The Orchards Residential Home

1 Perry's Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9AX
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9.9 71 Reviews
  • The Orchards Residential Home, Swindon
Set in a peaceful location with leafy gardens and light-filled spaces, The Firs offers more than just a place to live – it’s a place to feel at ease. Residents can relax in the comfortable lounge, share time with others in the dining areas, or enjoy a quiet drink in the bar. With the scent of sea air drifting through the garden, the calm, unhurried rhythm of life here provides a true sense of retreat.

Each resident receives support tailored to their individual needs – whether for long-term care, respite stays, or recovery following a hospital visit. The care team is recognised not only for professional expertise, but also for warmth and thoughtful attention.

All bedrooms are en-suite, and there’s ample space to enjoy – from inviting communal lounges to the recently redesigned garden, featuring a pergola, greenhouse, and potting bench. The activities programme is inclusive and varied, offering something to suit every interest and energy level. Past favourites have included gala week bingo, ice cream in the sun, gardening club, creative crafts, and gentle reminiscence sessions.

Mealtimes are an occasion to enjoy, with seasonal dishes prepared by in-house chefs – nourishing, delicious, and made with care.

To learn more or arrange a visit to The Firs, please get in touch.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 48 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Orchards Residential Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Julie Beale (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Referral/Assessment
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (47)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (2)

Visiting

  • Protected mealtimes.

Parking

  • Car park to front of the home.

The Orchards Residential Home Reviews (71)

9.9

The Orchards Residential Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.920) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Orchards Residential Home has 71 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 56
  • 12
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
Date Published
  • 71
  • 8
  • 11
  • 21
  • 50
Reviewer Connection to The Orchards Residential Home
  • 23
  • 17
  • 8
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 71, showing 21-40
Review from P C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 4 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very impressed with all of the staff and facilities at the Orchard Residental Home. My mother-in-law has been made very welcome by all. A big mention to all the staff who are very friendly. Also, the residents are a nice group of people. My mother-in-law feels really safe.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our care home. I will pass your comments on to the team.

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Review from Darrell M (Son of Resident) published on 14 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident for over 3 years now and is looked after very well by all staff in attendance. The care is delivered consistently well, as my mother has special needs, which brings great comfort to our family.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking to the time to review our resident's home. I will pass on your comments to our team.

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Review from P S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Attentive and skilful staff. Enough food. Staff accents are sometimes challenging. The bedding should fit the bed and the bed is too big for the room.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking time to review our resident's home. I will pass your comments regarding the bed and linen to the directors.

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Review from H R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Orchards Residential Home hosted our grandmother's birthday. It was a wonderful afternoon- all staff were friendly and worked so hard to ensure a great celebration!
Thank you ever so much for making the day so lovely.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

It was a pleasure to host the party for you all here.

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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for approximately six months. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday. The home made every effort to make it a special day for her. They provided a special cake and decorated the lounge accommodating the family. They were truly amazing. I can't thank them enough.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you, it was a pleasure having your mum with us. Thank you for taking the time to review our resident's home.

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Review from Steve R (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has lived at The Orchards Residential Home for the past six years. Mum was happy, well-fed, cared for and safe. The manager and the team are always friendly, professional and caring. During the last week of Mum's life, the team were so supportive and loving towards Mum which helped a very emotional
and sad time slightly more bearable. Thank you doesn't really say enough but we are thankful for all you did for Mum and for us.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our team and the residents' home, at this very difficult time for you and your family.
I will pass on your comments to our team.
Your mum was such a character and is missed very much.
Thank you again.

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Review from Gina M (Niece of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Today I visited my aunt, as always, she looked clean and 'well-fed'. The reception staff on entering are always polite and look happy and also helpful. I also like that there seems to be entertainment and activities happening. Really couldn't fault anything. If I had one wish it would be that my aunt,
who I know "helps" wipe tables etc., would love homely tasks, folding towels and preparing food - sandwiches. I know she would feel needed and that she was helping!
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for your review. Your aunt loves to help with some washing up, setting the tables for lunch and helping to clear the tables away. Baking afternoons also happen most weeks. Your aunt loves to take part in these activities and the staff and other residents love to see your aunt helping when she is wanting to.

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Review from J C (Friend of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I visit my friend twice a week and I find the staff very friendly and caring. They encourage the residents to participate in activities and motivate them to do things.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for your response. I will pass it onto the team.

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Review from W A (Son of Resident) published on 21 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has settled in very well and seems happy. The home is clean, bright and welcoming. The staff are professional, caring and very friendly. Nothing seems too much trouble. Excellent experience. Would recommend.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home. We are glad your mum has settled in well.

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Review from Christopher B (Son of Resident) published on 8 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff here are excellent. Mum's room is always clean and she is always really well-fed and taken care of. Mum is very happy at The Orchards Residential Home.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home. We really aim to ensure that your mum is settled and well cared for.

