Fern Brook Lodge
- Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham







A very warm welcome to Fern Brook Lodge, a place where you can feel supported, comfortable and truly at home as you begin the next chapter of your life. Located in the historic market town of Gillingham, Dorset, our home offers a calm and welcoming environment with close connections to local amenities, green spaces and a strong sense of community.
Our home
We want you to feel at home from the moment you arrive. Fern Brook Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to be warm, welcoming and easy to navigate, with comfortable communal spaces that encourage relaxation and social connection. Residents can enjoy:
- Comfortable lounges and welcoming dining areas
- Dedicated spaces for activities and quiet moments
- A hair and beauty salon for a little pampering
- Outdoor areas and gardens
- Welcoming spaces to spend time with family and friends
Bedrooms are fully furnished, with a choice of layouts and sizes. We encourage residents to bring personal belongings, photographs and treasured items to help make their room feel familiar and truly their own.









Enjoying the outdoors every day
Residents living with dementia at Fern Brook Lodge enjoy access to a safe, secure garden designed to encourage time outdoors and support health and wellbeing. Wide, level pathways, raised flower beds and comfortable seating make the garden welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Thoughtfully chosen sensory planting, including fragrant lavender, roses and sweet peas, helps stimulate memories and engage the senses, while the sounds of birds, bees and other visiting wildlife create a peaceful and calming environment. Whether enjoying a gentle stroll, relaxing in the sunshine, or spending time with family and friends, residents are encouraged to enjoy the outdoor space at their own pace.
The garden is also a popular setting for garden parties, barbecues and seasonal celebrations, bringing residents, loved ones and the wider home community together.
Life at Fern Brook Lodge
Life at Fern Brook Lodge is about much more than care. Our lifestyle programme focuses on creating meaningful experiences that bring joy, purpose and companionship, often inspired by local interests and the surrounding Gillingham community.
From shared meals and creative activities to gentle exercise, entertainment and visits from local groups, there is always something to look forward to. Residents are encouraged to stay connected with the town they know, whether through local news, seasonal celebrations or enjoying time outdoors when the weather allows.

Rated a Top 20 Care Home Group in the UK
What Fern Brook Lodge offers
- Landscaped Gardens
- 24/7 Support
- En-suite wet rooms
- Hair Salon
- Coffee Lounge
- Community Focussed
- Head Chef
- Activities Coordinators
- Animal Visits
- Restaurant
- Wellness Classes
- Entertainment
Not-for-profit
As part of Care South, Fern Brook Lodge is a not-for-profit care home. This means every penny is reinvested back into the home, helping us continually enhance our care, facilities and the experiences we provide for our residents.
State-of-the-art
Step inside and you will discover a thoughtfully designed care home where Food, Fun and Friendship are part of everyday life, alongside the reassurance that high-quality care is always close at hand. Whether you are looking for residential care, specialist dementia support or a short respite stay, our caring and dedicated team is here to support you in a way that feels right for you.
Everyday moments
We believe that maintaining strong links with the local community plays an important role in wellbeing, and we warmly welcome visits from family, friends and members of the wider community.
We believe in person-centred care
At Fern Brook Lodge, we believe in person-centred care that supports both body and spirit. We recognise that every resident has lived a full and meaningful life, and our role is to help you continue living well, with dignity, choice and meaningful connection at the heart of everything we do.
Gallery
Browse our gallery
OUR TEAM
Dedicated and passionate
At the heart of Fern Brook Lodge is our dedicated team. Passionate, experienced and kind, they are committed to providing high-quality, personalised care every day and night.
We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit, show you around our home, introduce you to the team and give you a true sense of daily life at Fern Brook Lodge.

Sara Maynard
Home Manager
“As Manager at Fern Brook Lodge, I believe that our residents must be at the heart of all that we do. By nurturing and developing our team we can then provide the best possible care, focusing all that we do around the individuals wishes and needs.”
Sara (pronounced Sarah) grew up in North Devon. She completed her nurse training in Cambridge in the 1980’s and moved back to North Devon in the 90’s. She is now living locally to Gillingham. She worked in the NHS, mainly specialising in respiratory work and has always been passionate about enabling and giving people a voice.
She has been a care home manager for fourteen years which has encompassed nursing, residential and dementia homes. Care South are delighted to have secured her talents for leading the team at Fern Brook Lodge and maintaining the levels of excellence this care home provides.

