The Lodge

22 Spicer Road, Exeter EX1 1SY
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9.9 80 Reviews
  • The Lodge, Exeter
Originally designed as a home for a successful Exeter family in the late 1880s, The Lodge is an impressive Victorian villa with extensions added throughout the years, with the latest completed in 2018. The whole home provides an excellent standard of accommodation to suit everyone, including suites for couples and it is still very much a home today, providing the highest standards of nursing and residential care to people who appreciate the sense of refinement with a homely ambience.

The Lodge's philosophy is to provide 'exceptional care for the individual' and it is evident in everyday life at The Lodge, from the fine dining experience, to the varied activities in the social calendar that cater for a wide range of hobbies and interests. Located in the heart of Exeter, The Lodge is a beautifully designed care home offering tailored residential, nursing, and respite care. With 50 thoughtfully furnished rooms, it provides a tranquil yet engaging environment for its residents. Surrounded by mature gardens and scenic views, The Lodge offers the perfect balance of serenity and accessibility. A lively activities programme encourages residents to explore their interests, with opportunities including music therapy, arts and crafts, and regular outings. Dining is a highlight, with delicious, chef-prepared meals served in a welcoming atmosphere that fosters community and conversation. The Lodge is a home where care, comfort, and connection come together seamlessly.

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1800

Fee rates are dependent upon the type of stay . Level of care is determined by a full pre admission assessment.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Lodge 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)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Deborah Skinner (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (58)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (58)

Parking

  • Limited parking at the front of the building. Telephone for access to the rear of the building. Otherwise short term on street paid parking or a car park some 400 yards away, also paid.

Total of 80, showing 1-20
9.9

The Lodge has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.931) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Lodge has 80 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 73
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at The Lodge were professional, empathetic and genuinely caring, not only to my mum but to my brother and me. Every person I met in the Lodge has a smile, kind word and helpful attitude. My mum was very pleased with her carers and that gave me peace of mind as I did not live near to her. Sadly
Mum's stay was brief but we could not have asked for more from start to finish. Thank you team.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you for this review and I'm very grateful to have met you all for, as you say just a short time. I will forward on your comments to the whole team, who will be thrilled, proud and delighted to hear your views. Thank you so much again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum finally decided she needed full time care and decided to move to The Lodge. The process of identifying her needs and settling her in was done with dignity and great care. Sadly, my mum's illness progressed quickly, but the nursing care was outstanding, and it gave me great comfort to know that
she was being looked after so well when I went home. Thank you.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you and yes I agree, it was a short stay however, it was in the control of your mum who made all the decisions she chose, in the way she wanted. I will miss the family contact too. thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the care I had at The Lodge highly enough. The care was needed for several weeks of respite after an adverse reaction to hospital treatment, after which I could not care for myself. It was much appreciated that efforts were made to book me in on short notice. The staff were lovely without
exception and always had a smile and a few words of encouragement.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and thank you for the wonderful recommendation for all of us at The Lodge. We have enjoyed your company and wish you very well with your ongoing recovery. You probably won't require our services again however, if you do, you would be most welcome to return!!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for 3 and a half years. From the start mum was looked after and cared for by excellent staff. Mum was liked by many of the staff and had a good rapport with them. She was able to be taken out in her wheelchair to many places, including the garden centre, museum, and
Exmouth where she could enjoy fish and chips!! Hairdresser, chiropody, optician and visiting dentist are all available to all residents if needed. The Lodge entertainment is very varied from crafts, Summer Fayre, visits from local organisations and recently the commencement of their own choir. All this mum enjoyed although she may not have participated in everything!! Staff always made us welcome and encouraged relatives and friends to participate. Mum passed away recently and we were well looked after during this sad time with comforting coffee and hugs. The background staff (admin, catering etc) are worthy of note as well - to the whole team, we thank you for everything

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to do this review. It's very much appreciated and it's always good to hear that the team went that extra mile. Your mother will be very much missed at The Lodge. Thanks again

