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Fern Brook Lodge

Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QD
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The staff and facilities are some of the best I’ve seen in a care homeRoger S(Friend of Resident/Service User)
Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham
There is only one word to describe Fern Brook Lodge... OutstandingA B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham
The carers who look after Mums are always cheerful, friendly and patientA H(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
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...  

Care Provided by Fern Brook Lodge

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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,395From £1,570
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,525From £1,650

Contact Fern Brook Lodge 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

Person in charge

  • Sara Maynard (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed with both male-only and female-only unit(s)
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (75)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (75)

Fern Brook Lodge Reviews (77)

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9.8

Fern Brook Lodge has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.753) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fern Brook Lodge has 77 reviews.

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Showing 77 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Clifford D (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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...  

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

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 / Service User) published on 7 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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 13 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
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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
Overall Experience

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
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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
Overall Experience
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
Overall Experience

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
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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
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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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

All good - staff the lot.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 04 March 2020
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (48) & Events (0)

News
  • 02 Jun 2026

    Dorset care home residents delighted in a memorable musical afternoon created especially for them by the BSO, Care South and JPMorganChase. Hosted at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth campus, the midweek event included...

  • 27 May 2026

    Communities across the south of England gathered at Care South’s care homes to share experiences and raise awareness during Dementia Action Week. Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead for Care South,...

  • 16 Apr 2026

    Fern Brook Lodge residents embraced the spirit of spring with a colourful lavender-themed crafting session. Residents at the care home on Fern Brook Lane in Gillingham were pleased to welcome...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Fern Brook Lodge.

Awards / Recognitions (6)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Care South
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Care South
  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Care South

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Fern Brook Lodge.

Meet the Team (1)

Sara Maynard
Sara MaynardJob Title:Home Manager

“As Manager at Fern Brook Lodge, I believe that our residents must be at the heart of all that we do. By nurturing and developing our team, we can then provide the best possible care, focusing all that we do around the individual's wishes and needs.”

Sara (pronounced Sarah) grew up in North Devon. She completed her nurse training in Cambridge in the 1980s and moved back to North Devon in the 90’s. She is now living locally to Gillingham. She worked in the NHS, mainly specialising in respiratory work and has always been passionate about enabling and giving people a voice.

She has been a care home manager for fourteen years, which has encompassed nursing, residential and dementia homes. Care South are delighted to have secured her talents for leading the team at Fern Brook Lodge and maintaining the levels of excellence this care home provides.

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.