7 The Street
Heybridge
Maldon
Essex
CM9 4NB
Profile Strength |
Excellent 99%
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Care Type | Care Home |
Care Category | Dementia | Respite | Residential |
Availability | Yes |
Weekly Prices From | £1,200.00 |
Regulator's Rating | Outstanding |
Tina Bentley is The Home Manager at Firstlings.
My name is Tina, I have worked at Firstlings since 1999, progressing from the role of Junior Carer to Registered Manager in 2009. I'm extremely passionate and caring and have adapted to the many changes that have been introduced within the care sector. My ethos is to be the voice for my residents whilst accommodating their individual needs.
We have been awarded several accolades over the years and continue to receive some great testimonials from the families of our residents, not least of which was to be accredited with an "Outstanding" rating by the CQC, which is indeed testament to the sheer dedication of every valued member of my team.
Of worthy mention, is the fact that I also worked alongside the parliamentary review for care homes, to give some realistic insight into our world and the many challenges that we continue to face, both operationally and commercially, in our assertive effort to deliver the very best level of care within our community.
Firstlings is a residential home, located in the lovely, picturesque town of Maldon in Essex, and has been established since 1986. It was originally a vicarage, and is set in gardens, including a centrally positioned courtyard garden and patio area. At Firstlings, we are told it feels like a home away from home. The Home has been beautifully furnished and our onsite handyman ensures the decor is regularly updated to keep the Home looking fresh.
Care Options | We Can Provide |
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Support For | Companionship, Personal care. |
Disability Support | Physical Disability, Physically Frail, Walking Frame. |
Medication | By Mouth. |
Type Of Dementia | Mild Dementia, Moderate Dementia. |
Dementia Behaviour | Agitation / Restlessness, Challenging Behaviour, Disrupted Sleep Patterns, Mild Forgetfulness, Wandering . |
Dementia Specialisms | Alzheimer's. |
Respite Care | Yes |
Autumna has invited care providers to evidence the infection control measures they are carrying out, above and beyond those laid out by the government, in order to keep residents, staff and visitors safe.
What we're doing to keep residents & visitors safe | ||
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We follow all update with covid 19. we have very good commutation with residents and family informing how we can make all people safe in there home and when people our visiting . we carry out audits and risk assessments all visitors to Firstlings need to have LFD test before entering the care home, wearing full ppe provide by us . |
Infection Control Initiatives in place | ||
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Air Filtration & Purification | We are using air filtration and/or air purification devices within our care setting. |
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Independent Assessments | We have been independently assessed in our approach to infection control. |
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Infection Control Training | Our staff are trained to use measures which prevent and control infections. |
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Infection Screening | We are using technology to screen for infections & monitor symptoms. |
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Regulatory Assessment | We have been assessed by the care regulator in our approach to infection control. |
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Sterilisation & Disinfection Devices | We are using sterilisation and/or disinfection devices within our care setting. |
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Virus Testing | We are testing for viral infection when symptoms present within our care setting. |
Safe Visiting Space | |||||
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Connectivity for resident testing, monitoring & communications |
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Infection control and the safety of both residents and staff often requires quarantine measures and the isolation of care home residents. To test, monitor and allow residents to communicate with relatives, the prevalence of room-level connectivity within the home is becoming increasingly relevant. Wireless Internet access (WiFi) The Care Organisation has not indicated availability Mobile Phone Network Coverage (mobile “signal”) The Care Organisation has not indicated availability Telephone for external calling The Care Organisation has not indicated availability Family Portal Yes, our care home has provides families with a family portal. Find out more about Family Portals here. |
Social media provides an up to date window on the activities within a provider's setting.
With the restrictions on visiting during the pandemic, social media platforms such as these offer real insight when you are choosing a provider.
