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About the Home
Accommodation
All 38 bedrooms at The Firs are private and spacious with en suite facilities. The home has undertaken a recent extension which features all the latest facilities tailored to people living with a dementia-type illness. There are three separate conservatories, including the dining room, as well as additional lounges, providing a selection of relaxation or activity areas for residents to choose from.
Activities
We have a wonderful activities team, made up of Lucy and Anna, who have both been with us for many years and know the residents extremely well. They are devoted to providing a stimulating and diverse activities timetable for the residents. These include arts & crafts, animal therapy, skittles and singalongs, as well as one-to-one sessions with those who are less agile. We also have lots of events throughout the year such as barbecues, seasonal celebrations and themed days. Additionally, we organises regular outings, for example, to the Pavilion for Christmas memories which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Cuisine
Nutrition is extremely important when it comes to health and well-being and we recognise this, making sure that the residents are provided with satisfying yet healthy food which is freshly prepared each day by our excellent, long-standing Chef and caters to individual needs and preferences.
Types of Care
Residential Care
Residential care is for older people who are finding it increasingly difficult to manage at home without additional help and support.
Residents will not only be supported with personal care but our devoted staff will take over all the everyday tasks of laundry, cooking, gardening and housekeeping, allowing the residents more time to relax and enjoy themselves in a comfortable and safe environment.
It is our priority to make everything as seamless as possible in the moving process so that your loved one maintains their independence, dignity and identity at all times. Choosing the right care home for a loved one can be an overwhelming task and we will be there to support you throughout the whole process. We encourage friends and family to visit as often as they can and everyone is of course invited to come along to the parties and events we regularly hold for the residents.
At Buckland Care we take time to get to know each resident, tailoring the care we provide to suit each individual person. Our dedicated team is proud of the facilities available to residents, and work hard to ensure they retain as much independence as possible but rest assured, we will be there 24 hours a day should they need us.
Dementia Care
Choosing a care home for someone living with dementia is a major decision. You need to be sure that your loved one will be in an understanding, nurturing environment with professionals who have the experience and knowledge to safely care for them.
At all Buckland Care homes that is exactly what we offer. We do everything we can to make our residents feel at ease, with tailored features for those living with dementia. Every carer is trained to care for dementia patients and our homes have been adapted to aid those living with a dementia-related illness.
Respite Care
Buckland Care homes provide respite care for people who may only require a short stay in a care home. Respite care is an invaluable service for those who care full-time for their loved ones, providing them with a chance to take a break from daily responsibilities.
Some residents use it as a way to trial the home before moving in full term, to see if they will feel settled and at home. The length of time residents stay is flexible and can be anything from a week to a few months. We will work with you and deliver a high level of professional care to all residents no matter how long they are staying with us.
Day Care
In all of our homes at Buckland Care, we offer day care for those who wish to socialise with their peers and be looked after during the day but return to their own home in the evening.
The benefits of this are plentiful: allowing full time carers to rest; socialising with like-minded people and keeping the body and mind active; relieving oneself of the hassle of personal care and home-cooked meal preparation; a simple change of scene. With our welcoming staff on hand all day, individuals can feel safe and secure within our friendly care homes and enjoy a different environment to their own home.
Staff
We are proud of our excellent reputation achieved through the highest standards of residential care and close attention to the social and personal needs of the residents. Our home is led by the people who live at The Firs with no set routines or structures. Many of the faithful staff have worked as part of our dedicated team for over 15 years.
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Nicola Shayler
Registered Manager
Nikki started in the care industry at the age of 16 and has worked at every level throughout Devon and Somerset up to home manager, completing her qualifications along the way.
Nikki’s philosophy is to adopt a person-centred approach placing the resident at the heart of the care provided. Nikki loves her job and finds it extremely rewarding and says she is committed to ensuring the best possible care is provided for her residents.
Nikki lives locally and is married to a Police Sergeant who serves the local community. She has three children, two of whom have now left home. -
Clare Jackson
Deputy Manager
Clare, a dedicated professional, has spent 14 years in the care sector. She began as a supper assistant and progressed through various roles, including care assistant, team leader, and head of care, ultimately becoming a deputy. Clare holds an NVQ Level 3 and is committed to lifelong learning.
Outside work, Clare is a loving mother of two and enjoys family outings, shopping, and socializing. Her career exemplifies her passion for making a difference in the lives of those she serves, balancing professional achievements with personal fulfillment.
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Sarah White
Administrator
Sarah joined the team at The Firs at the start of 2024, having been born and raised in Budleigh Salterton, she is delighted to be back in Budleigh. Sarah previously spent 23 years working as a School Administrator, in November 2020, she decided it was time for a change and joined Motiv-8, a small company helping people back into employment. It was there that she realised how much she enjoyed helping other people, particularly those in need. So, when the opportunity to join The Firs arose, Sarah jumped at the new opportunity.
When she is not working, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and when time allows, she is an avid golfer who plays for the local ladies’ team at her golf club.
When I visit [my father] I am always impressed by the kindness and cheerfulness shown by the staff. Dad is treated with dignity and respect by a very professional and caring team and I am extremely grateful to them for all that they do to keep him safe, secure and so well looked after.