Posts by Josie Wilson, CQC Registered Manager

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, families are often faced with a series of emotional and practical decisions. One of the most significant is choosing the right type of care. Should you opt for dementia care at home, or is a care home the better solution? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and what…

March has been a truly uplifting month here at The Firs, filled with meaningful moments, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for residents to connect, create, and celebrate together. As the days have grown brighter and the first signs of spring have appeared, so too has a wonderful sense of energy throughout our home. Enjoying the…

Visiting a care home is the best way to find out whether it is right for your mum or dad, but it is easy to leave with a brochure and very little real information. Families often visit several homes in a week, sometimes while a parent is still in hospital, and the conversations blur together.…

February may be the shortest month of the year, but here at The Firs Care Home in Derby, it has been wonderfully full. From cosy afternoons and creative celebrations to energetic games and heartwarming visits, the month has been a beautiful reminder that it’s often the simple moments that mean the most. As winter begins…

The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts, reflection, and hope, and at The Firs Residential Home in Breaston, Derbyshire, it’s also a time for laughter, honesty, and community spirit. Our residents took part in a heart‑warming activity: Writing down their 2026 New Year’s resolutions and proudly sharing them. These handwritten…

Excitement is building at The Firs with residents and staff looking forward to celebrating Christmas together as a family. Our home has been filled with laughter, festive decorations, and plenty of Christmas jumpers. Residents have been getting into the spirit by wearing their favourite festive knits, sparking smiles and conversations throughout the home. These simple…

When we think about the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, physical care often comes to mind first. Yet emotional care is equally crucial, as it is at all stages of life. In this blog post, we explain why emotional support in care homes is particularly important, and how we prioritise the emotional wellbeing of…

Christmas is a time for warmth, connection, and togetherness, but for many families caring for an elderly loved one, it can also be a time of pressure, exhaustion, and worry. And for older adults living alone, the festive season can feel especially quiet or isolating. At The Firs, we believe everyone deserves company, comfort, and…

At The Firs, we stand out for our short-term care through a combination of professional expertise and genuine warmth that helps guests feel safe, valued, and truly at home. But the top reasons to choose a care home for its respite services depends on what you value. Understanding the Benefits of Choosing the Right Respite…

November has been a wonderful month here at The Firs in Derby, filled with a variety of activities designed to bring our residents joy, engagement, and connection. As the autumn leaves fell and the days grew shorter, we made sure our residents had plenty of opportunities to stay active, creative, and socially connected. From lively…