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 61-80
Review from Theresa B (Regular Volunteer) published on 29 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a volunteer at Swimbridge House and we have realised our biggest wish - to have own vehicle with wheelchair access. In the few weeks since we have had the vehicle the difference it has made to the quality of the lives of the residents has been nothing short of amazing. A visit to an RHS garden
has been enjoyed but even more worthwhile are the what I would call "normal " trips taking individual residents to the shops or just out for a drive. Wonderful. It is a privilege as a volunteer to be made to feel very much part of The Swimbridge Family.
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Review from Dudley S (Husband of Resident) published on 27 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Wife has been a resident of this Nursing Home for more than two years and I consider that she is "well looked after".
I visit her regularly and I am always welcomed by the management and the staff.
Visiting hours are not restricted which I find most convenient.
The staff always are pleasant
and cheerful and can always be contacted by the resident with a press of a button.
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Review from Alexander B R (Grandson of Resident) published on 7 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manageress and the team at Swimbridge welcomed my grandmother with open arms and do an outstanding job of ensuring she is kept entertained, mentally stimulated and of course, cared for. Whenever I've phoned up to speak to my grandmother, she has been busy arranging flowers, making bread or planting
flowers in the garden, which is looked after by the residents.


I could not recommend Swimbridge enough, their level of attention to detail is impeccable and put our minds to rest, knowing my grandmother is safe and being looked after 24 hours a day.

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Review from Jennifer H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This is a well-managed home where the staff have a friendly and caring attitude. Any issues were promptly and appropriately addressed by the Manager. My father's ensuite room was small but adequate, with a good outlook, and I thought the charge was reasonable. Newer, larger rooms were available,
with better facilities, at a higher charge. Nursing and care staff were well trained and professional in their work. Recent and planned expansion would suggest a stable and successful Home.
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Review from D S (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 1 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff, great food and looked after really well. Nice room and excellent facilities. I don't want for anything. My family is encouraged to join me for meals and activities.
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Review from Berwick C (Husband of Resident) published on 23 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife entered the Swimbridge House care home just before Easter this year. I have visited her regularly since then.
I find the whole establishment open, bright, sensitively spaced out and so far as I can see, well equipped. Everyone looks well cared for and comfortable, both physically and mentally.
There is very little of the "institution" about the place. This doesn't just happen; it is due to the professionalism and thoroughness of the staff. They do it all so well that you hardly notice that they are doing it.
Everybody I have seen is busy and purposeful, without any trace of hurry or annoyance. Nothing is too much trouble and this applies also to the staff attitude towards visitors. They remember names, faces and requests.
They are endlessly attentive to their charges, with no trace of patronising or impatience and they seem to work well as a team.
My wife was not happy when she first went in, but now she is content, comfortable and secure and this also doesn't just happen. It is the result of countless instances of observant care, professional skill and sheer human kindness.
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Review from Jackie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was in Swimbridge House for almost a year and she received the most wonderful care, the staff being exceedingly kind and compassionate. Mum was really very poorly towards the end of her life and I do not think that she could have had better treatment anywhere. The home is really homely, bright,
clean and cheerful. There is a very happy atmosphere and relatives are made so welcome and given great support. If I had to rate SHNH I would call it outstanding.
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Review from S T (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care given to my mother.
All the staff seem very caring to all the residents.
The home is kept clean and tidy and the meals and refreshments are good.
Management responds positively to any questions or problems.
There is a conscious effort to engage residents in daily activities.
Staff make time to spend with the residents in addition to caring.
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Review from Brian S (Husband of Resident) published on 22 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife was admitted to Swimbridge in February 2016 with a terminal illness. Due to the care she received she lived longer than expected.
I have nothing but praise for the attention she received from the nurses and staff. I am so grateful to all of them for easing my wife's end of life care with dignity.
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Review from Teresa S (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our first impression of Swimbridge House was a "very friendly happy environment". Throughout our subsequent visits, this has proven to be the case. It feels like a large family atmosphere, where the staff make you feel welcome and support you as well as the resident. The care given to our mum has been
excellent and the rooms are clean, bright and welcoming. From management to carers, there is a warmth and kindness and every concern /need is treated in a helpful and respectful manner. There is clearly a good team atmosphere from staff who are dedicated to their work.
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Review from Kate G (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been at Swimbridge Nursing home for over 3 years now.
I am extremely happy with the care he has received in that time. The home is very warm, welcoming and the staff very friendly and attentive. Families are always welcomed and we can join our father for a meal at any time. The manager
is very caring and an extremely skilled leader, bringing out the best in her staff. The activities coordinator is very dedicated and creative, ensuring each resident has activities that they are able to engage in.
Food is of a high standard which my father enjoys. The home is always very clean and homely, with plants and flowers, chickens, budgies, and a cat! I am continually grateful for the dedication and quality of care shown by all the staff and I cannot wish for my father to be in any other place. I would highly recommend Swimbridge House to anyone looking for nursing care for a loved one. Thank you!
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Review from Richard B (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We found the setting and grounds very good. Security was acceptable and the rooms were clean and tidy, with good facilities. The staff were patient, well-mannered and conscientious. Family members were welcomed and kept well informed.
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Review from Chris P (Friend of Resident) published on 17 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since the change of manager, the house has gone from strength to strength. With the cooperation of the owner, the home has raised the standard of care and activities from very good to outstanding. Overall, the standard is excellent throughout with most credit to first class management and staff.
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Review from Angela D (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and helpful team - I cannot fault the care that my Dad has been receiving. The staff all take a genuine interest in his care and well being. Their help and assistance are really appreciated in managing his various health related appointments so professionally.
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Review from Rozanne S (Wife of Resident) published on 7 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband entered into Swimbridge House in August. The staff and manager have done their utmost to make him feel as much at home as possible. They have welcomed the family into their fold; we are always offered refreshments. We are invited to have a meal at the home. Those I have had are most nutritious
and tasty, I enjoy the treat of not having to cook and able to spend quality time with my husband.