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found The Lodge to be very clean and very pleasant. The staff went out their way every time we visited come to this month we were in every day.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and again, thank you so much for this review for us all. The care we give is of utmost importance and really matters to everyone at The Lodge. Thank you again and come in when you can - you are welcome.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience with The Lodge they are a very caring team, they work hard, The Lodge is always clean, you would think it is a 5 star hotel. The food is spot on and 5 star care.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and thank you for this review for The Lodge. We take enormous pride in our service and I know the staff will be thrilled to read that you felt we hit the mark for your Mother's care. We will miss seeing you at The Lodge and you are welcome to pop in at any time.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge has been exceptional. The manager has been very supportive from the start and has an open door to residents, their families and staff. The staff are always friendly, caring and go above and beyond to provide outstanding care. The home is always clean and staff are smartly dressed. The food
provided is freshly cooked on site and a good menu selection. There are always plenty of activities available and regular visits from entertainers. Would recommend without hesitation.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you for this review and I'm delighted that you have found every area to be worthy of such praise. We strive very hard to meet the needs of each and every resident and that includes families and friends as well. We are proud of the standard of service we offer and to hear it from families, is always wonderful. Thank you again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge provides excellent care for Mum. The entire team - from care staff and nurses to cleaners, activity coordinators, catering and management - are professional, friendly and attentive. The facility is beautiful, the food is good, and there's a good variety of activities, but the staff's genuine
care and attention to residents' needs is what makes this place stand out. I'd highly recommend The Lodge.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much for a great (and quick) response about your mum's care and your visit to the UK. I really appreciate it and the time you've taken to do it! We look forward to your next visit to The Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father's move into The Lodge, Exeter was managed extremely well, he has settled quickly and regards his lovely room as his home now. I am very grateful to all at The Lodge for looking after him so well.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you very much for this review and your thoughts on how your father's settled at The Lodge. I appreciate your time in filling out the carehome.co.uk review. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I stayed at The Lodge for about a week following surgery (as I live alone and in a house on multiple levels). The Lodge provided exactly what I needed, especially the first few days when I was so uncomfortable. Everyone was really kind and I appreciated the help I received from the carers and nurses,
as well as the hospitality staff and other teams.
In addition, I was really reassured to have professional nurses monitoring the medication, especially the heavy-duty painkillers, and to have the personal care support. The Lodge also arranged a session with a physiotherapist which was a turning point as it gave me the confidence to move about more and understand how to manage the discomfort. I would not have had any of this at home.
I would not hesitate to recommend The Lodge to anyone with similar needs.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and thank you for your review - I'm delighted you felt reassured by our care and that you have the confidence to go forward with your life at home. It was a pleasure to have met you and in the nicest possible way, I hope you won't need us again!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What can I say about The Lodge? I am the daughter of a resident who was admitted 5 years ago. My mother had suffered a stroke and until then had been completely independent. Although mobile, it affected her memory and she found it difficult to adjust but over time with care, encouragement, respect and
support, she got there and she had a beautiful room overlooking the garden which she loved. She was free to potter; to join in any activities she wished to which were very professional, and included outside speakers and interesting subjects, which she enjoyed. Also, lovely day trips out. Throughout her stay, she was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Her carers knew and managed her expectations well to the very end and there is quality in everything the Lodge team do for their residents; beautiful buildings and gardens, immaculately clean, fabulous care and wonderful food but most of all in my case, the general manager and her team's ability to involve me too. A huge thank you!

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

I hardly know what to say in return apart from thank you so very much for this review. I will always recall your mum from the moment of admission to The Lodge and, the great times we had after that - especially when you were visiting her. You will all be so much missed.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother received excellent care in the time she was here. I was particularly impressed with the care manager who was very willing to work with us to ensure Mum's changing needs were met. They are a very caring team, both day and night staff. The food is excellent. Mum's time there was happy and we
are grateful to all the staff. Special thanks from me to the receptionists that would run upstairs with the phone without complaint, just friendly greeting!

