
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.
I came for the coronation celebration, it was a lovely day. Great music, fantastic food and, as usual, the staff went over and above. Perfect day to make memories. Thank you.
My husband has only been here a week but, in that time, he has been welcomed and staff have helped him settle. I am very grateful to all the staff for their support.
My wife has been in Fernihurst Nursing Home for almost three years and all that time she has been treated with lots of care and dignity by all staff and management. They have helped me through a very difficult time with understanding, as I try to make the best of things.
All the staff are very helpful and friendly. My mum is well looked after and very happy in the lovely Fernihurst Nursing Home. Much improvements with activities for the residents and decorating. Much appreciated for the hard work and keeping the home a happy place.
A particular highlight was a celebration for his wedding anniversary when they reserved a winter garden room for us and made a lovely high tea. Many of the staff dropped in over the course of the celebration to give him and my mother their best wishes. It was a very special afternoon for us.
My grandmother came to Fernihurst Nursing Home in a very bad way the care home she had been in had not been giving her her medication and she was in deep psychosis. I actually removed her from said care home myself. I cannot fault Fernihurst for how they handled my grandma and the help they have given her. She is on the right medication she’s happy and she’s putting on weight. She was severely underweight and extremely unhappy in her previous home and due to covid we really didn’t know the conditions she was living in. I am so grateful to Fernihurst I actually have my grandma back she doesn’t cry every time I see her and she always has positive things to say. She likes to keep an eye on everyone for the carers haha. She is honestly like a different person and that’s all down to the care and dedication of the staff members. So thank you.
I have a friend which has dementia and is a resident in this care home. When I visit my friend I am greeted with kind and positive staff. I am always impressed with the care they give. The staff pay attention to little changes in behaviours and react appropriately with their responses. I am always offered a hot beverage to sit and enjoy with my friend.
I'm always impressed by how the team's care and attention is consistent and kind. My husband always looks well cared for and content, he loves his carers and appreciates all they do for him as do I. They are always friendly and welcoming which helps me feel part of the Fernhurst family. I can't thank them enough.
All good and I am happy with the care my brother is receiving.
Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words! We are so pleased to hear how happy you are with the care we provide. Best wishes,.
Re. Fernihurst Nursing Home Garden Party. The staff were exceptional on the day looking after residents and visitors. I could not fault them at all. The only thing I would like to say is that the laundry staff fall short is items seem to go missing and then lots of them are never found.
I know my brother's care is superb and when I can visit he looks well and all the residents I meet on the way. Thank you all staff.
All Care staff are so friendly treating the residents with care and doing diligence, they are the true everyday heroes, who go the extra mile when required. Their role as Carers is a skilled job requiring them to return every day to face the everyday challenges, I have total respect for them all, I sincerely hope that Fernihurst rewards them for the due diligence they all have.
Fernihurst Nursing Home is a wonderful care home. They care for all the residents that are there. All the staff are great at what they do, and I will recommend this care home to friends and family.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Fernihurst. We appreciate your lovely comments about our staff and the care they providing for your loved one. Best wishes.
The home is very friendly, kind and helpful to me and my husband.
Thank you for taking the time to leave this heart-warming review. It's lovely to hear you are pleased with our kind and friendly approach to caring for your husband. Best wishes.
Fernihurst is a comfortable and well-managed nursing home. The staff are most helpful in all circumstances in what is a demanding job. Food is to a high standard. The bedroom and en-suite is always clean and tidy.
I have always found Fernihurst a very friendly home. The staff really care about the residents, I would not hesitate to recommend the home to anyone.
The service and care is excellent. It is such a comfort to me to know that she is being so well and closely cared for. Well recommended.
Very pleased with the response, through a very difficult time. We have not been able to see inside the home because of restrictions, but everything looks good when using the iPad. Doing the little extra things with activities makes a big difference.
Thank you for your review - it's great to hear you've been able to stay well in touch through our home's iPad. We do hope you'll be able to visit Fernihurst properly soon. Best wishes, Fae.
The staff have been as helpful as possible regarding visiting times during the lockdown in these very difficult circumstances. I am unable to offer a comment regarding rooms. My husband's residency having commenced too later for me to see them.
Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team; we do hope you'll be able to visit normally soon. Best wishes, Fae
Prior to lockdown, I visited my wide 4-5 times a week, during this period I was able to assess all the carers and can only praise them for their care and loving attitude to the residents. I also had many lunches with my wife, and the food was excellent. They arranged many activities to keep the residents occupied. The nurses would ring me if she fell, to assure me that she was ok. The complete renovation of the home is excellent. I have only praise for all the staff. I am glad my wife is where she is.
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.
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