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Fernihurst Nursing Home

19 Douglas Avenue, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2HA
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Fernihurst Nursing Home logo
Very impressive, thank youP S(Wife of Resident/Service User)
Fernihurst Nursing Home, Exmouth
A big happy family for residents and staff alikeF S(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Fernihurst Nursing Home, Exmouth
We are both made to feel part of a family, with great kindness and respect.Janet(Wife of Resident/Service User)
Fernihurst Nursing Home, Exmouth

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 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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Nursing CareFrom £1,600N/A

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.

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

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)

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9.8

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.

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Showing 93 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from D M (Wife of Resident) published on 10 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband was moved from the hospital to Fernihurst on March 17, 2020. Lockdown was in progress. He cannot talk to me on the phone. I saw him in the garden on June 16th and July 7th. He appears frail, clean and tidy. When I talk to the carers, they are nice, friendly and seem to be caring for him. Having been to the home outside, it appears to be a calm, friendly place to be. He has recovered from COVID; medical help was quickly got. It will be nice to get back to a new normal soon.

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Review from R R (Son of Resident) published on 3 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
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Very caring staff.

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Review from L M (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Obviously, the running of a care home needs to be managed and run by many 'ranks'. To me, the most important is nursing and care staff. These people make the experience for the resident bearable, or not. Most are amazing, hard-working, and kind, so important. Where personal dignity is involved this is paramount for their wellbeing and their loss of ability to manage their own capabilities. Possibly more activities could be done for bed-bound residents.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team - they will really appreciate your feedback. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Angela F (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Despite the hardship of reduced staffing due to COVID-19; when I spoke to Mum she was in good spirits and cared for. I saw her yesterday after 3 months of lockdown; she looked well and clean. I have been able to speak to her on the phone most days and video calls.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team. It's lovely to hear you've been able to stay in good contact with mum throughout this difficult period. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Neil S (Son of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My mother has been a resident at Fernihurst for about six months. The care she has received over this period has been outstanding! She has been very well looked after under exceptional circumstances. I can't thank all the staff at Fernihurst enough.

Well done Fernihurst.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for such wonderful feedback. The team will really appreciate it. Best wishes.

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Review from M W (Husband of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My wife has been cared for in Fernihurst since 2016. She has been nursed and supported with love and care for her dignity. All members of the staff play their part and are helpful to visitors. Fernihurst is a lovely home and my whole family feel so fortunate that she is there.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for such a heartwarming review. Our team will be really appreciative of your kind words. Best wishes.

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Review from R L (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
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The staff are always kind and caring. My mum has been helped to feel very at home in the nursing home, she seems very content.

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Review from Colin D (Stepson of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

As we live 200 miles away, visiting is rare. The staff are excellent at contacting us if there are any issues.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our team, we are glad that you have peace of mind with our care. Best wishes.

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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Fernihurst looked after my dad under extremely difficult circumstances and did their best to make him comfortable.

The kindness and care of the nursing team particularly were amazing.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team; they will really appreciate it. Best wishes.

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Review from Henry F (Husband of Resident) published on 16 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
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The home is comfortable, clean and the staff friendly and helpful.

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Review from M P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

After my mother's previous care home claimed they could no longer meet her care needs, we are so thankful to Fernihurst for taking my mother in with advanced Alzheimer's disease. We had to go further afield to find Fernihurst as no nursing homes in our immediate area would accept my mum, but it was worth the extra drive to visit her. The carers have been exceptional. They never once raised an eyebrow at my mother's slightly eccentric ways. They enjoyed her "spirit" and quickly accepted her personality. My mother was always well-presented and neatly groomed, and her room and communal areas were always spotlessly clean, so there really is nothing to fault. We would highly recommend Fernihurst to anyone looking for specialist dementia care. Others may claim to be dementia care specialists but, shockingly, are quick to boot the residents out if the going gets tough. Thankfully not Fernihurst. We are very grateful to them; true professionals.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for such kind words about our home and team - it is wonderful to hear that you would recommend our home as a provider for dementia care. Our team will really appreciate it. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Ruth C (Wife of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Sadly my husbands stay in Fernihusrt was only too brief, but he was treated with great kindness and care. The staff's sympathy towards my daughter and I during a most trying time; was exemplary.

We cannot thank them enough.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home
Thank you so much for your kind words about our team and home; they are truly invaluable to the care we provide.

Best wishes, Fae

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Review from G W (Husband of Resident) published on 25 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Over the past year I have been continually impressed by the diligence, patience, humour and friendliness of the nursing and care staff. Always available and ready to address any concerns, they are well supported by management, creating a welcoming, humane and homely atmosphere. Activities are varied and enjoyable, but limited by what I would describe as an inadequate budget (not, I believe, the fault of the local management).

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home
Thank you for your kind words about our home and team. I will be sure to pass your feedback to the team.

Best wishes, Fae

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Review from R T (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The staff at Fernihurst are an incredible team. Working under ever demanding pressures, they always seem able to put their residents at the heart of their care. I have put my trust in them to care for my mother, who has been in the home for six months, and they have been incredible. I always feel fully informed about my mother's care and it is easy to have open, honest conversations with management and all staff.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team; they will really appreciate it. Best wishes.

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Review from G H (Husband of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I thought it was a very respectable home. They sorted out any problems that I had. The staff showed good care.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team; we really appreciate it. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Nigel H (Son of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother is cared for extremely well by all staff who are always attentive and caring with her needs.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thanks so much for your feedback. I will be sure to pass this onto the team. Best wishes.

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Review from Keith A (Husband of Resident) published on 4 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Impressed by the quality of staff starting at the top. Patient, caring staff working under sometimes very stressful conditions. My wife's second stay in respite. Nice room with a view. Always clean and tidy during my frequent visits.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words and feedback Keith, the team will really appreciate it. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from B H (Wife of Resident) published on 14 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My husband was very well cared for - he was happy and he didn't complain about anything at the home.
Previously he was in another care home where he was not cared for as much and he was sometimes distressed.

The carers at Fernihurst are very good, my husband was looked after very well. They had to do everything for him in his last few weeks but they were very good ensuring that my husband was comfortable.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback, it is wonderful to hear how pleased you were with your husband's care throughout his time at Fernihurst. Many thanks, Fae.

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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My Mum lived here for 6 1/2 years. During this time both she and the family were supported extremely well during the difficult stages of her illness. We always felt that Mum was looked after in a dignified way and that the staff always shad time for the family to discuss anything. We would especially like to thank all of the staff on level 2 who was very comforting during Mum's last days.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team during your mother's time with us. I will be sure to pass this onto Kathryn and the team. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Julian T (Son of Resident) published on 10 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

He seems very happy here, and as well as can be expected at his age! Always well looked after by the staff.

Reply from Sophie Middleton, PR Officer at Fernihurst Nursing Home

Thank you for your review. I am pleased to hear your father is happy and settled at Fernihurst. Best wishes

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 01 July 2021
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • 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...

Upcoming Events

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Fernihurst Nursing Home.

Meet the Team (7)

Nicola Shayler
Nicola ShaylerJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2026

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 care

I 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.

Okeba Tortora
Okeba TortoraJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 2022

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.

Gail Jensen
Gail JensenJob Title:AdministratorJoined: 2018

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.

Sherrie Carter
Sherrie CarterJob Title:ReceptionistJoined: 2024

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.

Michael Ramos
Michael RamosJob Title:Registered NurseJoined: 2024

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.

Joel Babu
Joel BabuJob Title:CarerJoined: 2024

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.

Dev Sando
Dev SandoJob Title:CarerJoined: 2023

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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