
Mum is always treated well. All the staff are kind and friendlyFiona W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Without exception the staff are kind, friendly and understand the dementia journeyRos P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Mum is always treated well. All the staff are kind and friendlyFiona W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Without exception the staff are kind, friendly and understand the dementia journeyRos P(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Designed exclusively for people living with dementia, Fernhill offers specialist care within an environment thoughtfully planned to help residents navigate daily life with greater ease while encouraging independence wherever possible.
Life at Fernhill is centred around smaller household communities, allowing residents to build meaningful relationships and enjoy a calm, supportive pace each day. Familiar spaces, sensory gardens and carefully designed surroundings provide reassurance, while themed areas throughout the home encourage reminiscence,...
Care Provided by Fernhill
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 58 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
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- 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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Fernhill for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Fernhill 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
- Colten Care Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Lorraine Bell (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2012
Room Information
- Single Rooms (58)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (58)
Visiting
- There are no specific visiting hours at Fernhill; all that is asked is you let the home know you are in the building by signing in on the iPad in Reception. If you are visiting outside of Reception hours, ring the bell and a member of the team will assist you.
Parking
- Parking is available on site at Fernhill, and all visitor parking is clearly marked. When coming to view the home, please get in touch and a space can be reserved.
Fernhill Reviews (109)
Fernhill has a Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fernhill has 109 reviews.
My mum is treated with respect and dignity, they've taken the time to learn her tells and what she enjoys despite her no longer being able to speak. The main lounge and residents rooms are well maintained.
Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased you are happy with the care your mother receives, and we appreciate your words about the team's understanding, respect and commitment to recognising her individual needs.
ALL the staff welcomed Mum into this great home. Filled with colour, light...and life. The photos of residence's day's out and activities adorned the walls and wow, the menu each day......made me hungry to say the very least!
From the very first moment I stepped into Fernhill, looking for a suitable place for Mum to be cared for, it was immediate connection and sense of relief.
The whole process of Mum being assessed, admitted and cared for could not have been easier.
Sadly, Mum would not be able to partake in the plethora of activities as she declined very quickly. This sounds and, of course, IS sad but she was SAFE. She was CARED FOR. She was HAPPY. Thank you Fernhill for everything. 10/10
Thank you for your kind feedback. We are very sorry for your loss and appreciate your thoughtful words about the care your mother received at Fernhill. It was a privilege to support her, and we're grateful you felt she was safe, happy, and so well cared for throughout her time with us.
I was welcomed warmly, shown around, given the opportunity to ask lots of questions. I was impressed by what I saw and when I witnessed one of the companion team singing one of my favourite hymns with a resident, I just knew it was the right place.
I looked no further, brought dad down for 6 weeks respite 3 years ago and he's stayed since!
My dad is not the easiest of people and I know they all need a lot of patience looking after him and I applaud their level of care he receives.
The communication is excellent, the food really good and facilities too. I am always welcome and am often offered food and drink myself when visiting. Nothing is too much trouble for residents and visitors alike.
I am very happy to leave my dad in their care and not worry for his welfare
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased you are so happy with the care your father receives at Fernhill, and we appreciate your kind words about the team's communication, support and the reassurance they provide to your family.
Fernhill is a lovely, caring home, that welcomed my husband with open arms. He wasn't the easiest person to deal with at first, agitated and resisting help in every aspect of daily life. But with the care, attention, respect and patience of the staff, he is now calmer, settled and content. Every resident is treated as an individual, and their specific needs are attended to with love and care. The management are great, dealing with any help or advice my family and I request, and keeping us updated on his care or any issues. I could not wish for a better home for my husband and would not hesitate in recommending them.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased you are so happy with the care your husband receives at Fernhill, and we appreciate your kind words about the team's patience, understanding and ongoing support for both him and your family.
Fernhill stood out for us when making this decision. The staff were available all the time when we visited.
Dad initially spent a four week respite period in the home to gauge how he would settle and this was a success. After a few weeks back at home we made the decision that Dad should return on a permanent basis. Everyone involved in Dads care were exceptional, from entering the home and having his clothes all labelled, the care they took to make him comfortable, the focus they gave to his wellbeing and his medication and especially the small things like printing out familiar images from his past to display outside his room. (his favourite football team, the aircraft he used to work on etc.)
All the staff knew him and if they did not have any information relating to Dad, their admin system was always up to date to find out.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're glad Fernhill has provided reassurance to you and your family, and that the team's care, communication and thoughtful support helped your father feel settled and comfortable.
