Fern Brook Lodge

Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham SP8 4QD
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9.8 65 Reviews
  • Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham
Fern Brook Lodge in Gillingham, Dorset is a friendly, warm and welcoming residential home, where residents living with dementia are treated with dignity and respect. Individuals enjoy a safe, caring environment with all the home comforts and 24-hour specialist care from professionally trained staff.

Staff at Fern Brook Lodge pride themselves on providing the best possible care alongside relevant health and social care professionals tailored for individuals and their families.

Residents are accommodated in spacious single rooms which have en-suite wet room facilities along with a telephone point, high bedside lights and a flat screen television.

There are plenty of communal areas, including quiet seating spaces where residents can relax in comfort. The home also has a number of cosy lounges and dining rooms, offering views over the home’s large gardens and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The home aims to maintain and improve the quality of life of residents by creating a happy, friendly and secure environment, with facilities that are designed to encourage residents to interact with others and make them feel comfortable and 'at home'.

On-site services at Fern Brook Lodge include laundry and hairdressing and there is a wide variety of optional organised entertainment for residents, including beauty and music sessions, minibus trips to local places of interest, coffee mornings and arts and crafts mornings.

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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
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 75 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1385
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1465
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1510

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Fern Brook Lodge 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

  • Deb Wiltshire (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (75)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (75)

Fern Brook Lodge Reviews (65)

Total of 65, showing 1-20
9.8

Fern Brook Lodge has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fern Brook Lodge has 65 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 57
  • 5
  • 2
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

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Review from Linda S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was in hospital and unfortunately she wasn't going to recover so palliative care was started. The care home were pleased to have mum back in her room for the final two weeks of her life. The staff were so caring towards her and I was so grateful that she spend her final days in the home she had
lived in for 3 years. Fern Brook Lodge is lucky to have such caring and devoted staff, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this care home in the future to anyone looking to go into a care home.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're deeply sorry for your loss, and it was our privilege to care for your mum.

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Review from M D (Sister of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 3 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Exceptional staffing for care. Physically and mentally for residents.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your 5* review - we look forward to sharing this with the team.

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Review from Roy F (Respite Resident) published on 20 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am an 81-year-old here for recuperation after total revision surgery on my left hip. The medical care provided has been totally understanding and professional, and personal care has been sympathetic, thoughtful and dignified. The room and facilities are of the highest standards of user friendliness,
and activities are well varied and appropriate to the needs and abilities of all residents. Food is well-balanced and nutritious, and of the highest order. My stay here has fulfilled all of my needs and expectations, and I would have no hesitation in recommending Fern Brook Lodge as a perfectly caring care home. Heartfelt thanks.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at Fern Brook Lodge

We're honoured you chose us for your recuperation and delighted that we've met your expectations in every way. Your thoughtful reflections on the care, environment, food and activities mean so much to the team, and we wish you continued strength in your recovery.

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Review from Amanda P (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent service - After being let down by another home!!
Thank you so much for looking after Mum for 2 weeks, you have all been amazing - we are so grateful.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased we could be there for your mum and provide the care she needed. The team at Fern Brook will be delighted to hear your kind words - it truly means a lot to them.

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Review from D H (Resident) published on 29 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are exceptionally competent and caring. I cannot speak more highly of their professionalism and ability. I am fortunate to be here.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review and the comments about the team we will be sure to share this feedback with them.

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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We chose FBL because of the friendliness of the staff and their team spirit. Not only are the carers brilliant - unfailingly cheerful and kind and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that residents are calm and comfortable, but the support staff are amazing too, from the cleaners and laundry staff
who keep up high standards of cleanliness to the catering staff who make sure my mother's breakfast is individually cooked to her liking and her food is presented in appetizing ways, and the activities staff who are always looking for creative ways of making residents lives brighter. FBL is an exceptionally well-run home, and we are grateful to you all. Thank you!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a great deal to our whole team to know their efforts are making a difference. We're truly grateful for your support and are proud to care for your mother.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Super friendly, clean, staff are amazing. Always kind and helpful. Mum's room is always spotless. Very happy environment.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review we are so pleased you always find the staff kind and helpful, we will share your review with the team.

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Review from M Y (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 30 April 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A warm friendly loving home. From day one our our whole family, not just mum have been made to feel very welcome at Fern Brook Lodge. In fact through this kindness to us we have manged to extend this to a new resident and families over the months. Mum has been a resident for almost year and a half and
as her condition progresses she requires a lot of patience and energy from care staff. And due to the whole teams dedication and loving support mum is happy, relaxed and doing really well. Keep up the great work we are grateful to you all. Thank you.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words. We're truly grateful for your support, and it's been a privilege to care for your mum. We'll be sure to share your thanks with the whole team.

