






The Ferns is a 46 bedded care home in North Shields providing residential and dementia care, Palliative care and Respite care to people over the age of 65.
All bedrooms have en-suites that are designed to give residents privacy and to promote independence.
Residents benefit from good transport links which make visiting easier as well as being close to local amenities.
The home features three tastefully decorated lounges, including an activities room...
Care Provided by The Ferns
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
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 48 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
Other Care Provided
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
These fees do not include hairdressing or chiropody.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Ferns for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Ferns 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Roseberry Care Centre (England) Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Joanne Miller(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2000
- Last Refurbishment: 2022
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (48)
Visiting
- You are welcome to visit at anytime. They do have protected meal times and would appreciate it if you did not visit during these times unless you are dining with, or supporting your family member/friend during the dining service.
Parking
- The home has parking available on site.
The Ferns Reviews (47)
The Ferns has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.459) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Ferns has 47 reviews.
We found the staff to be friendly, when we are there. Very attentive and always obliging. One concern is that there is not a lot of secure, outdoor space for us to sit with our family member so they get to enjoy their surroundings and get fresh air.
My mam was here for respite. She had a fall out of the chair and bed, not the correct bed. The day after her fall I went to see her, no call bell, it was at the other end of the room along with a jug of water. She couldn’t walk so couldn’t get a drink. We had to phone the care home a few times due to Mam not having a call bell in reach.
The staff are all nice but lack training. Visited today and yesterday's sandwiches were still on the table with a cold cup of tea. Carer came around and gave a cup of tea without giving any choice of what to drink and didn't remove old dishes. Very dirty bone dry jug on the table with no drinking cup, crumbs on the floor, dirty tissues, and empty bottles under the bed. No soap to wash hands and an overflowing bin in the bathroom. Aunt dressed in clothes covered in food stains. Lots of maintenance issues and at eleven in the morning no sign of any cleaning staff, the foyer needed vacuuming, and corridors had not been swept let alone mopped. The home has changed management a few times but no visible improvement. I felt dirty when I left. To think my aunt pays to live in this place, no wonder she was depressed, she says she's bored. No activities for residents. I agree it's like a prison in desperate need of decoration.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns. I am sorry to hear that your experience has not been positive and would be happy to discuss this further with you.
The staff are excellent, supportive and caring. The food appears to be to my aunt's liking and is sufficient. The rooms are kept clean and tidy and have enough equipment for her needs.
Thank you for your review, David. I will communicate your feedback to our staff team. Many Thanks, George Ward, Home Manager.
The staff are very good and caring but operating under very great pressure. The food was very basic and the decoration and facilities are in urgent need of updating. Mam has moved rooms three times because of a faulty door lock.
Thank you for your feedback, refurbishment is underway in the home. A new chef has also been recently recruited so hopefully, you should see a difference.
She was dressed in a Christmas jumper and trousers which were not hers. We had taken in a suitcase full of lovely clothes, where were they? No nightdresses and the clothes that I removed from the wardrobe had been purchased I was informed from the local charity shop. Why, when she had lovely clothes taken in for her. We have now transferred her to another home and she has arrived with very little in her suitcase. When I asked on numerous occasions about her clothes I was told I could go and look in the laundry to find them. This was a lady of 99 years of age, where was her dignity. She was sent here by the hospital, I think places should be inspected on a regular basis. I will take this further.
My sister entered this home from the hospital on a ‘step down’ basis. None of her family was allowed to check it prior to her discharge from the hospital, nor were we allowed to visit for fourteen days afterward. On being allowed in I was utterly appalled at the conditions. The foyer was cluttered and a small pedal bin, lid up, was overflowing with used masks, etc., and when I entered the home proper the smell of urine was overpowering. No one asked to see my lateral flow test, I had to offer it. My sister was alone in a cheerless lounge, television on, no remote. It appeared that she still had not mingled with other residents. Information from another family member revealed that she had spent the fourteen-day isolation period in her room with no television or radio. Disgraceful. I told the manager of my concerns and he informed me that her room was being ‘spring-cleaned’ (after fifteen days!) and that he was implementing improvements, i.e. he had had the grass cut! The council and CQC have been informed.
Very friendly, cheerful and helpful.