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Review from Alan M (Brother of Resident) published on 25 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff at The Orchards Residential Home are always welcoming and jolly. The carer who fed my sister her lunch on the day of our visit was excellent.
One minor criticism is that whilst I found my sister's room and bed to be crisp and clean, the wall at the side of her bed had some very suspect marks
on and is in need of a good clean/repaint!
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our residents' home. I will speak to the team at the home regarding your concerns. If you have any other concerns, please speak to myself or a member of the team.

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Review from Margaret B (Relative of Resident) published on 3 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found all the staff very friendly and helpful. The care they give to my relative is first-class, she is happy and settled.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our home. As a team, we are very pleased to hear your loved one is happy and settled at The Orchards.

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Review from Jean B (Resident) published on 24 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I always had reservations about care homes but after several falls, usually necessitating hospital. So I left it to my daughter to find a suitable home near her. She took me to visit several but some were so clinical and soulless. This one has shown dedication to care for awkward types and it suits
me.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you, Jean, for your review. We are glad you are settling in and enjoying your new home.

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Review from P K (Son of Resident) published on 20 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Friendly, caring staff. Plenty of interaction with the staff especially, craft themes etc. Great chef, food excellent. Nice grounds. The carers care.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you very much for your positive review. I will pass this on to the staff team.

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Review from E V (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother had severe dementia when she moved into The Orchards Residential Home and was there for nine years. I will always be very grateful for the love and care they showed her and our family. Before Covid, I visited several times a week, it was always such a calm, warm and welcoming environment.
Professional staff, excellent food and attentive care. Thank you.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our home. Your mum was a much loved resident here. I will pass your comments over to our team.

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Review from Ruth W (Cousin of Resident) published on 27 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found the staff welcoming to clients and relatives. My cousin received appropriate care delivered with loving-kindness and professional competence. I would have no hesitation in recommending this home to anyone else. The manager creates a very pleasant atmosphere, and her staff seem to be a valued
and happy team.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our care home.
It was a pleasure to look after your loved one.
I will pass on your review o the team.

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Review from R K (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Mum went into this home during lockdown so we couldn't visit to view it before. Though the carers were nice, management seemed sadly lacking. Clothes were lost, communication was poor, mum lost weight and always looked dirty and unkempt. The tap in her room was not fixed for weeks, the decor in the
home was drab and uninviting. The manager was uninterested and didn't apologise for any of the many problems we had. I was relieved when we made the decision to move her elsewhere.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Myself and the team here are really sad to see your review.
Issues that were raised by yourself before your mum left the home in August 2021 (admitted in February 2021)
*Issues with sink – resident continuously flooding her room. Unable to get plumber in to change taps due to Gov.uk restrictions in place.
*Room had been decorated prior to resident moving in. Walls left blank for family to bring in photos/pictures etc.
*Family unable to walk around the home/communal/area due to Gov.uk restriction in place.
We have received an email from the daughter looking into and regarding concerns raised in July 2021 before Mum went into hospital, and was then moved to a specialist unit. These issues are all dealt with and we have evidence to support that.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A truly remarkable home. The moment I stepped foot into this home I felt welcome, safe and in a place that truly resembled being home. I would not hesitate to recommend this home to anyone who wants to ensure their loved ones are well looked after, loved and most of all, happy. Such a beautiful place.
Keep doing what you are doing! Thank you!
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home. I will pass on your comments to our staff.

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Review from P W (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum moved into The Orchards in January 2022. Unfortunately, after a week, Covid meant that the residents had to isolate. A fortnight later, Mum needed hospital treatment for two weeks. A difficult start for her. She has now been back at The Orchards for three weeks. During this time, the staff have
treated Mum with caring compassion. They have encouraged her to take part in the community activities but always in a respectful way. The Orchards is well run and has a happy, positive atmosphere. There have been many occasions when I have needed to ring the home and my phone calls have been welcomed and actioned, and I have been encouraged to always ring if I have a concern.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for us. We are so glad your mum has settled in with us at The Orchards - I will pass on your comments to our team here.

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Review from L J (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very caring and friendly. I feel like residents are well looked after here. They have lots of activities, days out and themed days in the home. Very clean environment and pleasant to walk around. Feels like a home from home.
Reply from Julie Beale, Registered Home Manager at The Orchards Residential Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home. We are very glad that you are happy with the home/care and environment. I will pass on your comments to our staff.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.920)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.920) out of 10 for The Orchards Residential Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.920 for The Orchards Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (231 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 251 Ratings = 4.92
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Orchards Residential Home is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 Feb 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Julie

Julie Beale

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2018

Julie originally trained as a nurse in Surrey before moving back to Swindon in 1987 after meeting her husband. She has over 30 years of nursing experience with the past 20 years in care homes as a nurse, a clinical lead, deputy manager and manager. She has numerous qualifications including RN2, Mentor - Northampton University, NVQ Assessor and Leadership and Management Level 5. Her passion is Elderly Care - especially
Dementia and End of Life care. Julie has a very open and honest approach and puts our residents first at all times giving compassion not only to our residents, but to their families as well.
She has an 'open door policy' and is a firm believer that the Orchards is our residents' home.
In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, walk her dogs and read.

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