate to recommend the home and its staff.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We're delighted to hear your mum has settled well and that our team's care and responsiveness have given you peace of mind. Supporting residents with complex needs and ensuring families feel reassured is so important to us, and it's wonderful to know this has made a positive difference.
The manager and the team at Fernihurst provided an outstanding service from start to finish for my Grandad who went in for respite and sadly passed away after a month of his stay. The staff couldn't have done more for him and my family, and he settled in extremely well.
Thank you for your kind words. We're truly sorry for your loss and grateful to know your Grandad felt settled and cared for during his time with us. It means a lot to the team to have supported him and your family.
My mother-in-law had been in Fernihurst for 18 months before she sadly passed away. The first 12 months were a joy to visit her. The staff were friendly, and laughter could be heard within the home, and there were endless activities. The home appeared to be all for the residents, sadly, during the last six months, the level of this seemed to disappear, and the home became more about Sanctuary Care and not for the residents. There was hardly any laughter heard, and hardly any interaction with the residents. I cannot fault the care staff or Nurses for the care and love they gave to my loved one. Sadly, my loved one passed away. The nurses and carers were amazing and sent their condolences.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Fernihurst. We are deeply sorry for your loss, and we extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We truly appreciate your kind words about our nurses and care staff and are heartened to hear that they provided care and...
Had a lovely afternoon with mum for mothers day entertainment. The musician was fab, he got all the residents and staff joining in. The buffet that was put on for everyone was a lovely touch. All the staff were milling around making sure all residents and visitors were having a good time nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed the Mother's Day celebration. It's wonderful to hear that the music, buffet, and lively atmosphere made for such a special afternoon.
We had a lovely dinner the service was very good, my husband and really enjoyed himself. I was concerned he may miss behave but the staff put him at ease. It was a lovely day, good food and helpful staff.
Thank you for your kind review of our team at Fernihurst. We're so pleased to hear that you and your husband enjoyed your dinner and felt comfortable with the support of our team. Creating relaxed and enjoyable experiences for families is at the heart of what we do. Your feedback means so much to us - thank you.
My husband is looked after very kindly and efficiently. I am kept informed of any medical problems, a review is carried out and discussed with me and our daughters. He is encouraged to join in the varied activities but often refuses. We are lucky to have been offered Fernihurst. The Christmas lunch with him was wonderful.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that you feel so well-informed and supported, and that your husband is being cared for with such compassion and kindness. It's wonderful that you enjoyed the Christmas lunch together - it's moments like these that make such a difference. We truly value your feedback and thank you for trusting us with your husband's care.
Excellent service with a smile.
Thank you for your lovely five star feedback. We're so glad to hear you appreciate so many aspects of life at Fernihurst, our team are certainly very special here.
My dad has been in Fernihurst now for 6 weeks and I can not begin to describe how happy I am with the final place we have chosen for my dad to be. There are not enough words to describe how truly amazing the whole team is. They are so friendly and helpful and most importantly you can see they really care about what they do and how much they love what they do. All I can say is that Fernihurst is utterly amazing.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, which we have shared with the home manager and team, who will be proud to read your kind words. We're thrilled to hear how happy you are with your dad's move to Fernihurst. It's wonderful to know that our team's dedication and care have made such a positive...
I came in for the Christmas lunch. Very nice food, lovely staff and excellently presented. Can I come for the evening meal? tonight?
Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed the Christmas lunch and appreciated the food, presentation, and our wonderful team. We'd love to have you join us again at Fernihurst.
We have come along for the Xmas dinner day and what a lovely lunch and the lengths the staff have gone to, to accommodate us has been fantastic. The room has been decorated to a very high standard. What an enjoyable lunch.
Thank you for your lovely feedback for our team at Fernihurst. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Christmas dinner and appreciated the effort our staff put into making the day so special. Creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for residents and their families is so important to us, and...
I have been extremely impressed with the support, care and attention my mum has received from everyone at Furnihurst. We made the right choice placing her in your excellent nursing home.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear that you feel so confident in your choice of Fernihurst for your mum's care. Our team takes great pride in providing the best support and person-centred care for every resident, and it means a lot to know we've made a positive difference for your family. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I cannot fault anything. The staff are amazing and look after my husband and my family with every effort and care.
Thank you for your heartfelt feedback for our team at Fernihurst. We're so pleased to hear that you feel so well-supported and cared for, both for your husband and your family. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible care, and your kind words mean so much to us. Thank you.
I came over to visit my uncle today from Ireland. It was his 60th wedding anniversary. I was delighted to see the effort the staff put in to enable my uncle and his wife to celebrate. A room had been decorated beautifully and the staff laid on a three-course meal for them based on his favourite foods. The smile on my uncle's face said it all! During my visit, I noticed how clean and welcoming his new home is. The staff are so attentive to the residents' needs and care and support are second to none! I can return home to Ireland knowing that my uncle is receiving the best possible care and is happy. A massive thank you to all the staff that make Fernihurst a great home for my uncle and offer support and empathy to his family.
Thank you so much for your kind words about the team at Fernihurst, they will be touched to read your feedback. We are delighted to hear that your uncle's 60th wedding anniversary celebration was such a success. Our team love to make events like this so special for our residents and their loved ones. Your appreciation means a great deal and we will be sure to pass it on to the team.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 01 July 2021Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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 (1) & Events (0)
- 12 Nov 2025
Fernihurst Nursing Home in Douglas Avenue has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award, in recognition of the excellent end-of-life care the devoted team provides. Manager...
There are no upcoming events for Fernihurst Nursing Home.
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 21 Jul 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Fernihurst Nursing Home.
Meet the Team (7)

