Built on the site of the Plainsfield Children’s home, The Orchards was extended in 2012 and redeveloped into a modern purpose-built care home which offers round-the-clock nursing care.
The Mayor of Crewkerne opened The Orchards following its upgrade in 2012. The Orchards Care Home is set in an enclosed garden in the heart of Crewkerne. The town's shops, churches, swimming pool, gym and library are all on our doorstep and within easy walking distance. The site also has access to ample parking, making it easily accessible.
The Orchards at a glance
Why Choose Us
When choosing a home for your loved one, you want to be sure it will offer them the most comprehensive care at the highest level and a friendly environment they can feel at home in. At The Orchards we strive to provide just that, giving you the peace of mind that your loved ones will be well cared for at all times. We offer round-the-clock care, including nursing services, so you’ll never have to worry – the right care and expertise will always be on hand to help.
The Orchards likes to operate an open door visiting policy to encourage family and friends to stop by at any time. The modern layout provides plenty of space for both social interaction and privacy with separate lounges, a dining room and spacious gardens with raised flower beds. A comprehensive activity and entertainment programme is provided, and a wide range of participatory activities are available to the residents including away-days visiting local sites. We also enjoy close links with Henhayes Community Centre to offer additional activities for residents to enjoy.
Residents are encouraged to make their rooms their own, by bringing personal items and furniture. This puts residents at ease and makes them as comfortable as possible. All the bedrooms have ensuite facilities and a television. Telephone points can be fitted to every bedroom.
The site also offers additional services, including personal laundry and hairdressing.
We also offer a day care service as a way for carers to catch up on daily errands while enriching their relative’s day with a short-term change of environment. The opportunity for socialisation as well as easy access to additional services is especially beneficial for the less mobile. Discover more about our day care service here.
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Contact Details
The Orchards,
Orchard Lane,
Crewkerne, Somerset,
TA18 7AF
T: 01460 76267 - F: 01460 78603
Our Facilities
45 fully furnished rooms
24-hour nursing service
Full board
In-house laundry service
Dedicated Older Persons Mental Health area (OPMH)
Hairdresser's room
Facility to deposit personnel funds for safekeeping
Facility to make and receive phone calls in private
Visits to chiropodists, opticians, therapists and dentists can be arranged
Open-door visiting policy
Activities team provides a daily programme of stimulating and meaningful activities
The Community
Crewkerne is situated in the county of Somerset, nine miles south west of Yeovil. It lies close to the River Parrett and is close to the border with the county of Dorset. Crewkerne is composed primarily of Georgian-style buildings made from Ham Stone quarried from Ham Hill, giving the town a distinct feel of the period.
The town has a community hospital, pharmacy and doctors' surgery. The Orchards also maintains links to the local community centre and schools with visits, competitions and dementia-care projects.
The surrounding area includes a nature reserve and a country park, ideal for days out to take in the beautiful Somerset countryside. There’s also a Roman site and Iron Age hill fort within easy reach for those interested in absorbing some of the local history.
Ruth has more than 20 years of experience in elderly care;. She is a qualified Registered Mental Nurse and holds a Level 4 NVQ in Care Home Management. Ruth has a passion for collaborative working and inclusion, encouraging others to see beyond a person’s diagnosis.
Since qualifying as a nurse, Ruth has undertaken various courses, including a dementia championship certificate completed in conjunction with the University of Bradford. Ruth also presented at the National UK Dementia Congress with regards to community involvement. She has been a member of a National Guideline Committee responsible for shaping care for those with dementia in the UK.
In her spare time Ruth enjoys reading, philosophy and travelling/exploring the countryside with her Siberian Huskies.
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Jon Tiller
Deputy Manager
Jon Tiller
Deputy Manager
Jon has worked in the care sector for over 15 years in a number of different disciplines, ranging from Dementia support, Mental Health and elderly care. Jon has achieved levels 2 and 3 in care and is currently working toward level 4, with a view to progressing to level 5.
Throughout his career it has remained important to Jon to support those he cares for by improving and maintaining independence and the emotional wellbeing benefits that being independent can achieve. Jon strives to work alongside colleagues to encourage individuals to reach their potential.
It is important to Jon that a care home is welcoming with a sense of fun and joy - and a family atmosphere.
Jon enjoys all genres of music, and toured the UK with his band. He likes to travel and seek new experiences that world cultures can offer.
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Elly Wilkins
Home Administrator
Elly Wilkins
Home Administrator
Elly joined Amica in 2019 bringing with her a background in administration and customer service.
The main thing that Elly loves about working at The Orchards is the strong, hard-working and fun team, together with the honour of getting to know and support all the lovely residents and their families.
Outside of work Elly enjoys spending time with her family and labrador Lily. She also enjoys gardening and reading.
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Michaela Sweet
Receptionist
Michaela Sweet
Receptionist
Michaela joined Amica Care in 1996 (then Ramus House), and brings over 30 years experience of working in care.
Previously an HCA at The Orchards, Michaela has held various roles within the senior team. She has been in her current role since July 2023 and very much enjoys the opportunity that reception brings to meet with relatives and friends of the lovely residents. Michaela also enjoys being part of the great team within The Orchards 'family'.
Outside of work Michaela enjoys gardening, walking the dogs and spending time with family.
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Michelle Jones
Activities Lead
Michelle Jones
Activities Lead
Biography to follow
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Gary Brackley
Maintenance Officer
Gary Brackley
Maintenance Officer
Biog to follow
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Luke McKey
Maintenance Officer
Luke McKey
Maintenance Officer
Luke joined Amica Care Trust in 2024 bringing over 8 years experience of working in the care industry in homes in the London and Somerset areas. He is experienced in all aspects of maintenance, from Maintenance Assistant to Facilities Manager.
Luke enjoys working in this industry and thinks of it as 'more than a job', getting to know the many amazing residents and staff. He feels that maintenance is like solving a puzzle, and once you have all the right pieces in place, it becomes a beautiful picture.
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CQC Rating
What this means...
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.
Its primary objective is to ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care. The CQC monitors, inspects and rates service providers, suggesting improvements where necessary.
