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 21-40
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

65
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Review from Livvy W (Friend of Resident) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff of Fern Brook are very dedicated, caring, friendly and respectful. They care for each client with dignity and respect, and no task is ever too much trouble. The meals are lovely and nutritious. Activities are always taking place and encouragement for the clients to join in as much as possible.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five star review, the team at Fern Brook Lodge will be absolutely thrilled. I will be sure to pass on your kind feedback to the team.

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Review from David R (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 24 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This refers to the cake sale of 29th May 2024 but applies generally across the board to all the staff all the time.
Everyone does all they can to make life as pleasant as possible and are caring, thoughtful and kind.

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful five-star review of Fern Brook Lodge; the team will be so pleased to read your wonderful comments. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Fern Brook Lodge made the process of moving Mum to a care home so much easier than we feared.
Everyone has made her welcome, showing her extraordinary care and understanding. She enjoys the wonderful activities, and the room is just perfect for her. We can't wait to be able to sit in
the garden in the spring when visiting.

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

Thank you for your wonderful review of Fern Brook Lodge; I am so pleased that Mum is enjoying life with us. Wishing you both all the best.

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Review from Kay P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would just like to say every time I have visited Fern Brook Lodge I have always been welcomed in and always been treated lovely by all staff, gold stars. I saw my mum before Christmas and just enjoyed the day and wanted to stay. The Lodge is such a lovely home. My mum is so well looked after as is
everyone else, can't say anything more really but just keep up with the good work.

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

Thank you for your lovely review, I will pass on your wonderful feedback to the team at Fern Brook Lodge. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Julie O (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been coming to the memory cafe every Thursday for a few months. The staff are extremely welcoming and spend quality time with my father who has dementia. It is a wonderful service to help get people out of the home and surroundings. It has made my father feel more comfortable in the environment
so may be able to settle for respite care in the future.

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

Thank you so much for leaving a review, feedback like this is so important to the team. I am delighted that your Father is enjoying his regular visits. All the very best.

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Review from Sharon S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One year on from moving Mum to Fern Brook Lodge and I can honestly say it is the best decision we ever made for her.
She settled quickly and has been cared for with such affection and gentleness that she continues to thrive despite her dementia. With an activities coordinator now in place there have
been numerous opportunities for Mum to enjoy her lifetime love of music, thanks so much to one member of staff in particular for all her hard work in organising so many lovely events, especially over Christmas.
Any minor issues have been dealt with immediately by the equally caring leadership team. I cannot recommend Fern Brook Lodge highly enough and would like to thank everyone there for all their continued efforts with Mum.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, your wonderful comments are much appreciated. I will of course pass your review onto the team at Fern Brook Lodge. All the best.

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Review from Yvonne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident at Fern Brook Lodge for 18 months now. There is always something going on to keep the residents busy, from bingo to sing-a-longs and trips out.
The care given by the staff is first class, all the residents are always treated with genuine love and affection. I witnessed this,
particularly at the concert. The carers were so attentive throughout. The residents tend to get restless and the care and guidance given was exemplary.
Thank you team.

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

Thank you for leaving a review - the team at Fern Brook Lodge will be thrilled. It is wonderful to read how well mum is enjoying life with us. Thank you again.

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Review from C T (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother came in for an initial period of respite care during the summer and then moved in permanently in October. I am very happy with how well she has settled and how her health, both mental and physical, has improved since moving into an environment where she receives exemplary care, a daily structure
and lots of stimulation from an excellent programme of activities. The staff (with perhaps one minor exception) are all kind, friendly, caring and seem to really enjoy their work. I visit 3-4 times a week, often with our dog (who is also made very welcome!) and we always receive a friendly reception and help with any queries or concerns. Mum really enjoys the food and often tells me how kind everyone is. I am so relieved to have found such a lovely home in Gillingham and it's a great comfort to know that my mum is so well cared for at a time of great difficulty for her family.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, it's wonderful to see how highly you rate the service the team provides at Fern Brook Lodge. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Clifford D (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Very good care home. Only a few disappointments. Staff are very good but not many on weekends. I know you're short-staffed at weekends but I am paying a lot of money over the month for my mum's care and in the week, not many staff about as my mum doesn't like to ask for help. Food is spot on, what I
have seen but once again, seen a lot of food wasted when I have been in and my sister has seen.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am pleased that your mum enjoyed the food at Fern Brook Lodge. Regarding the staffing levels, they remain the same whether it be a weekday or weekend but we are always recruiting and thank you for the feedback. Indeed, if you would like to pop into the home and meet with the management team to discuss anything further, they would only be too pleased to see you. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Carolina C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always felt welcome and part of a big family. Dad can be a little bit difficult at times. The whole staff are truly wonderful they all take great care and are all very good at their jobs. I always find it a joy to visit. I talk to various other residents and they all seem to be very happy with
staff and surroundings. Well done Fern Brook Lodge.