Conner Frecknall
Deputy Manager
I have 13 years’ experience in care, starting in private healthcare. I started working at Care South in 2015 as a Care Assistant. In 2017, I transferred to Head Office to become a Learning & Development Advisor.
In 2024 I decided to become a Deputy Home Manager as I wanted a new challenge. I love working at Fern Brook Lodge as the grounds are beautiful, home is modern, and the team and residents are one big family.

Philip
Chef
Given our mission to provide residents with the three F’s – Food, Fun and Friendship – mealtimes are very important to us and residents love coming together to enjoy delicious, nutritious and wholesome meals with their friends.
Our menu is expertly crafted by our talented Chefs, working closely with our Caterings Operations Manager, and is cooked and prepared onsite by our skilled kitchen staff. We are passionate about providing high-quality food for residents and we cater for all dietary requirements and meal preferences, always maintaining the same high standards when preparing alternative meals. Refreshments are available for residents throughout the day.
We currently hold a food hygiene rating of 5/5 stars (date of inspection: 05.03.2025) and strive to provide delicious and nutritious, high-quality meals for all residents.

Natasha
Activities Lead
Hello my name is Tash, I am the Activities Lead at Fern Brook Lodge, part of Care South, where I enjoy creating engaging and meaningful experiences for residents. I am passionate about my role and take great pride in supporting residents’ wellbeing, helping them stay active, social, and connected.
I really enjoy working for Care South and value how supportive the home is, both for residents and staff. Being part of such a caring and positive environment allows me to bring the best to my role every day. I am approachable, organised, and bring a positive attitude to my work, always aiming to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Outside of work, I am a mum to two grown-up children and have two cockapoos who keep me active and entertained. I have a real passion for music and enjoy playing the keyboard in my spare time. I like to stay active by swimming, cycling, and walking. My favourite place is my hometown of Bridport, which I visit regularly, especially to enjoy walks along the beach.
Our care
You deserve care that respects your individuality, independence and personal wishes. At Fern Brook Lodge, our approach places you at the centre of every decision. Working closely with you and your loved ones, we develop a personalised care plan that reflects your needs, routines and preferences.
Our compassionate and experienced team provides residential care, dementia care and respite care, offering reassurance and continuity of support day and night. Care is delivered by people who take the time to truly get to know you, building trusting relationships that help you feel confident, comfortable and supported.
What our residents and families say about Fern Brook Lodge
Our testimonials are taken from carehome.co.uk, the leading independent third party review site for the care sector.
Testimonials from residents and relatives
Residents in our care lead rich and fulfilling lives and we want to keep it that way through plenty of Food, Fun and Friendship. Find out more about what residents in our care think of life at Care South.
Taking the next step
Choosing a care home is an important decision and it is natural to feel a mix of emotions. At Fern Brook Lodge, we are here to make the process as reassuring and supportive as possible.
Our team will take the time to listen, answer your questions openly and guide you through each stage. When you are ready, we will support you in settling in gently, helping you feel comfortable, supported and at home from your very first day.
Latest news and updates from Fern Brook Lodge
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
🌾 We're heading to the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show! 🐑
We're excited to be attending the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August, and we'd love to meet you!
As proud sponsors of the Minority & Traditional Sheep Championship, we'll be celebrating everything that makes this fantastic event so special – from farming and local food to community spirit and country life.
Whether you're already part of the Fern Brook Lodge family, exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, or simply enjoying a great day out, come and say hello at Stand I6. Our friendly team will be on hand to answer your questions and share how life at Fern Brook Lodge is centred around Food, Fun and Friendship. 💙
📍 Stand I6
📅 Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August 2026
📍 Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PL
We can't wait to see you there! 👋
#GillinghamAndShaftesburyShow #FernBrookLodge #CareSouth #FoodFunFriendship #DorsetEvents #Community
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎉 You're Invited to the Fern Brook Lodge Summer Fayre! 🎉
