
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 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.
A lovely home providing a high level of care delivered by fantastic staff at all levels.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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,...
I don't believe my friend could be anywhere better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The standard of care in general and the atmosphere within the home provides a safe and secure environment, this combined with the high standard of care cannot be faulted so I thoroughly recommend it as an excellent choice for a loved one.
From the moment you walk into Fernhill you can feel how friendly it is, the staff know and greet everyone by name. Mum loves being here and enjoys all the activities provided. There are lots of outside visits and excursions on the mini bus for all the residents to enjoy on a weekly basis. I as a carer have support and advice consistently.
After making a quick decision to bring mum to Fernhill the staff were very helpful, both helping her settle in and supporting us at a difficult time. Mum enjoys the activities provided at Fernhill and loves the cake that is always available. The activities managers have amazing enthusiasm and provide innovative sessions on a daily basis.
Fernhill has proved to be the right place for my friend to live. My friend is ninety three and has dementia and is extremely unsteady on her feet. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping her to settle and in their safeguarding of her. She loves all the activities and is always immaculate in her appearance and content with her life. The home is spotless, the food excellent and staff great everyone with a smile, nothing is to much trouble for them.
I stayed 2 days and nights at the home and was able to observe daily activity. The home was run by caring, pleasant and helpful staff who worked very hard to meet the needs of demanding clientelle. Food was served in excellent portions but was not always warm when it reached the residents. Residents were observed to be enjoying a party but showed little interest in a craft session. Overall standards were high, well above average and residents are treated with kindness and dignity.
Feel that this is the best place Mum could be in. Confident that she is well cared for.
Mum is looked after in the best possible way.
I feel the home provides my mum with the love, dignity and care I as a daughter could wish for her. The staff are always very polite and friendly when I visit, which is at least 4 times a week. I feel lucky to have my mum in such a lovely home. She loves all the music afternoons and responds very well. I often join in and it's a lovely afternoon for us both.
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.