The Staff at Fernhill are all extremely caring, friendly and supportive both to my mother and my family. Although my mother has only been with them for a short while, they have made her feel very welcome and comfortable. It is a huge weight off myself knowing that my 95 year old mother, who had been living independently, is now in a lovely safe and secure residence. She has been on weekly minibus outings and joined in with the entertainment within this care home. With my permission, photos have been taken of such trips and shared with me, mum always looks so happy. The Staff regularly telephone me with updates about her day and if there are any medical issues that need discussing with the doctor. Whenever myself or my family visit we are always approached by numerous, friendly staff, no matter how busy they are, asking if there is anything that we would like or need. They all really do go 'above and beyond', I cannot praise them enough.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're glad your mother has settled so comfortably at Fernhill, and that the team's care, communication and thoughtful support are bringing reassurance to you and your family.
Her room was beautiful and we were able to place personal items to make it feel like home. The staff are excellent and so supportive and positive which keeps the mood up for everyone. Mum has always loved her food and the staff were able to quickly assess and strike the balance of giving her what she liked but making sure she didn't over indulge.
As will often happen Mum "lost" items of clothing and footwear, the staff were really helpful in locating the missing items quickly, and not making it seem like I was being unreasonable in wanting her belongings back.
Thank you for your kind feedback about Fernhill. We're so pleased to hear your mum's respite stay was so well supported, and that the team's understanding, organisation and attentive approach helped her feel relaxed, comfortable and at home.
We have found management very reactive to any requests or ideas we have had, and suggestions have been promptly discussed or reacted to. As family members, care has been needed to us as well as our loved ones. We are always welcome. Our loved one is always known to carers and staff, and he reacts well to them. As a wife, I always feel welcome, and I hugely appreciate the kindness and friendliness shown to us both.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear you feel welcomed and well supported at Fernhill, and that the team's responsiveness, familiarity and kindness bring reassurance to both you and your loved one.
I visited lots of care homes in order to find the best care for my wife, who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer's. Fernhill was the best I could find. The care that she has been given is exceptional and changes as her needs change. The staff are genuinely caring and know how to deal with any situations that may arise. Her medical needs are well catered for, and medication is controlled and given on time. The home can be relied on to contact her GP if there are any issues and keep me well informed. The food is good, varied and plentiful—the staff deal with everyone as an individual. I would not hesitate to recommend Fernhill to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear Fernhill has provided such exceptional, responsive care for your wife, and that the team's understanding, communication, and personalised approach give you such reassurance.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this fantastic care home .
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're honoured to have cared for your relative at Fernhill and are pleased he felt happy and supported from the very start. Your kind recommendation and appreciation of the team will mean a great deal to everyone here.
My wife's room is always beautifully kept by the housekeeping team, who are happy to have a chat whilst working. The management are always approachable and helpful. Activities are thoughtful and enjoyable. I would happily recommend Fernhill to anybody looking for excellent care.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased to hear both you and your wife feel so well supported at Fernhill, and that you value the warmth of the team, the care taken with her room, and the thoughtful activities on offer.
My mother is not the easiest of people to look after but the staff at Fernhill have gone above and beyond. The staff have been incredibly patient with her whilst she settled in and have treated her as an individual. My mother had resisted all kinds of help - washing, dressing, attending activities. Slowly, with the help of the staff, she has settled in so well and now I feel she feels that Fernhill is her home.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're so pleased to hear how well your mother has settled at Fernhill and that the team's patience and individual approach have helped her feel at home. Your feedback will mean a great deal to everyone here.
The level of care and respect shown is nothing but brilliant.
The outings and activities laid on are mixed and tailored to suit individual needs and preferences.
Food is varied and tailored to residents requirements.
A home from home.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased you feel Fernhill provides such thoughtful, respectful care and a real home-from-home environment. It's wonderful to know the activities, outings, and food are so well appreciated - your kind words mean a great deal to the whole team.
Thanks to the wonderful staff our relative was able to experience a most dignified and peaceful passing surrounded by those he loved. At all times both he and we as a family received an incredible standard of care, attention, kindness and professionalism from all members of staff.
We as a family were already familiar with Fernhill for its delivery of respite care which again we would describe as excellent, surpassing all our expectations in every respect
and always going above and beyond.
In our hour of need the management team and staff were there for us without question when we needed them most and this will never be forgotten.
Reading your words means more than we can say. We're truly sorry for your loss and deeply honoured to have been there for your loved one, and for your family, during such a difficult time. Knowing that our team made a difference when it mattered most means so much to us all. Thank you again for sharing this with. We'll be sure to pass your words on to the whole team here at Fernhill.
Fernhill Care Home became a true home for my dear mum, over her three years there. The carers consistently went above and beyond, making Mum feel incredibly valued, entertained, and deeply loved. Despite her many physical difficulties, the nursing care was exemplary, and I was always kept fully informed and involved in every decision, which brought immense peace of mind.