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Review from Shirley F (Resident) published on 30 April 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall very good. The staff are very helpful and are very respectful. The care and consideration is excellent, if there is any queries they are dealt with when able. The biggest problem is having to wait, but understand others need attention. The activities are very good and great fun. Very pleased
with my room and can do crafts and rest if needed. Very happy here and made friends.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased to hear you're happy, enjoying the activities, and have made friends.

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Review from J W (Resident) published on 27 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find this a very nice home. Staff are very nice and helpful. Home from home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your 5* review. The staff will be really pleased to read this review.

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Review from N M (Respite Resident) published on 6 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely warm atmosphere. Home from Home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review - we will share this feedback with the home.

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Review from Mary S (Resident) published on 17 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

First class. Feels like home from home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased to read your review and that the home feels like home. We will share this with the team.

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Review from S R (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All of the staff are patient, kind, and caring and always ensure that residents' needs are put first. We are impressed with the Events Team, which keeps the residents engaged with all of the various activities. We have noticed that mum loves the attention and has lots of fun with the staff, which makes
her happy. Fern Brook Lodge is a lovely care home, and we would like to thank all of the staff for everything that they do for the residents.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased your impressed with the events and activities at the home. We will share your review with the team.

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Review from C D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent Christmas Fete. The activity team work so hard with very limited funds. So many festive activities are planned. The new chef appears to be providing good food. The staff are dedicated and have the right amount of respect and love.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Christmas Fete and are enjoying the home cooked food at Fern Brook.

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Review from R J (Brother of Resident) published on 31 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother has been a resident of Fern Brook Lodge for the past 6 months. He is being cared for well, the food is good. The staff are always friendly, courteous and helpful whenever we visit. Personal hygiene is good.

Reply from Phillip Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for such a positive review, I am so glad to read your comments, which of course I will be sharing with the team.

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Review from R S (Relative of Resident) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was very hard to accept the fact that the time had come to look for a care home for a much loved family member, who now needed more care and support than we were able to provide. Fern Brook Lodge came highly recommended to us by a friend who's father was a contented resident, because of this we were
keen to include it in our choices. It was very clear from our first visit what a kind and caring home Fern Brook is, this wasn't always evident at other establishments and made a difficult choice so much easier. 4 months into his new home, we have a very happy, contented resident, who's life has been made so much easier. We are always met by smiling friendly staff who genuinely care and look to enrich the residents life.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for this lovely 5 star review. We are all so pleased to hear how your feeling about the care at Fern Brook.

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Review from G B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent trip to Poole, my mother really enjoyed her day out, and the trip and the trip was exceptionally well planned.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review - we are so pleased your mother enjoyed the trip to Poole.

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Review from J A (Resident) published on 16 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A first-class care home with excellent, kind and helpful staff which I would certainly recommend.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review and lovely words. We will share this with the team.

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Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very nervous about placing my mother in a care home. The home has been fantastic in settling my mother. She has been in Fern Brook for 4 weeks and has been better with each week. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Seems to be understaffed. The activities staff are very good and friendly. The
manager has been very helpful with the process of making the placement.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for rating the overall experience at Fern Brook Lodge as 5 stars! I understand our Home Manager has been in touch with you to discuss your review and we hope to see you again. All the best.

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Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the third month my father has been living at Fern Brook. From the first day my sisters, my father's brother and I visited Fern Brook Lodge we knew he would be well cared for. All the staff are absolutely wonderful. The food is fantastic and there is always something for my father to eat who
is a meat and veg man!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your wonderful 5* review of Fern Brook Lodge, I am so pleased that your father has settled into life so well. Wishing you and your family all the best.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.813)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10 for Fern Brook Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.813 for Fern Brook Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (306 Excellents x 5) + (48 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 364 Ratings = 4.813

  • b) 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 Fern Brook Lodge is based on 29 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 75 registered maximum number of service users is 15, which has been reached with 29 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 4 Mar 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Deb

Deb Wiltshire

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

“I have been in care for 40 years and have been a Home Manager for ten. Prior to this, I was a Senior Lecturer teaching student nurses in Cambridge. I originally trained as a nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital where I specialised in district nursing. I am incredibly passionate about palliative care and continence which is reflected in my qualifications.


“I love making a difference, particularly when someone is in the latter part of their life, it is just so important to make this time as special as we possibly can for them and to make every day count.


“I adore my two dogs, both are rescues, and I spend most of my free time walking them or trying to stay upright on my newly acquired paddle board – although not too successfully!”

Frequently Asked Questions about Fern Brook Lodge

What types of Care is Fern Brook Lodge registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Fern Brook Lodge have?

There are 75 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Fern Brook Lodge?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Fern Brook Lodge to the centre of Gillingham?

0.8 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 Fern Brook Lodge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Fern Brook Lodge has an Enhanced Service - more info.