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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Review from C W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I always find the staff extremely polite and helpful. They are all always very caring to my nan and I feel happy knowing that she is safe and cared for. She's always clean, well-fed and entertained. I also really love the fact that they have 'treats' around the home so residents can help themselves
as I know my nan always enjoyed a snack in the evening. I cannot find the words to express how well cared for my nan is by all.
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Review from D M (Sister of Resident) published on 6 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I felt that my brother was safe and well cared for. He would have benefited from joining in with the social side provided in the home, but despite great encouragement from the staff he refused.
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Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
From the initial visit to look at the home, we were met with kindness, professionalism and courtesy. Mum was welcomed, as myself and husband, and we felt part of a family. Mum was always treated with kindness and respect up to her death in July. All members of staff, manager, carers, cook and cleaners
always spoke to you on a visit and made all three of us welcome.
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Review from M M (Son of Resident) published on 17 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been receiving care at Swimbridge for years. Her nursing care needs were always compassionately delivered. When she reached the "End of Life" stage she was always informed of the situation (together with family). She died peacefully and with great dignity. The staff dressed her for her
final departure from the home. The family were greatly comforted by the compassion and dignity she received.
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Review from Carolyn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother had very good care. She died in January and the staff could not have done more for my mother and me on that day.
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Review from A A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 25 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Stayed for one week's respite care.
Staff friendly, reliable, caring and helpful.
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Review from Jane C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father went to Swimbridge House Nursing Home for end of life care. Without exception, everyone was very caring, helpful and professional.
It was very sad to lose Dad but it did help that he passed away in a loving and peaceful environment.
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Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As this was end-of-life care for my dad, we could not have had better support.
The kindness and understanding from everyone.
They were amazing, and they made a difficult situation better.
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Review from A W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very satisfied with the care given to my parents especially when my father passed away. The staff were excellent. I would recommend this home to everybody. Excellent care, lovely homely rooms.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother aged 90 stayed for one week respite. She was very anxious about being away from me and her home but she was very comfortable at Swimbridge House and made some friends during the week. The staff were all very cheerful and helpful. The food was very nice including the odd glass of sherry!
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Review from Sue M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Showed care and understanding in difficult circumstances. Good, happy atmosphere, all residents I came into contact with seemed happy. My dad was only in for a short time, but I would have no hesitation in recommending their care.
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Review from Bryan G (Son of Resident) published on 29 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good.
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Review from S M (Wife of Resident) published on 28 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Swimbridge House were wonderful from start to finish (and afterwards). The initial contact was hesitant but after that, we were encouraged to feel part of a family in a different place, but it was still to be home. From the removal of the hospital tag - "you are now at home" which set the
tone, we were guided through a new phase of my husband's life - towards death itself. I can't thank everyone enough. They had time for us and were willing to listen and guide. They really cared for my husband.
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Review from D M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother recently passed away in Swimbridge House Nursing Home. I was informed that the doctor had been called as her health was failing, although no cause was found he suspected end of life care would be required. I was kept informed of every decision that was made about her care. The staff all treated
Mum with the utmost respect and kindness. She always appeared clean and comfortable. Sadly, she passed away 10 days later. Some of the rooms need a little updating and decorating and then I think I would rate it as excellent.
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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 20 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For approximately 2 years (time at Swimbridge) I have found the staff to be faultless in all they do. When we visit she is always happy and we are made to feel welcome. I would happily recommend Swimbridge House to anyone.
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Review from Helen B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home was a temporary stay between homes. You did all you could to make my dad feel settled. The rooms are lovely with a nice view. The staff are delightful and a pleasure to get to know.
The only slight reservation is the quietness of the corridor. My dad thrives on human interaction and loves
just a wave or hello, sometimes we didn't see anyone on the corridor. We were pleased with his care on the whole.
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Review from Graham G (Son of Resident) published on 13 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mother is very happy and content at Swimbridge House. She is well cared for and the staff give her a lot of attention which she loves. She always said if she went into a care home it had to be Swimbridge House.
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Review from Keith A (Son of Resident) published on 5 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was a difficult transition for Mum, who has dementia, to move from her own home to residential care and the initial few days were difficult and emotional for us all. During this time the care and patience shown to Mum, along with the support and advice given to me, saw us through and within a short
time, Mum was settled and happy in her new home. The staff at Swimbridge are, without exception, friendly, caring and attentive, treating Mum with love and respect. There are regular activities to keep the residents busy and entertainment in the form of singers and musicians. Mum has been out for short trips and her life is much fuller and stimulating than it was. All in all, it has made a difficult period much easier to cope with and I know that we have chosen the best place for Mum.
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Review from W N (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My late mother was a resident at Swimbridge House Nursing Home for the past three and a half years.
As a family, we have found the home to be a haven of loving care run by a devoted, compassionate and dedicated staff who have created a happy environment where each resident is valued and respected.
The
staff showed a high standard of attention to duty at all times, working well as a team and led by a highly competent manager.
The end of life care received by my mother was outstanding in every way.
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Review from B P (Friend of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very friendly and helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble. The home always smells very fresh when entering and everywhere around. Residents are happy and well looked after, very clean, nice rooms. Food - there is a nice assortment/menu. The tea trolley is well stocked but not always brought into
the bedrooms so the residents can see what else there is available other than what is requested the day before, if they don't ask to see it.


Care at the 'End of Life' was excellent.

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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.

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.