Fernhill

122 Ringwood Road, Longham, Ferndown BH22 9AW
Review Us
9.9 97 Reviews
  • Fernhill, Ferndown
Experience the warmth and care of these friendly, relaxing care homes whilst making new friends.

Residents enjoy companionship and can join in with singing, music, exercise and arts and crafts sessions. There is the opportunity for gentle gardening activities in the summer sunshine, and there is a busy pen pal scheme.
The home is registered for nursing care and staffed by dedicated nurses and health care professionals with extensive experience in caring for age-related conditions and fully trained in infection control.

Fernhill is situated at Longham in the picturesque Dorset countryside, specifically designed and dedicated to the needs of people living with dementia.

Built over three floors, Fernhill has all en-suite bedrooms with shower facilities and flat-screen televisions with Freeview. Each house within the Fernhill community group has its own dedicated team of care staff, while on the second floor there is a guest suite for relatives who may wish to stay overnight.

The home is designed for easy orientation and independent living. There are spacious communal lounges and dining rooms all of which have a lifestyle kitchen and two private sensory gardens for the residents to enjoy, both of which are wheelchair accessible.

Following a refurbishment project in 2012, Fernhill has themed rooms, including a cinema, post office, café and in the garden residents will find a 1958 Hillman Minx.
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Care Provided

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 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

  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1732

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Fernhill 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Lorraine Bell (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • 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

  • At Fernhill, there are no specific visiting hours, all that is asked is that you let the home know you are in the building by signing in on the Ipad in Reception, if outside of Reception hours, just ring the bell and a member of staff will enable your visit.

Parking

  • Parking is available on site at Fernhill, all visitor parking is clearly marked. When coming to view the home, please get in touch and a space can be saved..

Fernhill Reviews (97)

9.9

Fernhill has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.920) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fernhill has 97 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 88
  • 9
  • 0
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Date Published
  • 97
  • 3
  • 5
  • 17
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Reviewer Connection to Fernhill
  • 43
  • 15
  • 12
  • 9
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  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 97, showing 1-20
Review from Alison A (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We would like to recognise and thank the management team for their proactively, concern, kindness, professionalism and support for our very much loved relative and for us as a family which enabled a rapid transfer from hospital to Fernhill Care Home when our relative's health was rapidly deteriorating.
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.
Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

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.

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Review from Christina S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

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 it made will mean so much to them. We're especially glad your mum was able to enjoy the community and activities, from singing in the choir to trips out and visits from the children. Creating those moments for our residents is very important to us, and it was a privilege to share them with her. Should you ever wish to visit, our doors will always be open. Thank you again.

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Review from Linda S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

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 to both your mum and your family. I'll be sure to share your kind words with the whole team. Thank you again.

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Review from S V (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

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 great deal, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share them during this difficult time. I'll be sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. Thank you once again, and we wish you all the best.

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Review from Sally W (Mother of Resident) published on 13 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
Reply from Lorraine Bell, Home Manager at Fernhill

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 there for you during such a difficult time. Please know that our doors are always open if you need anything or would like to visit. We're so sorry for your loss, and we really appreciate your kind words.

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Review from P D (Wife of Resident) published on 11 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

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.

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Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you to everyone at Fernhill for providing a welcoming, secure and caring environment for Dad, enabling Mum and the wider family to have time away to attend a funeral and re-engage with family and friends.
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.
Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

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. We're also happy that you felt welcomed and supported during your visits, and that we were able to provide peace of mind for your mum and the wider family.

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Review from T C (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all friendly and amazing from the reception to all floors. Fantastic calm atmosphere. Caring is noticeable always there. Always clean residents and rooms etc.
Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you so much for your review of Fernhill! Creating a calm and caring environment is very important to us, and it's fantastic to hear that you found everyone from reception to all floors friendly and amazing. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we will continue to provide the best possible care and experience for all our residents.