Join us at Fern Brook Lodge for a fantastic afternoon of entertainment, delicious food and community fun at our annual Summer Fayre!
There's something for everyone to enjoy, including:
🎵 Live music
🍔 BBQ
🎤 A special performance from the Fern Brook Choir
🛼 Roller skating entertainment
🛍️ Community stalls
🎟️ Raffle
We're also delighted that The Mayor has been invited to attend, making this a truly special event for our local community.
Whether you're visiting loved ones, looking for a fun family day out or exploring care options for yourself or someone close to you, everyone is warmly welcome.
📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
🕑 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Fern Brook Lodge, Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham, SP8 4QD
Facebook event: fb.me/e/81lcVE5ip
Find out more: www.care-south.co.uk/event/?id=43
Come along and enjoy an afternoon of Food, Fun and Friendship with our residents, families and local community. We can't wait to welcome you! 💚
#FoodFunFriendship #SummerFayre #FernBrookLodge #CareSouth #GillinghamDorset #CommunityEvent #FamilyFun #LiveMusic #BBQ #MayorVisit
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎶🤠 A wonderful afternoon of country music at Fern Brook Lodge! 🎶🍦
Residents had a fantastic time welcoming Peter Olford to Fern Brook Lodge for an afternoon of live country music.
There were plenty of smiles as everyone sang along to familiar favourites, with the music sparking happy memories and conversations about the songs and artists residents have enjoyed throughout their lives.
To round off the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a refreshing ice cream while reminiscing and chatting about the wonderful performance.
A big thank you to Peter for providing such an enjoyable afternoon. We look forward to welcoming him back again soon! 💙
#CareSouth #FernBrookLodge #FoodFunFriendship #livemusic #countrymusic #CareHomeLife #makingmemories #wellbeing
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏆⚽ What a fantastic tournament! ⚽🏆
Over the past few weeks, residents from Care South homes have been taking part in our Residents' World Cup Competition, bringing together homes from across the organisation for some friendly sporting rivalry, teamwork and lots of laughter.
Hosted in partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, the tournament saw residents competing in a series of fun matches, cheering on their teammates and making new friendships along the way.
From brilliant goals to plenty of hydration breaks (and even a few light-hearted VAR requests!), every match was full of smiles and great sporting spirit.
A huge congratulations to Alexandra House, who won the final fixture against Dorset House, and an even bigger congratulations to our overall champions...
🥇 1st Place: Fern Brook Lodge
🥈 2nd Place: Talbot View
🥉 3rd Place: Wickmeads
Well done to every resident and colleague who took part throughout the tournament. The competition has been a wonderful celebration of Food, Fun and Friendship, proving once again that bringing people together creates unforgettable memories.
A special thank you to AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust for helping make the tournament such a fantastic success. We can't wait for the next inter-home competition! 💙⚽
#CareSouth #ResidentsWorldCup #FoodFunFriendship #Community #Wellbeing #AFCBCommunitySportsTrust #MakingMemories #AlexandraHouse #DorsetHouse
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌟 What a fantastic Care Home Open Day at Fern Brook Lodge! 🌟
Residents, families and visitors enjoyed a wonderful day filled with memories, laughter and friendship as we opened our doors to the local community.
The morning began with a fascinating reminiscence session led by Jan from Rhymes, Rural and Reminiscence, exploring weddings and celebrations from years gone by. Residents loved sharing their own stories and memories, with many even dressing up for the occasion! 💒💐
In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a delicious traditional high tea prepared by our talented Head Chef and catering team, before being entertained by musician Les Chaffe. 🎶☕🍰
The room was soon filled with singing, dancing and plenty of smiling faces as residents and their loved ones came together to celebrate.
Resident Andy summed up the day perfectly:
💬 "What a lovely afternoon. I had a great time."
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. It was a wonderful example of the Food, Fun and Friendship that make Fern Brook Lodge such a welcoming place to call home. 💚
Read More: www.care-south.co.uk/fern-brook-lodge-opens-its-doors-for-a-memorable-care-home-open-day/
#FernBrookLodge #CareHomeOpenDay #FoodFunFriendship #ItsTheCareThatCounts #CareSouth #GillinghamDorset #Reminiscence #CommunityConnections #CareHomeLife #MakingMemories #NotForProfitCare #DementiaCare #ResidentialCare #CareSouthFamily 🌿💙
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook


