Fern Brook Lodge

Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham SP8 4QD
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9.8 68 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 (68)

9.8

Fern Brook Lodge has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.809) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fern Brook Lodge has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Fern Brook Lodge
  • 30
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Total of 68, showing 41-60
Review from S G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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 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 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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Review from Sue G (Respite Resident) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
There is only one word to describe Fern Brook Lodge... Outstanding. From the dedicated carers, excellent food, spotlessly clean rooms and beautiful gardens. Fern Brook is a caring family environment with some of the kindest and dedicated people I have had the pleasure to meet. Unlike so many care homes
that are in converted old houses – Fern Brook was built only 10 years ago. A great deal of consideration has been taken with the interiors - no boring brown drab colours to be seen. What you will find are bright, fresh and colourful interiors. The café on Birch Wing is like a French bistro, just wonderful. The food is excellent, an abundance of fresh fruit every day; strawberries, blueberries, homemade cakes... Everything is freshly prepared on the premises. The chef makes a mean omelette too! We can never thank the fantastic team at Fern Brook enough for the care and respect that they all showed to someone so very special to us. We will forever be so grateful.
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Review from Debbie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and the team of staff could not have done more to welcome my mum to Fern Brook Lodge and ensure he stay was as comfortable and happy as possible. This was a short respite, so she missed the comforts of her home; own bed and arise and recline chair, but otherwise, all was excellent. As a
daughter, their communication to me was exemplary. Thank you!
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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nothing is too much trouble at Fern Brook Lodge. The carers who look after Mums are always cheerful, friendly and patient. Great communication keeping us up to date with any medical episodes or changing needs. Loads of different activities to join in with if you want to.
Ranging from quizzes, flower
arranging, pamper days, darts to bingo and minibus outings. The new manager is welcoming and happy to talk over any concerns. He gets out and about visiting residents introducing himself and getting to know their personalities and what is important to them. Mum is very well cared for and I would highly recommend Fern Brook Lodge as a safe and secure residence.
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Review from Jennifer H (Niece of Resident) published on 21 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Warm welcome. Easy Covid test. Tea and cake! Homely feeling in the rooms.
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Review from Ann C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care home, modern and clean. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Our mother enjoys the activities provided although suffering from dementia, she has been provided with activities to stimulate her memory. The only downside is there is not enough feedback on medication and communication.
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Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident here for six years. She is 101 years old going on 102 years in August, apart from deafness, she is completely 'compos mentis'. She thinks the world of some of the carers. In all the time she has been here, there has only been a couple of complaints. One of which resulted
in the carer leaving, so I think the standard of care here is very high.
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Review from D P (Husband of Resident) published on 17 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From comments made by my wife, she considers the home to be well run, with caring and courteous staff. She is well satisfied with the facilities. I would be happy to recommend the home to others requiring a care home.
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Review from A H (Son of Resident) published on 12 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All good - staff the lot.
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Review from Marcus A (Grandson of Resident) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This home gave my grandfather the best final years he could have hoped for. Staff went above and beyond to ensure he was looked after and had all he needed. The final months of his life were made fundamentally better due to his location. I cannot recommend this home more. Thank you from the bottom of
my heart.
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Review from P T (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely building, modern and very clean.
Staff are fantastic.
My elderly relative is very happy here and tells me she like everything; after being lonely at home and not being able to cope.
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Review from J N (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff very friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. Due to covid unable to answer all the questions below as unable to access the home completely.
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Review from Angie T (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly but serious with it. Lots of laughter for mum, but the get on with the job. Couldn't be more helpful. Even made a special for with screens for the pandemic. We really lucked out when mum came here.
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Review from Jean (Private Carer of Resident) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of dealing with the staff was a very good one. They were all pleasant and nothing was too much trouble. They made a real effort to get the diet right because of the lactose intolerance. I would not hesitate to use the home again and recommend it to others.
It has certainly restored my
faith in care homes as I have had a particularly bad experience recently with a care home. When the service user returned home he was more or less relaxed and in no way anxious as has been the experience with other homes.
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Review from David A (Brother of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 29 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care that my brother is getting is excellent. The staff are all very kind and know when he is 'not right' ie under the weather and act quickly to deal with the situation. He gets on well with the staff and enjoys having a joke with them. He doesn't always join the activities although he does enjoy
the quizzes and going on the little outings. A lot of work has been lifted from my shoulders since he has been in Fern Brook Lodge, as I know he is in a safe environment.
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Review from Peta S (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother, a resident at Fern Brook Lodge since 2015, has been extremely well cared for by the staff who have shown her great kindness and attention. Although suffering from dementia, she has been provided with activities to stimulate her memory and visits from pets have given her much happiness. Many
thanks to the caring staff for their hard work.
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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has always been well cared for and the staff have always been friendly and attentive. I believe my father feels happy and safe. The home is spacious and purpose-designed. He likes the food and says he is well cared for. He joins in and enjoys most of the activities.
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Review from Bryan C (Husband of Resident) published on 8 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff were friendly and helpful at all times.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.809)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.809) out of 10 for Fern Brook Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 32 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.809 for Fern Brook Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (314 Excellents x 5) + (52 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 376 Ratings = 4.809
  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 Fern Brook Lodge is based on 30 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 75 registered maximum number of service users is 15, which has been reached with 30 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: 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. View Latest Report

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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