Our Building and Facilities |
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We have regular visits from a hairdresser, chiropodist and optician, and also hold Holy Communion every month. Our doctors and districts nurses highly recommend us and we have a great relationship with them all. |
Is Our Home Purpose Built |
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Yes |
The Year Our Home Was Built |
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1 Jan 1986 |
How Many Floors We Have |
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3 |
Who Owns Our Building |
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Private |
Communal Rooms |
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Dining Rooms, Sitting Rooms, TV Lounges. |
What Else Do We Provide |
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Assisted Bathroom, Chiropodist, GP, Hairdressers, Lift, Optician. |
Our Garden |
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Communal Garden, Communal Patio, Private Garden(s), Seating, Secure Garden, Wheelchair Friendly Access. |
How 'Smart' Are We? |
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Individual Heating Controls. |
Brochures |
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Firstlings Brochure.pdf |
Our Photos |
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Description |
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All bedrooms and communal areas are fitted with a nurse-call system and smoke alarm. All bedrooms are fully furnished, but residents are welcome to bring with them items of their own furniture by arrangement. |
About Our Rooms | |
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Number Of Rooms | 32 |
Number Of Ensuite Rooms | 26 |
Type Of Room |
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Single Room. |
Room Features |
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Furnished, Garden View. |
Room Facilities |
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Telephone Point. |
Description |
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Our caregivers are genuinely passionate about providing care and are committed to career development. We ensure staff are kept up to date on the latest training, so you can be confident that your loved one will always receive the very best care and companionship with us. |
Our Team |
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![]() Kerry TaylorDeputy ManagerHi I am Kerry. I have worked at Firstlings since I was 20 years old. I joined as a Care Assistant, then moved onto Senior, where I worked night shifts for 15 years before taking up the the role of Deputy Manager in 2009. Firstlings is more than your place of work, it is also like being at home. I enjoy all aspects of my job and find my role very rewarding, one aspect being end of life care. To support our residents and their families whilst ensuring everything is place such as Farleigh Hospice, anticipatory medication and to ensure their passing is pain free and dignified. I feel the last part of care you can finally give is a great honour. ![]() Margaret CartwrightHead House KeeperHello, my name is Margaret and I have worked at Firstlings now for 6 years . I am involved with working with the domestic team , which means I work in many areas of the home helping residents in lots of different ways . This gives me a lot pleasure which means I enjoy my job role . No job is to big or to small for me to help . ![]() Paul OldSenior CarerHi, my name is Paul and I first starting working in care when I turned 18 years old, having worked my way up from being a Carer to that of Senior Carer . I thoroughly enjoy coming to work, spending time with the residents and listening to their stories, I feel that over time I've developed a good working rapport with all the staff and residents . It gives me great pleasure to watch them enjoying a hearty meal and chatting away, just knowing that they're all okay . ![]() Theresa KellySenior / Activities coordinatorHi My name is Theresa Kelly. I started working at Firstlings in march 2014 in my role as kitchen assistance. My Manager Tina, saw potential and encouraged me to try moving into care, which I did and worked my way up to Senior Carer once I passed my NVQ 2 and 3. After many year's working the floor as a Senior Carer, I went on do activities as well and have taken up many courses since. The first was at Anglia Ruskin University where I came away with so much more understanding and tips to then bring into the home. I also go to NEC to expand my knowledge, whilst introducing new ideas. As for both my roles, one of my favourite parts is interacting with all the residents and mentoring the students that pass through the home. I am currently helping a student with their Duke of Edinburgh award and another for their B-Tec in social care. ![]() Tina BentleyThe Home ManagerMy name is Tina, I have worked at Firstlings since 1999, progressing from the role of Junior Carer to Registered Manager in 2009. I'm extremely passionate and caring and have adapted to the many changes that have been introduced within the care sector. My ethos is to be the voice for my residents whilst accommodating their individual needs. We have been awarded several accolades over the years and continue to receive some great testimonials from the families of our residents, not least of which was to be accredited with an "Outstanding" rating by the CQC, which is indeed testament to the sheer dedication of every valued member of my team. Of worthy mention, is the fact that I also worked alongside the parliamentary review for care homes, to give some realistic insight into our world and the many challenges that we continue to face, both operationally and commercially, in our assertive effort to deliver the very best level of care within our community. |
Weekly Fees Start From | Fee |
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Residential Fees From / Price Per Week | £1,200.00 |
Funding Types | |
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Local Authority | Essex |
Region | East |
We Accept Self-Funding Clients | Yes |
We Accept Local Authority Funding | Yes |
We Accept NHS Continuing Healthcare | Yes |
We Accept Local Authority funding with a Third Party Top-Up | Yes |
Choice Dining is a food-focused accreditation designed to give care-seekers like yourself the ability to consider and compare the dining experience within different care settings.
