Heron House Taunton Residential Care Home

Choosing the right care home

We understand that choosing a residential care home for yourself or a loved one can be a real worry. Be reassured that at Heron House Taunton (formerly known as Abbeyfield (Somerset) Society) we are dedicated to providing outstanding care by employing well-trained, permanent staff and by treating all our residents as individuals with respect in a homely, a family and a safe environment.

Heron House Taunton is different from many other care homes – as a 'not for profit' society our sole purpose is the care and wellbeing of all of our residents. It really does feel like being part of a family where everybody is cared for equally, cheerfully and with dignity.

We have been providing a first-class service for over thirty-five years, with an experienced team who provide genuine 24/7 personal care to all of our residents.

Manager Profile

Paula Howlett

Paula Howlett is a 20-year experienced psychiatric nurse who since 2013 has been a registered manager, first in residential and later in specialist dementia care. She says “I feel proud to be part of the Heron House team. We enrich peoples’ lives not just through excellent standards of care but also by providing meaningful occupation and promoting independence. We help our residents continue to build relationships - our vision is for life to go on, not stop.” Paula's husband Rob is a minister of a busy church, and they have four children who are now young adults.

Meet the Team

Quality care, with a family atmosphere

Since opening in 1987, our home has undergone three major extensions, the most recent of which has just been completed (Spring 2023). Throughout these changes the quality of our care and the family atmosphere has never changed. It’s all about enriching the residents’ environment and experience.

Each resident has their own comfortable room with toilet and washing facilities. Furniture is usually provided but we actively encourage that favourite and personal items may be brought in to promote a more familiar, homely and individual space.

We have no formal visiting hours, as families and friends are encouraged to visit whenever they can.

Personalised care plans

Our fees are very competitive (we are “not-for-profit”) and our base ‘room or apartment’ rates include a comprehensive care package incorporating 24-hour care, laundry, cleaning, food and fuel bills and, unlike some homes, a wide range of activities and trips. ‘Extra’ and ‘Enhanced’ care packages are available at an extra cost, the need for which is determined by a professional assessment. Residents will usually only need extra funds for additional items such as clothing, hairdressing, chiropody, physiotherapy, newspapers, magazines, etc. We have our own transport so, usually, we can take residents out for local dental or hospital appointments.

We are always pleased to welcome visitors to our home, and we are always available to discuss residents’ wellbeing with nominated next of kin.

We invite you to discuss your individual needs in confidence with us either by email, by telephone or by arranging a visit to view our home.

What People Say...

The staff are beautiful with the residents, and you can see how much they care. This clearly isn’t just a job. I’ve visited other homes, but here is exceptional, you can feel the happiness here when you come in.

One of your staff set up a laptop in Mum’s room to see two new great grandchildren in the USA on Skype. I’m not sure she really understood what was happening but she loved every minute of it!

A big thank you to everyone for the outstanding care you are giving to Mum. She is always lovely and clean, fresh and comfortable. The kindness and dignity shown to her is very much appreciated.