The accommodation is first class, my husband's room is extremely pleasant and he is happy with it. We are comfortable when we visit, with plenty of seating, nice views from his room and nice furniture with a few of his own pieces. Bedding is crisp and clean and the room is spotless.


The Manager is most welcoming and goes out of her way to assist, she is a natural caring leader and staff clearly want to please her by pleasing and looking after residents. Nothing is too much trouble here at any time 24/7.


Thank you to everyone and for making the transition so smooth.

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Review from Theresa W (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was welcomed with open arms when she moved to Swimbridge, as indeed were the rest of the family. Mum settled well into her new surroundings, with help and encouragement from each and every member of staff. She was treated as an individual and he own interests were keenly pursued and encouraged,
particularly in terms of the activities offered to her, which she loved. As mum's health deteriorated she was treated with dignity and respect, and cared for with sensitive expertise, until her death. At this time, the family were looked after and supported. Our relationship with Swimbridge House will continue.
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Review from Nicola T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm delighted my nan saw out the end of her days in such a loving, caring and beautiful environment. The staff are extremely kind and caring, always on hand to help with nothing being to much trouble, much like an extended family. Nan was incredibly well looked after in a dignified and caring manner.
Had a lovely room (and other shared facilities to socialise) set in beautiful surroundings. Above all, she was treated as the truly wonderful and unique individual that she was. I would recommend Swimbridge House to others in a heartbeat!
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Review from Tracey P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found everyone very helpful and caring. It was a difficult month with mother deteriorating. The support was great couldn't fault anyone, much improvement on when mother was first admitted.
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Review from Margaret H (Wife of Resident) published on 2 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Swimbridge House Nursing Home provided everything my husband needed during his 8 month stay there. The care that all the staff gave him was second to none; his room was lovely and the food excellent.
The entertainment lady did all she could to simulate the residents with activities, ranging from gardening,
to card making and even dancing. I would have no hesitation in recommending Swimbridge house as it's one of, if not the best in North Devon.
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Review from Lorraine P (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad's care at Swimbridge House was second to none. He was always treated with warmth empathy and commitment. Nothing was ever too much trouble and he built up a wonderful relationship with his carers. Their friendliness and professionalism extended from the residents to family and we were always greeted
warmly when visiting and kept informed of all aspects of care and treatment.
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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.