Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Welcombe Lane, Swimbridge, Barnstaple EX32 0QT
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9.6 80 Reviews
  • Swimbridge House Nursing Home, Barnstaple
Swimbridge House Nursing Home is a 52-bed nursing home, for those over 65, with a very homely atmosphere and plenty of personal attention.

The Home offers nursing, residential and respite care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where the physical and mental well-being of each resident is looked after in a warm and welcoming environment. The Home also specialises in dementia care and is accredited for the ‘Six Steps’ End-of-Life Care. The home is registered with the Care Quality Commission and is rated as ‘Good’.

The home is situated just outside the North Devon village of Swimbridge in a scenic rural setting, close to the A361 link road and in between the regional centre of Barnstaple and South Molton.

To help decide if Swimbridge House is a suitable choice, they provide a free trial day where potential residents can experience first-hand the benefits of the Home.

Their VISION is to be a warm and welcoming Home where everyone matters.

Their VALUES are:
WELCOMING - A positive environment where everyone is respected and treated as individuals.
CARING - With warmth and understanding in a secure and happy environment with qualified engaged staff and strong leadership.
HONESTY - Build and maintain strong relationships by being open and transparent.
CHOICES - Understand and support individual needs by providing person-centred care.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1250
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1250
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1250
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1250
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1500

Fees will be based on assessment of care needs by the home, and will also depend on size of the room and wet room availability.
Nursing care fees are exclusive of the FNC contributions by NHS to the home. Private contribution contribution for Nursing Care is similar as for Residential Care.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Swimbridge House Nursing 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Owner

  • Vaneal Ltd

Person in charge

  • Martine Butler (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Open for everyone: nursing care, residential care, respite and dementia
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1996
  • Last Refurbishment: 2019
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (52)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (25)

Visiting

  • The home is allowing visitors to residents, although there may be restrictions for infection control reasons. Please call the home to discuss current policy.

Parking

  • There is plenty on-side parking available, including for disability vehicles.

Swimbridge House Nursing Home Reviews (80)

9.6

Swimbridge House Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.594) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Swimbridge House Nursing Home has 80 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Swimbridge House Nursing Home
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Total of 80, showing 1-20
Review from Esther S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Dad has been in Swimbridge House for just a few weeks now is truly in the absolute best place he can be, given how poorly he is (with a condition he cannot get better from). The level of care is truly outstanding, and Martine has been instrumental in helping us get Dad moved to the home - and just
so utterly patient and knowledgeable when it comes to medical / physical / emotional decisions regarding Dad's treatment and care. Dad's room is beautiful and bright and calm, and he absolutely loves sitting out in the garden. I would love to name so many individuals who work at the home for the level of love and care they offer - and for so often going above and beyond. As a visitor, I'm always welcomed with open arms (and my children love visiting, too - there is always a chocolate or treat on hand!) Thank you for making this very tough time in all our lives so much easier to go through.
Reply from Joost van Delft, Proprietor at Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking your time to write this very nice review, that is hugely appreciated.

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Review from Clive G (Son of Resident) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother, who is a centenarian, was gravely ill in hospital for a month before becoming a resident of Swimbridge House. Before that, I had been her carer for over two years,
She was anxious about going into a 'home' but that anxiety soon disappeared when she was welcomed into Swimbridge House with
caring smiles. Since then she hasn't looked back. The standard of care is second to none and nothing is too much trouble. Her physical, emotional and mental wellbeing is better than it has been for some time.
She feels safe and reassured twenty-four hours a day and most important of all, she feels loved. The people who work there are angels in carers clothing.
Members of the family are treated just as well!
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Review from Gill T (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum can't care for herself and sadly doesn't realise it. I don't have downstairs loo or accomodation to assist. She actually took part in Zumba this week, hurrah Swimbridge. She's fragile and Swimbridge are fabulous, I can't recommend them enough
Reply from Joost van Delft, Proprietor at Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking time to write the review, which is well appreciated.With best wishes

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Review from M P (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is a warm, well managed & safe environment. The resident I visited was happy, well stimulated through a range of activities and received very good care. Relationships are professional and respectful at all times.
Reply from Joost van Delft, Proprietor at Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking your time to reply, we appreciate that.

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Review from J R (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was only at Swimbridge House for just over 2 months before she passed away. However, during this time, Mum received excellent and compassionate care from all the staff and as her Alzheimers progressed, measures were taken to ensure her wellbeing and comfort at all times. We cannot thank the staff
enough for the care that they gave to Mum.
Reply from Joost van Delft, Director at Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.