Thank you for your positive review, we will share this with the team.
Lovely care home. Can't praise The Ferns enough. The staff are very friendly and informative keeping my sister and I fully updated, regarding any questions or issues we may have concerning our dad. Very happy with care and attention my dad is receiving from all the staff.
Thank you for your lovely review of The Ferns. We are pleased that you are happy with your dad's care and that the staff keep you updated with his care needs.
All the staff I have met have been lovely and helpful in the care home. Always full of joy and consideration for the family and utmost for the residents. Well done to you all, keep it up. Missed out food, drink and activities due to Covid just in one room. All the staff need a big pat on the back.
Thank you for your positive review; we will share your lovely comments with the staff team.
A lateral flow test given on arrival, the staff informed me of the procedure, and the test was done quickly. I was asked to wait in the waiting area until these were ready, then given PPE to put on for my visits. All was done in a very efficient manner, and I was treated with the utmost respect. Staff are excellent and are obviously super caregivers. My grateful thanks to them all.
The home is adequate in the majority of aspects but could benefit from activities for the residents to be involved in on a daily basis e.g. bingo, quizzes, films, recreations. The staff is always pleasant and approachable.
My wife has been in a care home for three years, she broke her hip in December 2017. After seven weeks she moved out into nursing care, the home she was in was unable to take her back. After looking at three homes we chose Willow Court. We were amazed at the welcome we received from all the staff and up to now, we have noticed a big change to my wife.
Thank you for your feedback about your experience of our home. We are happy to learn it has been a positive one. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing. Have a wonderful day and we look forward to seeing you again.
The care and support Dad has had in Willow Court has been first class. The staff can't do enough for Dad. They've ensured his medication is relevant and if medication needs reviewing they've arranged doctors appointments to ensure changes are made.
Thank you we always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience at Willow Court Care Home was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.
I would describe Willow Court overall as a good care home. The staff are very competent and caring - a number of them have been there several years and are therefore very knowledgeable about the residents and their specific needs. The home is kept clean with domestics on duty throughout the day - the decor is pleasant. Food is of a very good quality, with a choice. Activities do let the home down as there are none, but hopefully, this will be addressed soon.
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to hear that your experience of Willow Court Care Home has been so positive. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing and we take on board all of your comments. Please reach out to us on your next visit where we would be happy to talk you through our activities programme including future events planned. Have a great day.
It's a very friendly place. The staff are so helpful and caring. Nothing is a trouble to them. Having an entertainments manager is excellent.
Thank you, Norma, we always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience at Willow Court Care Home was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.
The staff are warm and welcoming and appear to work hard. They have got to know my friend very well. They treat the residents with respect and dignity. If I need assistance or have a question, they try their best to help. My friend looks more cared for and is healthier since residing in this home. I feel sometimes there is not enough staff about.
Thank you, Pauline, for your comments about your recent experience at Willow Court Care Home. Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we...
Staff seem to be very caring and pleasant as it is a very hard job they have. Room kept nice and clean.
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to learn that your experience at Willow Court Care Home has been so positive and appreciate your kind comments about our team. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
My Mams care is excellent, all the staff are warm and friendly.
Thank you, Hilary, for sharing your experience about Willow Court Care Home. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how our team are doing and it is rewarding to learn that you have been so pleased with the quality of our care. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Willow Court is an excellent care home, we use it for respite for my father and they cater to his needs. My father suffers from vascular dementia so each day is different to the next, he is always well looked after here, looks presentable, is clean, well fed etc. He enjoys sitting in the garden and even if it's snowing, the staff at Willow Court, will wrap him up and assist him in the garden so he doesn't miss his daily routine of being outside.
Thank you, Sylvia, for your comments about your recent experience at Willow Court Care Home. Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 13 March 2026Requires improvement
- CaringRequires improvement
- EffectiveRequires improvement
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledRequires improvement
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)
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There are no upcoming events for The Ferns.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Ferns.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Ferns.
Meet the Team (1)

Although I have only been the manager of The Ferns since September 2023, I have been a home manager for over 10 years.
I qualified as a registered nurse in mental health back in 2002 and worked in a variety of settings, before finding myself working in elderly care in 2013.
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