Fernhill

122 Ringwood Road, Longham, Ferndown BH22 9AW
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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
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Date Published
  • 97
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Reviewer Connection to Fernhill
  • 43
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Total of 97, showing 61-80
Review from David N (Son of Resident) published on 21 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On this visit all the staff I saw were very friendly and would answer any questions I had openly and honestly. My Mother and the other residents I saw are well cared for and any needs they had were dealt with quickly and efficiently. My Mothers room is very clean as are all the common areas. I am very
glad that I chose Fernhill for my Mother to stay in.
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Review from Lynne G (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Husband is very well cared for in a lovely6 environment. All the carers are marvellous, the home is a friendly place, always making you feel welcome and nothing is too much trouble. There are some good activities and trips for all to take part in. The food and drink very good and special cakes for
different occasions, all very good. It has been very comforting for myself and two Sons to see my Husband happy in his own way and settled in such a lovely place Fernhill.
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Review from Carole F (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Fernhill has been mum's home for the last 8 years in which time she has been cared for and looked after very well. The staff are dedicated and always very willing and kind. I have peace of mind when I leave that she will be loved and properly looked after. There is nowhere like home but this comes pretty
close. Well done Fernhill.
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Review from Robert H (Son of Resident) published on 23 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Fernhill for the help and support they gave my mother while staying there.
Sadly, she passed away there on the 2/4/2018, she was at peace there, comfortable and warm. I cannot put into words how much they looked after her, all the staff were
so helpful and caring,
They couldn't do enough, right to the end.
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Review from Shirley A (Friend of Resident) published on 16 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My first visit to Fernhill and an absolute pleasure to be there. The staff are very welcoming. Very relaxed and nothing is too much trouble. Such a lovely place and lovely surroundings.
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Review from B S (Friend of Resident) published on 15 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff have always been very helpful.
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Review from Jeff M (Friend of Resident) published on 5 December 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit my long-standing friend as often as possible.
He is looked after extremely well and his room and surrounding lounge and garden are beautifully maintained.
I find the management and staff extremely professional in every respect and are always willing to help with any respect of my friend's
care.
I would certainly recommend Fernhill to my friends and family.
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Review from Mark N (Nephew of Resident) published on 19 October 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fernhill at Ferndown Dorset is part of Colten Care, my uncle has been a resident from April 2017. I was at first, nervous of my uncle going into a dementia care home but Fernhill has been excellent in their care for him and also supportive and reassuring to other family members. They have an open door
policy for visitors so are not able to hide anything.


They are real and genuinely support my uncle, all the staff from the cleaners, chefs, carers. The management is very approachable with questions and any concerns and answers are received quickly and efficiently. With my uncle's condition, it is clear to me that he is well cared for and in an excellent caring environment. Fernhill is and has been, outstanding.

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Review from Jennifer E (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 29 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother in law has been at Fernhill now for 4 months and we continue to be delighted with all aspects of her care.
The staff are extremely caring and friendly, from housekeeping to management. She now needs puréed food which is a real meal presented so nicely on a plate, very tasty and which she
really enjoys. We are so pleased that we chose Fernhill and have recommended it to a friend to consider for a relative.
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Review from John E (Son of Resident) published on 31 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely home providing a high level of care delivered by fantastic staff at all levels.
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Review from K J (Husband of Resident) published on 26 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have written this review several times, trying to include all that is so good about Fernhill Care Home. I cannot praise the staff highly enough for all the kindness, care, comfort and dignity they give to the residents. Fernhill is becoming my second home. My husband is safe and happy in their
care. One little thing I would like to mention is the garden, lush and green as it is, I think it is sadly in need of much more colour and interest.
Reply from Elaine Farrer, Operations Director at Fernhill

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. The gardening department is constantly reviewing the gardens at all our homes. At Fernhill, I am delighted to let you know that within the next couple of months we intend to make various improvements to the garden, including upgrading the potting shed area, introducing further interesting features and improving access to the shed – with more paving access, and also creating areas for some vegetable/fruit growing. We intend to construct some further raised beds, and a pergola for shade near the new water feature.

