The Firs

The Firs is a residential care home in Witheridge, Devon (EX16 8AH). It holds a CQC rating of Good.

About The Firs

The Firs is a residential care home in Witheridge, Devon. We provide a home for older people, including many living with dementia, and we also offer respite stays, whether that is to give a family carer a break or to help somebody find their feet again after a spell in hospital. Being in a village suits the way we work. The home is small enough that everybody knows everybody, staff included, and that familiarity is worth more to our residents than any facility we could install. People keep their own routines, bring their own furniture and photographs, and choose how much of the day they want to spend in company and how much on their own. We ask about the small things, write them down and expect them to be followed. Dementia support is a large part of our work. Steady routines, familiar faces and patience do more good than anything else, along with a genuine effort to understand what somebody is telling us when words have become difficult. Families are welcome whenever it suits them and we keep in touch openly rather than only ringing when there is a problem. Our most recent overall rating from the Care Quality Commission is good. It reflects reliable everyday practice, which is what most families are actually looking for. If you are considering a care home in this part of Devon for someone close to you, please come and look round and ask us anything you like.

Care provided at The Firs

Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.

Common questions about The Firs

Where is The Firs located?

The Firs is a residential care home in Witheridge, Devon, EX16 8AH. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.

What type of care does The Firs provide?

The Firs is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Older person care, Dementia care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.

What is The Firs's CQC rating?

The Firs is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 4 March 2022. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.

Does The Firs provide dementia care?

Yes. The Firs supports people living with dementia. We recommend contacting the home directly to discuss your individual situation.

Does The Firs offer respite or short-term care?

Yes. The Firs offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.

Questions families ask about The Firs

Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?

Yes. The Firs is registered for dementia care, so someone whose needs increase can usually stay rather than move.

Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?

No. The Firs is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.

Can they try a short stay before deciding?

Yes. Yes. The Firs offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.

Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?

Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.

Can she bring her cat or dog?

Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.

Can a couple stay together?

Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.

Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?

Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.

Do they take younger adults as well as older people?

No. The Firs is registered for older people. Younger adults are not listed.

Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?

Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.

Typical weekly fees in the South West

The Firs has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South West, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.

Indicative figures for the South West, not a quote from The Firs. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.

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