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Review from D P (Friend of Resident) published on 23 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very good care and nursing especially following a hospital visit and palliative care diagnosis. Confidence inspiring, caring and helpful staff.
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Review from Fran W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum and Dad moved into Swimbridge Nursing Home two years ago, as they both had advancing dementia and it was no longer safe for them to live alone, and it was the best decision we ever made for them. The entire team are caring, friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. No one is ever too busy or too stressed
to help with a situation or to offer a kind word. The place is kept spotless and the communal areas are always being updated - the beautiful green room and the Welcombe Inn recent additions. Two staff members are always planning trips out, celebrations, craft activities and visiting entertainment.
When Dad was dying, family were treated with the same care and kindness as residents throughout. And after losing her husband of 69 years, every member of staff has made an effort to help Mum adjust to her new situation.
Two years ago, it was a tough move out of their home for Mum especially, but every week now we hear how grateful and happy she is to live at Swimbridge.
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Review from K B (Partner of Resident) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
All of the staff from reception/care workers/ kitchen/laundry/maintenance/admin up to and including management did their tasks with great professionalism, thoroughness and care.
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Review from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found it to be a most caring home for my mother. Her needs are catered for in an efficient, loving and attentive way. She is encouraged to join in with activities (many on offer weekly) and is helped to undertake these. The meals provided are good and prepared for her according to her dietary
needs. A happy environment.
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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my parents have been cared for here. They took great care of Dad when he died last year, and were especially kind to Mum. Now Mum is nearing the end, she's comfortable and has everything she needs.
Staff are attentive, gentle and respectful.
Thank you.
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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have always found all the staff very friendly and caring of Mum. She seems happy and although very disabled, is compos-mentis. Everywhere is clean and smells pleasant. Mum likes the meals and enjoys the trips out.
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Review from L P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Unfortunately, we were only involved with Swimbridge House for 2.5 weeks. During that time father was treated with care and compassion in his final days.
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Review from Margaret H (Wife of Resident) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Warm, clean and odour-free in all areas. The friendly and caring staff made family and friends welcome. The activities organisers put on a very good and varied programme which includes trips out and entertainers. End-of-life care was excellent, my husband treated with dignity and kept pain-free and
hydrated. I was also looked after and included in all his needs, with staff ensuring that I was comfortable, had nourishment and was well supported.
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Review from Claire P (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had to find a nursing home urgently for my mum as her health declined very quickly and I could no longer take care of all her needs. The atmosphere was palpable when I viewed Swimbridge. I sensed and witnessed a wonderful caring environment, spotlessly clean, great food and cheery staff. Sadly Mum
had only been there for 4 months when she passed in March 2024. Had she not lived with me it would have been an excellent place to spend her final years. There are always activities offered along with days out, visiting singers, art, cookery, and gardening - plenty to keep the residents occupied and happy. The manager is such a warm, friendly and knowledgable person and her staff are a credit to her.
Reply from Joost van Delft, Proprietor at Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Thank you to offer us the opportunity to care for your mum.

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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was a resident at Swimbridge for 4 years. I found it to be a very welcoming and friendly nursing home. The staff became like a second family to Mum and she was treated with love and care on all occasions. In the last days of her life, she was given respect and dignity by her carers and the nursing
team.
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Review from Juliet P (Relative of Resident) published on 18 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our mother and later our aunt were resident at Swimbridge Nursing Home.
We feel that this was a happy and safe place for them to be. We were always greeted with a smile on arrival. And felt happy for our family to be looked after.
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Review from Sue E (Friend of Resident) published on 21 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was my first contact with the nursing home and I was incredibly impressed with the care and attention given to the patients. There was such a deep sense of love surrounding the staff and this was conveyed to each patient. I have visited many such places and have never known such kindness given by
staff to the family and friends. It was unconditional. You are to be commended for hiring the appropriate staff and indeed the leadership from the top is exceptional. Full marks and a gold star. Ten out of ten.
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Review from Mike C (Son of Resident) published on 22 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very friendly, caring home.
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Review from Mark C (Son of Resident) published on 7 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been in the care of this home since August 2023. When she first arrived she had a skin condition called Bullous Pemphigoid and the medical team have handled this extremely well. It took Mum a while to settle in but now seems happier and more at home. All the staff I have met seem capable,
friendly and do a good job and I would gladly recommend the home to others.
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Review from Mark P (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been living at Swimbridge since June 2020. She settled in very quickly and seems to be very happy. We have complete confidence in the care and love that Mum receives. She is so well looked after and always has company. Although her dementia condition has deteriorated, she is content and happy.
This is a great comfort to see for myself and sister to know that she is in such good hands.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.594)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.594) out of 10 for Swimbridge House Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.594 for Swimbridge House Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (147 Excellents x 5) + (79 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 234 Ratings = 4.594
  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 Swimbridge House Nursing Home is based on 20 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 20 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: 29 Jan 2019

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 (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Martine

Martine Butler

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2021

Martine is a qualified nurse with over 30 years experience of working within the Health and Social care sectors. Prior to joining Swimbridge House Nursing Home in August 2021, she worked as a senior regulatory inspector, quality and compliance manager, and care home manager within the independent sector and with Devon County Council, and most recently as Nurse Educator and Safeguarding Lead.


Martine’s skills and experiences have equipped her with a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement, a process that she aims will become synonymous with the reputation of Swimbridge House.

Anita

Anita Nelson

Job Title: Senior Health Care Assistant Joined: 2013

I joined Swimbridge House over 10 years ago and have worked in the care sector throughout most of my working life in hospital and community settings. Swimbridge House is a home-from-home environment offering all levels of individual support to all of its residents and families it is a great place to work. We are committed to providing the best support we can. Every day you will hear laughter and see a sea of smiles; we also offer free hugs to everyone. All our staff are committed to providing the best care and experience for our residents and their families and I am proud to say I am a member of that team.

Reka

Reka Lukacs

Job Title: Nurse Joined: 2014

Swimbridge is a warm and friendly care home, where the staff aim to provide a “real home” for all residents, personal comfort, safety and a high standard of care. The staff are always smiling and helpful. About half of the staff have been working together for more than four years now. We support and motivate each other and also we learn from the experiences of others, forming a strong team.

Nichola

Nichola Hussell

Job Title: Personal Assistant Joined: 2015

I’ve worked at Swimbridge House for just over three years now and it’s a friendly, happy place to be – for residents, their families and staff. Everyone pulls together as a team to make sure that the residents and their families get the help and support they need and deserve. Everyone has their role to play to make the home the place it is – warm, welcoming and caring.

Frequently Asked Questions about Swimbridge House Nursing Home

What types of Care is Swimbridge House Nursing Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Swimbridge House Nursing Home have?

There are 52 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Swimbridge House Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Swimbridge House Nursing Home to the centre of Barnstaple?

4.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Swimbridge House Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Swimbridge House Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.