My name is Nikki, and I am the manager at Fernihurst Nursing Home.
I have been in the care industry for 38 years, supporting care services throughout Devon and Somerset. I have won the Care Home Managers' Award in East Devon for Outstanding Person-centred care for the Enhanced Health in Care Homes Programme. I have achieved the Top 20 Care Home Award in Southwest England.
During my career, I worked hard to turn around inadequate care homes, which I have achieved. I believe in creating a workplace where staff are listened to, valued, and supported. I believe that if the staff are empowered to deliver their best, this directly impacts the quality of care the residents receive, being the highest standard of compassionate person-centred careI am very passionate about my job. When I am not at work, I like to spend time with my family. I am married to a Police sergeant and have 3 children who are all grown up, we enjoy holidays together and creating memories. I am also passionate about gardening and spending time outdoors.

My professional journey has taken many paths before ultimately leading me to my true vocation as a nurse. I began my career in Trinidad, serving in a paramilitary organisation under the Ministry of National Security, where I developed discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. I later gained international experience working with Royal Caribbean in the hospitality industry, before returning home to work in the oil and gas sector as a Fire Rescue Technician.
Each of these roles shaped me, building strong leadership skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to remain calm and compassionate under pressure.
Despite my varied career background and many achievements, nursing older people has always been my calling. Caring for the elderly is not just a profession to me - it is a purpose rooted in empathy, respect, and human connection.
I am a Registered Nurse and currently the Nurse Manager at Fernihurst Nursing Home. Working at Fernihurst has allowed me to develop a deep and meaningful understanding of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, neurodivergent conditions, and the behavioural and psychological challenges associated with complex needs. This experience has strengthened my commitment to compassionate, person-centred care that honours dignity, individuality, and life history.
The journey has not always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. The consistent support of my team and senior management has made this transition smoother - not just for me, but for the whole team. At Fernihurst, we work closely with external professionals, health and social care partners, and our local community to ensure that each resident’s care is truly optimised and always delivered in their best interests.
Fernihurst holds a special place in my heart. Its rich cultural diversity reflects Sanctuary’s values of equality, inclusion, and respect, and it creates a sense of belonging for residents, families, and staff alike. For many, Fernihurst is their home, and within these walls, we are more than colleagues- we are an extended family, united by compassion, trust, and a shared commitment to providing the highest standard of care.

I have worked at Fernihurst for over 8 years.
My job role working with the residents and family members is very rewarding, no two days are the same.
We have very welcoming staff, and we all work together as one big family. It is a pleasure to be part of the team.

Coming from a retail manager's position after 20 years, a change in career led me to our home. Being on reception, I am privileged to get to meet the lovely families and friends of our residents. Being the first "port of call" its obviously important that I make sure that everyone gets a warm welcome and queries are dealt with in a friendly and timely manner.

I came to the UK in 2024 for a change in career direction, as I was previously employed in the public health sector in the Philippines. Now that I am doing bedside nursing, I have learned a lot, and it has broadened my horizon in relation to my profession, and I have also enhanced my skills.
Being employed under Sanctuary Care, specifically in Fernihurst, is a blessing for me because it has given me opportunities not only to touch lives but also to improve the quality of life of the residents that we are taking care of in our home and also their relatives.

I came to the UK in 2021 as a student and joined Fernihurst under sponsorship in 2023.
My role as a carer allows me to support and care for families' loved ones, and I am proud to be part of the Fernihurst team.

I came alone from Zimbabwe in 2023 to work at Fernihurst. I was worried that life would be lonely, and working with strangers would be hard, but it all changed from the very 1st welcome from the Sanctuary/Fernihurst Team. Working here has been amazing and fun. I have learnt so much from my colleagues; it is a blessing to work with such great people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fernihurst Nursing Home
What types of Care is Fernihurst Nursing Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Fernihurst Nursing Home have?
There are 50 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Fernihurst Nursing Home?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Fernihurst Nursing Home to the centre of Exmouth?
0.8 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 Fernihurst Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Fernihurst Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.