What truly touched me was how the staff didn't just care for Mum; they genuinely cared for me too. Even on their toughest days, they always found the energy to smile and say hello, offering unwavering positivity. Witnessing Mum's physical and mental decline was heartbreaking, but knowing the staff were genuinely invested in her welfare made all the difference. They ensured she participated in beloved activities like the choir, visits from nursery children, and mini-bus trips.
Certain staff members, my "angels," will forever hold a special place in my heart for their boundless kindness towards both Mum and me.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such lovely comments. It means a great deal to know that Fernhill became a true home for your mum, and that you felt welcomed and supported too. We're lucky to have such a kind and dedicated team here, and your words about the care they gave and the difference...
Thank you so much for your expert care and support for our Mum and us during her short stay. Every member of staff was so friendly and welcoming which made our Mum's final days so much easier for us all to handle. You quickly got on top of her pain and treated her so kindly as if you had known her for years. You are really first class and we can't thank you enough.
Thank you for your thoughtful review. It was a privilege to care for your lovely Mum albeit for a short time. We were so sorry for your loss and truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. It means a great deal to know that our team were able to offer comfort and support...
What a wonderful care home. I can't thank you enough for the love and care that you showed both my dad and my stepmum while they lived at Fernhill. Every single member of the team got to know them with their foibles and celebrated the loving couple that they were. You also treated us with great love and respect when it came to their passing. Dad was very content and peaceful but didn't want to go on once he had lost my stepmum and you cared for him beautifully, nothing was too much trouble. It was also obvious how much you cared for him as a person. You were also kind to me in those last weeks of his life. It felt like a family not a business. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing such kind words with us. It means so much to know that Fernhill felt like a family to you and that your dad and stepmum were cared for with love and understanding. Getting to know them both as individuals and as a couple was truly special for our team. Your comments mean a...
The relief at finding Fernhill after a long search was indescribably and never once did we regret our decision. Owing to the understanding, patience and kindness of the staff, her initial rebellion metamorphosed into acceptance then contentment. When she died the compassion and gentleness of the staff helped us immensely.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review of Fernhill. It means so much to hear how our team's kindness and care helped your loved one settle and brought comfort to your family. Supporting residents and their families through every stage is incredibly important to us, and we're glad we could be...
I have been very happy with my husband's stay. The carers have all been very attentive and caring as well as efficient. it looks like there is a lot of staff every day.
Thank you for your review of Fernhill. We have a wonderful and hardworking team here, so it's very rewarding to hear such kind words about the care they provided to your husband. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we're grateful to know that our efforts have contributed to a positive experience.
Returning home earlier than the rest of the family it was so good to be able to visit Dad at any time of day and I was made very welcome at all times.
In addition, everyone was very courteous, kind and caring and nothing was too much trouble. It was so pleasing to observe that Dad's care was individualized at all times and I noticed that staff went out of their way to help residents to feel included in whatever was happening and no one was left out.
I feel reassured that Dad will be happy to stay at Fernhill in the future providing much-needed respite for Mum as required.
Thank you for your review of Fernhill. It's wonderful to hear about your dad's stay with us and that you were pleased with the care he received. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every resident feels included and cared for, so it's especially rewarding to know this was evident in your dad's care....
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 31 October 2019Outstanding
- CaringOutstanding
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
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 (4) & Events (0)
- 09 Jul 2026
More than 35 managers in various roles have participated in Colten Care’s third-level ‘Excel’ Leadership & Management Course in the past 18 months to two years. They include the group’s...
- 18 Feb 2025
A Strictly-style ballroom dance competition supported Colten Care has raised more than £80,000 for a Dorset-based palliative care charity. Forest Holme Hospice’s Strictly Extravaganza, which had headline sponsorship from Colten...
- 18 Feb 2025
Colten Care has trained 32 team members as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) to help colleagues maintain and improve their work-life balance. Colten Care has prioritised the training as part...
There are no upcoming events for Fernhill.
Awards / Recognitions (11)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Colten Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Colten Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Colten Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Fernhill.
Meet the Team (2)

Lorraine leads the team and is ultimately responsible for every aspect of life in the home, ensuring the highest standards of care and service are delivered. Her door is always open if you have any questions or queries.

Lexi is responsible for leading the team of registered nurses and carers to meet the individual needs of the resident, through the delivery of consistently high levels of clinical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fernhill
What types of Care is Fernhill registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Fernhill have?
There are 58 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Fernhill?
Own Furniture if required, 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 Fernhill to the centre of Ferndown?
1.8 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 Fernhill to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Fernhill has an Enhanced Service -more info.