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and thank you for taking time to complete this review. I was delighted to ensure that your mother's needs were met on all levels and will pass on your thanks to the whole team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved to The Lodge during the pandemic to be close to her family in Exeter and to receive end-of-life care. She ended up enjoying nearly three more years thanks to the exceptional care and support she received. We already knew The Lodge had a good reputation but it exceeded this and we are so
grateful to you all. Those extra years were entirely due to how safe and content she felt. The Lodge team helped support us right through to the end and beyond. All the team have been exceptionally kind, supportive and sensitive.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so much for this review - it was such a roller coaster ride and one that ended well! It has been a pleasure to have known your mum and her family as well. We will miss seeing you here at The Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Mum arrived at The Lodge in 2021 in a very poor state of health with a prediction of six weeks to live. From the day of arrival, to the day she slipped quietly away in May 2024 the level of care received was superb.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so much for this review and your mum's stay was a pleasure and a lovely surprise that she was able to enjoy her life for so long, seeing her grandchildren in particular. We will miss her a lot and her family of course.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment my husband arrived he received a warm and friendly welcome. The nursing staff were excellent throughout his stay and the health care assistants were very caring especially when dealing with his personal care. They were always cheerful and treated him with dignity and compassion. Nothing
was too much trouble. The general manager would often call in for a chat and always made sure he was happy. She always had his best interests at heart and her aim was to make him feel as much at home as possible.
Choosing a nursing care home for a loved one is possibly one of the most difficult tasks a family may have to do but we chose well. I would therefore highly recommend The Lodge in Exeter.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so much for this review - it was a pleasure to care for your husband and he was so good at keeping us cheerful as well! In the short time he was with us, he made a difference, as did all of the family. Look after yourselves.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of The Lodge. My mum came here for 7 weeks for palliative/end-of-life care. Every aspect from the cleanliness, level of care, food, and of course management is second to none. The kindness, love and empathy my mum received was first-class. They always had her interests and
comfort as a priority. As next of kin, I felt listened to and supported at what was an extremely difficult time. It is of no surprise that many staff stay working there for years! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly can’t recommend The Lodge highly enough.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Justine, thank you so much for this review. It has been such a pleasure to have not only your mum (again) but to have you back at The Lodge as well. You really represent what family means. We will miss you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent care home for the last two years of our mother’s life. Kind competent care with great respect and regards for her wishes. Fantastic end-of-life care and support for us all. Spacious light room able to take furniture and pictures. Lovely food served in the restaurant and great care taken
to meet dietary needs. Interesting activities and gentle encouragement to residents to participate. Nothing to fault at all.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you so much for your lovely review. Your mum was a pleasure to have known and I’m only sorry that she is no longer with us.
I hope all is well with the whole family.
Thank you again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great first impressions which were backed up by subsequent experiences. My friend is a very independent person who is being treated with the utmost respect.

Reply from Anna Boyes, Marketing Director at The Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am pleased to hear that your friend has settled in well.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge is an outstanding care home in Exeter. From the moment I met the manager, I knew the decision to move my friend in was the right decision. Every aspect of the home is first-class. The nurses and the activity team deserve special mention.
Your loved one will be in good hands.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Hello and thank you for this amazing review. It has been a fairly short journey with The Lodge but meaningful even so. I will miss both of you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Lodge was the perfect place for my mother to end her days in comfort. The staff worked hard to ease her transition from home and within a few weeks she was comfortable in the environment. The nursing staff and carers could not have been more attentive - I really felt they had my mother's best
interests at heart. On the very few occasions that my mother had a minor complaint it was immediately addressed. Since my brother and I live abroad communication was important and the daily messages from the nursing staff kept us informed and aware of my mother's state of mind and health. Their concern and kindness towards my mother as well as for my brother and me made this difficult transition easier to bear.

Reply from Deborah Skinner, General Manager at The Lodge

Thank you for this lovely review and for your company when you were visiting us. Your mother certainly kept us on our toes and there is nothing wrong with that!
Please pass my regards on to your brother and your family.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.931)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.931) out of 10 for The Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.931 for The Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (283 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 303 Ratings = 4.931

  • 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 The Lodge is based on 26 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 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 26 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: 18 Nov 2021

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Deborah

Deborah Skinner

Job Title: General Manager

Having trained as a nurse in Plymouth and achieving a BSc Hons degree in psychology a few years later, Deborah has been General Manager at The Lodge since 2006. Under Deborah’s leadership The Lodge attained an ‘Outstanding’ Care Quality Commission rating in March 2020, a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all staff and of the exceptional care provided to our residents.


In spite of working in several specialisms including surgery and paediatrics, elder care was to become a lifelong passion of Deborah, as shown by over 20 years in the care home industry. Remaining passionate about The Lodge residents and staff has never presented a challenge, as the role of General Manager is more than just a job – it becomes part of an extended family for many working there, as our long service records show.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Lodge

What types of Care is The Lodge registered for?

Older Person Care, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Lodge have?

There are 58 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Lodge?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Lodge to the centre of Exeter?

0.5 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 The Lodge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Lodge has an Enhanced Service - more info.