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

Thank you so much for giving Fern Brook Lodge a 5 star review! Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Horace E (Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy here and the staff are very helpful and all they do is very appreciated.

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

We really appreciate your 5 star review, the team will be delighted.

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Review from G B (Son of Resident) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The loving care given to my mother in her last weeks was excellent and made our experience almost bearable.

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

Thank you for your five star review, I will pass on your comments to the team at Fern Brook Lodge. All the best.

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Review from Nicki W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care is given from all members of staff at all times. Not only do they take great compassionate care of my mum, but always make sure we (my brother and I) have everything we need/require.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your 5* review Nicki, I am so pleased to read your comments and am thrilled that you are so happy with the care your mother is receiving.

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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't wich for mum to be in a better care home.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for leaving Fern Brook Lodge a 5-star review, I will be sure to let the team know! All the best.

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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum joined Fernbrook Lodge in early August 2022. She was made to feel extremely welcome, as were we as a family, from the moment she arrived. She settled very quickly and soon made friends with other residents and is very happy. The staff are all very caring and friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
It is a huge relief to us knowing she is happy and being well cared for.

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Review from Janet F (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had to find a home for Mum, looked at a couple but when we found and looked around Fern Brook we knew this was the home for Mum. It was so hard for us to accept Mum had to go into a home. So it had to be right for us and Mum and to hear Mum say this is her home. She's happy, we're happy. From the
moment you go in the floor to visit mum everybody is so friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. One thing would be nice to have a meeting with staff (carers) management to let us know how Mum is getting on after six months. Can not fault Fern Brook. Very good.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you for your review, I will be sure to pass on your comments/feedback to the team at Fern Brook Lodge. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from B F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At last my mum attended the 70th celebration with me. Attending a platinum jubilee garden bbq on Thursday 2nd of June. It was extremely well organised, wonderfully set in the gardens. Balloons, tables nicely laid, music, wonderful food. Everyone looked like they were enjoying the event. The staff worked
very hard to make the event enjoyable. My thanks go to them all.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I am delighted to read you enjoyed the jubilee celebrations, I understand a good time was had by all. Many Thanks.

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Review from S G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and all the staff have been amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. Reception staff are very friendly.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you, this is so lovely to read. I'll be sure to let the team at FBL know. Wishing you all the very best.

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Review from T S (Son of Resident) published on 24 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was more than somewhat concerned about my Dad going into residential care. However, upon my first visit to Fern Brook Lodge, my fears were without foundation. The team at Fern Brook had done what they do best. Making new residents entirely comfortable, at ease and at home. I had not seen my father
so full of spirit for some considerable time.


There was a certain ‘atmosphere’ I felt upon entering the building. An atmosphere of happiness. It seemed to me that all the staff genuinely enjoyed the jobs and cared about those in their care.


I left Dad after my initial visit confident in the knowledge he is in a first-class building, with all necessary facilities and the most professional staff one could wish for.


I would add Care South provided the above as a ‘Not for Profit organisation. There are others out there who charge much more for much less.


Whilst I cannot speak for other Care South facilities I have no hesitation in recommending Fern Brook Lodge.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Fern Brook Lodge

Thank you so much for your review, it means the world to the team at FBL to receive such wonderful comments. I am delighted to know that Dad has settled in so well. Wishing you all the very best.

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Review from Roger S (Friend of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a lovely car home Fern Brook Lodge is. Whilst visiting a dear friend who had been there only two weeks I was amazed to see how well he looked after being so I’ll for some time. The staff and facilities are some of the best I’ve seen in a care home. This is a well-run facility that puts the occupants
needs first.

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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!”

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