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Review from J R (Resident) published on 30 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Excellent home. I found everyone very professional. Nothing is too much trouble. All the staff are very happy and friendly. I feel very happy indeed that my uncle is in this home.


My thanks to everyone who works here. Wonderful people.

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Review from S E (Friend of Resident) published on 12 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent service under difficult circumstances. My friend being some 20 years younger than 98% residents chooses to eat more 'modern food' and generally refuses inclusion. Very few minor irritations, disappointed with care taken of laundry.
Reply from Elaine Farrer, Operations Director at Fernhill

Thank you for your comments about the care at Fernhill and extreme likelihood of recommending the home to others. Please note that our laundry staff make cleanliness their top priority and they ensure residents’ clothing is kept fresh and changed regularly. In line with residents’ requests, personal clothing is carefully cleaned, ironed and returned. I would urge you to speak to the Home Manager if there are any specific issues you wish to raise. Thank you, again, for your review.

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Review from Steve M (Friend of Resident) published on 3 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I don't believe my friend could be anywhere better.
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Review from Lisa M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are excellent, always happy to help all residents and family members. It's always a joy to visit mum as I know how happy she is here. Nothing is too much trouble and the family feel is fantastic. I always know mum is safe and well looked after. No complaints from me or mum. Carry on with the
excellent service you are providing.
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Review from Kathryn (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 March 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father had always said that he didn't want to go into a care home, so when his Alzheimers progressed to a point that he needed 24-hour care my sister and I tried everything we could to keep him at home. However, after several nasty falls, we decided that we could no longer keep him safe at home
and reluctantly looked for a care home for him. In total, we looked at 24 homes and decided that Fernhill was by far the best, and we have not been disappointed. All of the staff are friendly and helpful, they will take the time to discuss any concerns and they always treat the residents with dignity and respect. When my father was at home he spent a large amount of his time sleeping in the chair however since he's been at Fernhill he's been on trips, attended tea parties, been entertained by singers and musicians and even stroked an Alpaca! My sister and I know that he is safe and well cared for and we are confident that we made the right choice.
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Review from Robert B (Husband of Resident) published on 10 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has dementia and has been in care for some seven months. She needs to be pushed in a wheelchair. I have found the staff to be most helpful with such as personal care, hoisting, feeding and dealing with medication in the difficult circumstances. The activities staff also do this but to engage
her in the various past times. I and my family looked at quite a number of care homes and decided that Fernhill had the best facilities. (I worked on the basis that it is where I personally would wish to be cared for in the same circumstances). The outcome has indeed come up to our expectations.
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Review from Lesley F (Power of Attorney of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 4 October 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
When I arrived, I found the care staff very caring and sympathetic. As time went by during my stay, I found the staff were wonderful and well maintained. In general, I have enjoyed the variety of activities except my bus trip as I was a little poorly with travel sickness. The Activity Organiser looked
after me really well with love and dignity. In general, the home is lovely and I like my bedroom. With regards to the food when I first arrived it was lovely, however, it deteriorated during my stay.
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Review from Keith R (Husband of Resident) published on 12 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been a resident with Vascular Dementia for the past nine months at Fernhill. The nursing care given by the nurses and care workers is first class and it is obvious that the regular training of staff at all levels is of a high standard. The activities are well planned with several main events
held each month. Cleanliness of the entire building is very good with a reliable cleaning team. The food is well cooked with interesting menus. I would have no hesitation in recommending Fernhill to my friends.
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Review from Michael R (Son of Resident) published on 9 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ever since my family came into contact with Fernhill we feel more as though we have extended our family than that we have brought Mum into a 'home'. The standard of care is evident from the first contact with staff and I can honestly say that we feel Mum is in the hands of medical care, as in, say,
a hospital, rather than simply a care home. Reaction time between request and action is very short ... one is not side-lined in any way. As a family, we thought we could keep Mum at home all the way but realised the odds were against us after quite a struggle - finding Colten care brought about a complete change in our outlook. At every visit I find Mum at ease, happy, eating well and responsive to members of staff. She calls her room home and enjoys the fact that she can have peace when she wants it, company when she wants it.
We are all so relieved, knowing every aspect of Mum's health, character and personality are taken into account and treated with consummate tenderness. Top marks.
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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.

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.