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Our Recent Articles

How to Pay for Care Home Fees: A Complete Guide

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 29 September 2026

Moving into a care home is one of the biggest financial decisions many families face. Alongside finding the right level of support, understanding how care costs work in England can feel overwhelming. From local authority funding to NHS support and deferred payment agreements, there are several ways to approach the cost of long-term elderly care.…

Respite Care: Giving Family Carers a Break

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 29 September 2026

Caring for an elderly loved one is one of the most meaningful roles a person can take on, but it is also one of the most demanding. Over time, the emotional, physical, and mental strain of full-time caring can become overwhelming without regular opportunities to rest and recover. This is where respite care plays a…

Moving into a care home: a practical checklist

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 28 September 2026

Once you have chosen a care home, the practical side of the move can feel like a second mountain to climb. There are forms to sign, medicines to organise and a whole life to fit into one room, often within a few days of a hospital discharge. I have helped many families through this at…

August at The Firs: Music, Memories and Moments

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 31 August 2026

August has been another busy and joyful month at The Firs, filled with laughter, friendship, creativity, music and plenty of opportunities for our residents to enjoy time together. From sunny days in the garden to exciting outings, creative activities and visits from our wonderful friends in the community, there has been lots to smile about.…

Bringing Joy in July

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 29 July 2026

July has been a truly wonderful month here at The Firs Residential Home, filled with laughter, friendship, creativity and unforgettable moments. From exciting outings and meaningful reminiscence sessions to our much-anticipated Summer Fayre, every day has brought something special for our residents to enjoy. Here’s a look back at everything we’ve been up to this…

Raising Awareness, Protecting Dignity, and Standing Together Against Elder Abuse

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 15 June 2026

Every year on 15 June, communities across the world come together to recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This important global observance shines a light on a serious but often hidden issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people. At The Firs, we believe every older person deserves to live with dignity, respect,…

May at The Firs: A Month of Moments

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 8 June 2026

May has been a truly vibrant and heartwarming month here at The Firs, filled with laughter, community spirit, creativity, celebration, and meaningful connections. From special outings and intergenerational visits to themed activities and important awareness events, our residents and staff have enjoyed a variety of enriching experiences together. At its heart, this month has been…

Dementia Action Week at The Firs Residential Home in Derby

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 18 May 2026

May 18th – 24th is Dementia Action Week, a national awareness campaign organised each year by the Alzheimer’s Society. At The Firs Residential Home in Breaston, Derbyshire, this week is especially significant, as it reflects the values that underpin everything we do: dignity, compassion, understanding, and truly person-centred dementia care. As a long-established residential care…

April at The Firs: A Month of Joy, Connection, and Creativity

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 30 April 2026

April has been a truly heartwarming month here at The Firs, filled with meaningful moments, creativity, and plenty of reasons to smile. As the days grew brighter, so did the spirit in our home, with residents, staff, and visitors all coming together to create a wonderful sense of community. Listening, Sharing, and Looking Ahead As…

Signs your parent needs a care home

By Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager / 23 April 2026

Most families do not reach this decision in one moment. It builds over months: a fall, a burnt pan, a missed appointment, a phone call that leaves you uneasy. Then a hospital stay or a bad week turns worry into urgency. As Registered Manager at The Firs in Breaston, I speak to many sons and…