






The Firs is a residential and Nursing home, situated in Taunton, Somerset.
The Firs is an individual home, registered to care for 40 elderly residents requiring nursing and non-nursing care, specialising in; early stages of dementia, palliative care, sensory impairment, Parkinson’s, stroke rehabilitation, couples wishing to remain together and bespoke services for families in crisis.
The Firs staff are highly trained to deliver person-centred care services to all residents, be it...
Care Provided by The Firs Care Centre
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Learning Disability / Autism
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 40 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
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- 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
Please note that fees are subject to a detailed assessment of individual care needs and may vary depending on the type of room selected. For accurate pricing and further information, please contact the The Firs Care Centre directly.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Firs Care Centre for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Firs Care Centre 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
- Halcyon Care Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Helen Grigg(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 1975
- Last Refurbishment: 2023
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (40)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (26)
Visiting
- Visitors are welcome at any reasonable time throughout the day. The home encourages visits from family and friends as an important part of maintaining residents’ emotional and social well-being. To ensure the comfort and safety of all residents, visitors may be asked to follow basic infection control and safeguarding procedures where appropriate. While appointments are not required, it is recommended to contact the home in advance for large groups or special visits.
Parking
- The Firs Care Centre in Taunton provides convenient on-site parking for visitors and staff. There is a small parking area located at the front of the building, and additional on-street parking is available nearby.
The Firs Care Centre Reviews (14)
The Firs Care Centre has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.251) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Care Centre has 14 reviews.
Towards the end of mothers's life just yesterday the staff were very comforting and provided excellent support.
I thoroughly recommend the Firs as a residential home
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Your kind words mean a great deal to all of us.
It was a privilege to care for your mother, and we are so pleased that you felt supported and welcomed whenever you visited. We know how difficult the last days can be for...
My father was living in another care home, he became very depressed and withdrawn, refusing to leave his room. After speaking to the Matron at The Firs and explaining his situation she reviewed dad and offered him a room. The transformation was immediate he joined other residents in the lounge, interacted with activities and began to smile again. It was the absolute best decision to make. Towards the end of dads life the care and attention he received was brilliant. Calm, respectful and dignified. Thank you.
Unfortunately my mother in law only resided at The Firs for a short time. During her stay mum was treated with the utmost care and with the respect and dignity she deserved. All the staff, health carers, cleaning and catering staff, nothing was too much trouble. The manager was a breath of fresh air, honest, reliable, well informed and extremely caring. My family and I would not hesitate to recommend The FIrs to anyone who is going the difficult process of having to find a nursing home for much loved relatives.
Thankyou, It means a great deal to us to know that your mother-in-law was cared for with the dignity, respect, and compassion she deserved during her time with us. Supporting families through such an important and often difficult period is something we take very seriously, and your feedback reassures us that we are making a positive difference.
My father in law was a resident at The Firs for two years following a series of strokes. From his first days there he was well looked after and always felt safe. When able he took part in activities and trips out - and enjoyed the enrichment visits. In his later days he was kept free of pain, and dealt with respectfully and kindly. He was always clean and well presented. And the day before he died he told me he liked where he lived. Huge thanks to all staff.
Thankyou very much for the Review. He is very missed by the Team. Helen
Wonderful staff. Happy atmosphere. Very welcoming by everyone.
Helen the Manager was delightful and made Megs move into The Firs faultless.
Thank you so much for your kind review,We really appreciate this lovely feedback!Kindest regards and our deepest sympathy for your loss.
I can't thank everyone at the Firs enough for taking care of my Mum. She was only with them for 4 weeks before she passed away but it was evident to myself and the whole family that the entire team at this home are outstanding. I witnessed true care given to all residents, regardless of their role they made time to stop and talk to everyone, they sat with them and helped when necessary. I appreciate that the building itself is a little less pretty on the outside then some other home's but do not judge a book by it's cover. Inside is lovely and bright, clean and spacious. Remember it's the people inside the building that make the difference to the care given not bricks and mortar. The manager and the team are absolutely amazing, and I couldn't have wanted more for Mum. My Father is already asking to move it as he was so impressed.
