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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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Review from Marcus A (Grandson of Resident) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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) published on 29 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

Staff were friendly and helpful at all times.

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Review from Christopher A (Son of Resident) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My father is in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s. Despite not getting feedback or recognition from him, staff spend time talking to him, playing or singing hymns (he was a church organist) and making sure he is comfortable. The home has dedicated activity staff who ensure there are varied activities for the residents. A priest from the local church visits regularly. The staff always strike me as particularly caring.
The home has struggled with staff retention. They struggled to find a home manager, probably contributing to staffing issues. They now have a permanent manager. There was a monthly meeting between management, residents and their loved ones to address issues, although with COVID-19 this has obviously stopped.

I feel very welcome when visiting. I’ve had many a cup of tea made for me, and sometimes had a meal with my father. I’ve attended church services at the home with Dad too. It is a great comfort knowing that my father is looked after by staff who really care.

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Review from K H (Great-Nephew of Resident) published on 24 January 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot speak highly enough of St Martins Grange. The staff are so friendly and professional and do everything they possibly can to make residents and visitors feel at home. My great-aunt (95 yrs old) moved in because we needed 24-hour care for her after several falls at home. The manager and staff made the whole experience so simple and stress-free from our initial visit through to moving her in. St Martins feels as much like home as you’ll find anywhere and I can’t them they enough for making her feel so welcome. As a family, we wanted the best possible care within what we can afford, and St Martins Grange provides as good value for money as you will find. The daily activities programme gives my great-aunt plenty of opportunities for socialising and keeping her mind and body active. Meals are superb; nutritious and delicious. Above all, we have been impressed by the kindness of the staff, and the compassion they offer in their interactions with residents.

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Review from Sheila W (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Not enough staff and too many agency staff who do not engage with residents. Some of the permanent staff are caring and kind but the management leave a lot to be desired. They do not seem to be able to cope with more demanding residents.

The food was poor although I gather there is now a new chef. Not aware of many outside trips or activities. The staff never seem to have enough time or support.

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Review from Michael L (Husband of Resident) published on 4 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My wife has been in three care homes. This one is a gem.

I visit every week and take part in activities which are excellent. I have made lots of friends which helps cope with my wife's Dementia. It is a beautiful home for my wife. She has been at St Martines Grange for 3 years.

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Review from Gordon P (Husband of Resident) published on 30 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Very good home, my wife is happy to that helps me.

My wife is doing everything, she gets out and it's superb.

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Review from Peter D (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2017 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The standard of love and care shown by the staff is quite exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble. Visitors are made to feel welcome and are offered coffee on arrival. The atmosphere is very relaxed and happy. I would not hesitate to recommend St Martins Grange to anyone.

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Review from Liz B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2016 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff at St Martins Grange simply go that extra mile for their residents. This home is purpose built and immaculate, the food is delicious and plentiful and mum always looks her best, including lovely hair and painted nails if she wants them. Her room is exceptionally comfortable, well decorated, clean and homely. We feel mum is safe without being 'enclosed' - big windows and open outlook all around - and the family is welcome to visit at any time. We have experienced the worst examples of care this year in our quest to find the best for mum's Alzheimer's needs - now we feel we are experiencing the BEST of care. From initial (despairing) phone call which immediately put us at ease, to the first visit where the manager took more than an hour showing us around, to the way everything from essential admin to personal care and individual needs has been handled, we cannot recommend highly enough. It's never easy when your loved one enters care but St Martin's has made the transition easier.

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Review from Fran B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Totally brilliant care home, the whole family are delighted that my father in law is being taken care of so brilliantly and even he said himself it's an excellent choice, I'm very happy here. His room is lovely and overlooks our house across the fields. The staff are exceptional, very professional and make visiting a real pleasure. A special mention goes to all the staff and the maintenance man, all go above and beyond the call of duty with a really positive can do attitude, nothing is ever too much trouble and everything is beautifully taken care of. A special thank you to all the staff. A* highly recommended (from one big happy family).

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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.