
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for your review, and we look forward to working with you to improve our score.
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.
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.
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.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and the great suite is very comfortable.
Many thanks for looking after our dad so well.
Thereafter we discussed progress and I am very happy with the level of attention and care that my mother is receiving at Colten Fernhill.
I regard them all as my family, this is a beautiful home full of love.
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.
My mum arrived at Fernhill in February for emergency respite care as she was not coping on her own. Within a few days she was brighter, sleeping well, enjoying meals and even joining in activities. She has now been there for 6 months. She shares her "house" with other ladies with a similar level of dementia. Without exception the staff are kind, friendly and understand the dementia journey so are able to calm and reassure her. The facilities, decor, and activities are superb. We especially appreciate the Sunday hymns and readings as mum has always been a church-goer. When I visit she is bright and relaxed and I am welcomed by the staff who are always available for any queries or requests. Rooms and common areas are spotless and she enjoys the little coffee shop on colder days (and the coffee is excellent!). I would have no hesitation in recommending Fernhill - they are simply brilliant!
We have been very impressed with the flexible visiting arrangements and the helpfulness of all the staff at every level. They have always made time to listen and respond to my queries.
My professional background includes working in dementia services and it is lovely to see how well all the staff understand the needs of people with dementia while treating each person as a unique individual.
We are completely satisfied with our choice of Fernhill and would have no hesitation in recommending it for short or long-term care.
My father, and us, his family, have been very warmly welcomed into Fernhill. We cannot speak highly enough of the care, support, energy and compassion shown by all members of the team. Staff are always there to answer questions, and their dementia training is evident in how they care for residents. A big thank you!
My mother needed urgent support and the staff stepped in and looked after her wonderfully and in turn helped me. I can’t praise the home and the staff enough for the caring and professional care they provide. Physically and mentally my mother is the best she has been for years.
Every need of hers has been met in such an exceptional way, from her meals to the cleanliness of her room to the speediness and thoroughness of her medical needs. I would highly recommend Fernhill for respite or long term care. I have huge respect for the staff there and all they do to ensure your loved one is safe and cared for in all ways.
Thank you
In August '21 after a difficult year and after much soul-searching the family took the decision to move our very elderly father into a care home, and for a number of reasons we chose Fernhill. We are delighted to say we are very pleased with our choice and have absolutely no regrets. It has been like a new lease of life for him. The home lives and breathes care of the highest quality and we have nothing but praise for the wonderful caring staff. We really like the general ambience of the home, and nothing seems to be too much trouble. The wellbeing of the resident is very much at the forefront of everything they do whether it's just talking to them, involving them in activities, taking them on trips, providing companionship or even simply putting an arm around them and making them feel wanted, and cared for. Our father seems very content and happy which is all we could have hoped for at his time of life.
Staff are very caring and attentive, and they hosted a lovely party today and went to a lot of effort. Special mention to the chefs who ensure mum has vegetarian food.
My mother has been a resident here for over a year. I am very happy with her care. All of the staff/careers, nurses and admin staff work so hard to make and succeed in improving my mum's life. They have treated her with great care and support. They have also helped myself to come to terms with my mum's Alzheimer's.
We feel very lucky to have found such a lovely care home for our mother. The staff here are all excellent and really go out of their way to help mum in every way they can. The staff are so genuine and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. We feel very happy with the difficult choice we had to make, in deciding that mum needed extra help that we couldn't provide.
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.
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.