Dear Liz, Thank you for your kind words ,we are very regretfull about your Mum passing away.Kindest regards and our deepest condolences.
Overall, the care workers are good and attentive to my mother's needs. They treat her well and she seems reasonably happy. Overall, the food quality is reasonable though I feel that the last meal of the day could be more wholesome. The room itself is okay. Decent bed and chair, and other equipment. Toilet facilities are basic and can be a little dirty at times. She gets her medication on time though I'm not sure if they check that she takes it. She gets exercises to do by some carerworkers. Bit hit and miss. Activites seem good though early days as she has only recently started engaging with the activities coordinator.
I am only able to review my husband's care for the last 7 days as yet, I believe it is very early days to make a proper review. Up until today the03/10/2024 I have found any concerns from me, are answered honestly. In some areas, communication in English could be better not only for the resident but the carer.
I am very satisfied with the service provided. My sister's friends travel over 100 miles to visit and always say an extremely good and friendly atmosphere. Thank you.
I have no problem with the home looking after Dad. All the time he has been here any problems or concerns have been addressed quickly with the staff always happy to do things when asked to. The nurses also helped Dad with his health, heart problems and chest problems. Please continue to look after him. Thanks.
It took my wife a little while to become accustomed to the staff and surroundings. In her condition, it would never have been easy to just drop into place. The staff was always friendly and helpful and even persistent when needed but always with a smile and kind intent. I'm grateful for the care given to my wife for such a short period.
Thank you for your kind review sir. We are grateful to have cared for your loved one. We will miss having you around. Kindest regards.
Our father has been very happy in The Firs. He especially likes the food and appreciates all the kindness shown to him. The overall ambience of the home has improved and it is nice to see activities taking place.
Two members of staff in particular kept checking on us all night and made sure I was warm enough, and brought in an extra chair so I could be more comfortable.
I have found the home very good. Everyone is very friendly and dad has been very happy here. A big thank you to all for making dad's time here all good. The carer team are so good with all the things they do and the food is very nice. Dad is well looked after here. Thank you all for looking after dad.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 01 July 2025Good
- 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 (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for The Firs Care Centre.
There are no upcoming events for The Firs Care Centre.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Firs Care Centre.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs Care Centre.
Meet the Team (1)

Helen Grig is a dedicated and accomplished healthcare professional currently serving as the Care Home Manager at The Firs Care Centre. With a strong foundation as a registered nurse and a robust background in leadership and care management, Helen brings a wealth of experience, clinical expertise, and compassion to her role.
Having spent several years as a registered nurse, Helen has developed deep clinical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on care. Her nursing background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of medical protocols, patient-centred care, and the importance of tailored support for individuals with varying health needs. This experience enables her to lead with confidence and ensure the highest standards of care across the home.
Helen’s commitment to professional development is evident in her completion of the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care. This qualification complements her clinical expertise by broadening her understanding of the social dimensions of care, allowing her to adopt a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and social well-being of residents.
Previously the Unit Lead at Ashdowne Care Centre’s Ashdowne Unit, Helen demonstrated her ability to manage care delivery with excellence, support staff development, and promote a positive, collaborative environment. Now, as the Care Home Manager at The Firs Care Centre, she oversees the entire home, leading with a clear vision and unwavering dedication to resident welfare.
Helen’s leadership is characterized by her strong organizational skills, compassionate approach, and effective communication. She fosters a culture of support and respect, empowering her team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Her hands-on experience, combined with a strategic mindset, ensures that residents at The Firs receive the dignified, individualized care they deserve.
Under Helen’s guidance, The Firs Care Centre continues to thrive as a nurturing and professional environment, where residents’ needs are met with empathy, excellence, and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs Care Centre
What types of Care is The Firs Care Centre registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The Firs Care Centre have?
There are 40 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs Care Centre?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), 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 The Firs Care Centre to the centre of Taunton?
1.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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