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Review from Kathleen M (Wife of Resident) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased that my husband, 88 years old, was offered one day care per week after his dementia assessment. He has some agency personal care each day but his time in Fernhill is a very positive and stimulating experience. He loves the staff, the food, chatting with others and the occasional minibus
outing with one-to-one care with some residents. All the staff from management, reception and carers are kind, approachable and sensitive to my husband and my one needs. Thank you, Fernhill from a very appreciative wife.
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Review from Fiona W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is always treated well. All the staff are kind and friendly. She enjoys all the activities and food. She always seems happy to attend daycare and entertainment. I am more than happy with the care and attention she receives and I know she is safe and well looked after.
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Review from Elaine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been in Fernhill for nearly five years now and in all that time, she has been in excellent care from all members of staff (from the cleaning staff, carers, nurses). I couldn't have chosen a better home for her, it was always going to be difficult to put someone you love into a care home but
I couldn't have made a better choice, her stay has been treated with the utmost care and attention and for that, I will always be grateful.
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Review from A C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 18 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Visiting Fernhill was arranged quickly after initial contact and there was a visit from the care manager to the home of the resident within a short time. Contact was excellent right from the start with daily updates on how our relative was settling and any issues.
Every member of staff we meet is friendly
and shows care and compassion. It seems to be a happy place. We are welcome to visit at any time and unannounced which is very reassuring. Overall, an excellent home.
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Review from John N (Husband of Resident) published on 4 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience at the home over the past two and a half years that my wife has been a resident has been excellent. The standard of care has been good in all aspects that I expected. The staff are always cheerful, even at times that have been difficult due to Covid and other problems. I am always amazed
at the patience shown, even when residents are being "difficult". Overall, an excellent care environment.
Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review, and we look forward to working with you to improve our score.

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Review from N C (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so glad I persevered to get my wife into Fernhill. All the staff have been brilliant in dealing with my wife in situations due to her Alzheimer's. Something I could no longer cope with at home. They are caring, kind and very professional. The food is excellent and she certainly enjoys the food.
I am very grateful to all the staff for the care they give my wife in sometimes challenging situations. I would definitely recommend Fernhill to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.
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Review from Debbie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum is looked after well, both physically and mentally. The staff have got to know her and seem genuinely fond of her, despite her complex needs, at times. They are sensitive to getting it right for her.
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Review from Maurice S (Husband of Resident) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but praise for the staff. I feel the nursing team certainly know what they are doing.
I am glad my wife is here. Staff are great and nothing seems to be a trouble. Very positive - I was impressed with management coming to visit my wife when she was in hospital.
Reply from Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Fernhill

Thank you for your review - we look forward to reviewing activities, food and drink to see what else we can do to improve these for your wife.

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Review from Sue H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You have lovely staff, who all work hard. The home is very clean, and the food looks lovely.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and the great suite is very comfortable.
Many thanks for looking after our dad so well.
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Review from M W (Son of Resident) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and his team kindly set up an online meeting for my wife and I as we live overseas. My mother came in at the beginning which was a lovely touch.
Thereafter we discussed progress and I am very happy with the level of attention and care that my mother is receiving at Colten Fernhill.
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Review from Richard H (Husband of Resident) published on 5 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From one who was reluctant to put his wife in any kind of care home, I cannot find the space provided will cover its virtues. The home is like one big family that provided the love, care and devotion to its residents that we could never attain because of our working lives. No matter what status the
loving care is displayed by all during their working day, it's one big team! Over the past 2 and a half years I have witnessed many acts of kindness by all.
I regard them all as my family, this is a beautiful home full of love.
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Review from R H (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 24 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Enjoyed his stay and really liked all the staff. They took time to talk to him and they looked after him well. He found some of the "inmates" (his words) very strange! Overall he had a good time. Liked the food. He cannot get shoes on as his feet are swollen and sore.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.920)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.920) out of 10 for Fernhill is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.920 for Fernhill is calculated as follows: ( (186 Excellents x 5) + (14 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 201 Ratings = 4.92
  2. 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 Fernhill is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 58 registered maximum number of service users is 11.6, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 31 Oct 2019

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 (10)

Meet the Team (2)

Lorraine

Lorraine Bell

Job Title: Home Manager

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

Lexi Gibson

Job Title: Clinical Lead

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.