To be awarded the Choice Dining badge, a care home will have committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences with a strong focus on preference, individuality, hygiene and the environment. You can explore the specifics of all participating homes in the tab below to learn more about the food on offer, how it is served and presented and what they’re doing to cater for your personal taste. For more information about Choice Dining please click here.
Styles of Food |
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Dining Locations |
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Dining Styles |
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Hospitality |
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Our Menu |
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Specialities |
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Our Photos |
The preparation, nutritional value and presentation of food.
Attractive drinks and adaptive cups/glasses are available and accessible where needed.
Individual dietary needs are person centred.
Meals reflect the nutritional needs of the residents.
Our menu is balanced.
Snacks are provided for residents that require texture-modified food.
Sweet and savoury foods are provided between meals (this does not just include cakes and biscuits).
Room Service
A critical component for good health.
We are following best practice including NICE guidelines as a standard.
We are conducting internal and/or 3rd party food safety audits.
We have allergen management policies in place.
A freedom to eat the food you want, when you want it.
Families are invited for meals [Covid permitting].
Residents dining in their own room have the same food options as elsewhere.
Residents dining in their own room have their food presented to same standard as elsewhere.
Residents have access to Dining Room.
Residents have the option of dining in their own room.
Staff sit with the residents they support when they dine.
Residents can order food not on the menu, or have access to an ‘evergreen menu’.
Residents have access to a flexible meal service beyond defined times.
More than one option is available at mealtimes for all residents, including those with special and theraputic diets.
Residents with dementia are shown food or visual menus to help them decide.
There is a weekly menu.
We offer catering for special events.
Residents are involved in the creation of the menu.
The best interest choices are made for residents unable to make their own choices.
Understanding the wants and requirements of every individual be it cultural, religious or dietary.
Halal food can be served.
Kosher food can be served.
Gluten-free food can be served.
Vegan food can be served.
Vegetarian food can be served.
We can support people with Diabetes.
Delivering a respectful and quality service.
Residents are given appropriate and dignified crockery / glassware and cutlery.
Staff are hospitality trained to present / serve meals.
Tables are well laid.
We have food theme days/nights.
Staff understand and pre-empt potential meal-time behaviours which can impact nutritional intake.
Staff always use appropriate and dignified language (e.g. it is an ‘apron’ not a ‘bib’).
We promote an inclusive dining experience.
There are no unnecessary disruptions during mealtimes.
Being environmentally and socially responsible and thoughtful.
We correctly dispose of our waste.
We have a waste management system.
We monitor our food waste.
Residents can get involved in the growing of food and/or ingredients on site.
We grow some food and/or ingredients on site.
We use locally sourced and locally grown or reared food.
We use organically grown food.
Our energy usage is well maintained.
We are actively reducing food mileage.
Activities Are So Important |
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We have regular visits from a hairdresser, chiropodist and optician, and also hold Holy Communion every month. Our doctors and districts nurses highly recommend us and we have a great relationship with them all. |
Our Photos |
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Timetables |
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board.jpg |
Activities At Home |
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1 to 1 Activities, Bingo, Birthday Celebrations, Board Games, Card Games, Crafts, Crosswords, Knitting / Embroidery, Music Entertainment, Painting, Quiz Games, Reminiscence, Singing, Themed Events, Word Games. |
Activities Outside Our Home |
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Garden Centre, Local Tourist Attractions, Park, Pub, Shopping, Theatre. |
Our Pets |
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Please speak to the home manager. |
Can You Bring Your Pet |
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No |
7 The Street
Heybridge
Maldon
Essex
CM9 4NB
Current Ratings | |
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Overall | Outstanding |
Safe | Good |
Well Led | Outstanding |
Caring | Outstanding |
Responsive | Outstanding |
Effective | Good |
Inspection Reports | |
Last inspected | 27th August 2020 |
Last rated | 2nd October 2019 |
Reports | |
Registration Date | 13th January 2011 |
Service Provider | Sohal Healthcare Limited, RM11 3LN |
Transport |
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Bus Stop nearby, Car Park, Train Station nearby. |
Places of Worship |
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Anglican Church. |
Nearby Services |
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Bank, Chemist, Church, Hospital, Local Walks & Bike Rides, Park, Post Office, Pub, Restaurant, Shops, Surgery. |
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