Fitzwarren House

Kingsdown Road, Swindon SN3 4TD
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9.9 126 Reviews
  • Fitzwarren House, Swindon
Fitzwarren House provides high-quality residential dementia care, nursing care, and short stay respite care. Accommodating up to 64 residents, the Swindon home is known for its strong community and supportive, compassionate environment, and was rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC in December 2018.

They have a dedicated team, many of whom have been working at the home for over a decade. They focus on supporting residents to live life their way, with dignity and respect.

Opened in 2005 by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, the home also hosts a collection of signed Quentin Blake prints that were donated by the famous cartoonist.

Fitzwarren House is part of a wider community, alongside Fitzwarren Court and Stanton Lodge retirement living, and MHA Communities Swindon - offering residents a real sense of connection and belonging.
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Care Provided by Fitzwarren House

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 64 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1569 – £1639
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1721 – £2013

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Fitzwarren House 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Sue Smith (Care Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2005
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (64)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (64)

Visiting

  • The home is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to visitors.

Parking

  • Free parking for visitors.

Fitzwarren House Reviews (126)

9.9

Fitzwarren House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.869) out of 10, based on 35 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fitzwarren House has 126 reviews.

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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I live in Canada so visit usually two times a year for two or three weeks. I am always impressed by the care, kindness and consideration given to all residents.
A lovely, friendly atmosphere.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for taking the time to tell us what you feel about the care at Fitzwarren House. It is great to hear that you find our home to have such a lovely atmosphere and that our team is so caring.

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Review from Hazel D (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother recently passed away after being in Fitzwarren House for 6 years. She had a room on the ground floor initially then moved to the first floor for clinical care in 2015. Throughout her time in the home, we have been extremely happy with her care and with the dedicated and very caring staff who
have looked after her.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care and support your Mother received at Fitzwarren House. It is lovely to hear that we were able to continue to meet her needs even when her health failed and she had to move to the nursing floor.

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Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so impressed with one member of staff at Fitzwarren House, when she is on duty the unit runs smoothly and the residents are so well cared for and there is a happy, relaxed atmosphere. The staff also are happy and can do their best. She will not rest- e.g. take a lunch break until everything is
sorted and the resident all settled. When my mum was really ill the day she returned from the hospital I could not fault them they were so supportive and helpful.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

It is great to hear how highly you rate Fitzwarren Care Home and how well you feel your Mum is supported and cared for. Thank you for taking the time to tell us, it is very much appreciated.

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Review from Mark P (Son of Resident) published on 22 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the first moment I visited Fitzwarren House, I was very impressed that it was more of a home for the residents than a care home. The manager and staff are very caring and attentive. My mother became a resident a few months ago and I am so pleased to see her taking part in the activities and interacting
with other residents. The overall ethos is that it is the residents home with the staff helping and caring whenever and wherever they can.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care and support your Mother receives at Fitzwarren House. It is lovely to hear that your Mother is enjoying the activities and you find it is very much the residents' home, with staff helping and caring where they can. This is what we aim for and it is lovely to hear the team are achieving it.

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Review from K S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Other care homes often feel like places you go to die. This doesn't. There are activities every morning and evening and Grandma who can be quite introvert loves to go to them. The staff know how she likes her tea and juice and makes sure things are done for her the way she likes. The staff are cheerful,
friendly and genuinely care for their residents. Rooms are clean, staff chat with residents during their tea breaks. It's a happy place which means so much when dealing with dementia, which can be so difficult.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for reviewing the care and support your Grandmother receives at Fitzwarren House. It is lovely to hear that your Grandma, who can be quite introverted, loves to join in our activities. The team will be pleased to hear that they are making a real difference to her life.

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Review from JR (Sister of Resident) published on 29 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the home warm and friendly with everyday activities for the residents which are well organised and enjoyable. My sister also enjoys her hairdresser appointment every week. I like the communal kitchen where visitors can make a drink for themselves and the residents they are visiting. Staff are
very obliging indeed.
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Review from M W (Niece of Resident) published on 28 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are so helpful and friendly. The home is always spotless and has no horrible smells. The manager is excellent along with all staff whenever you walk in and I always get a warm welcome. I would recommend this home to anybody.
Reply from Darren Mann-Saunders, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you so much for your feedback, I will ensure that your comments are passed onto the whole team.

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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone at Fitzwarren House has made every effort to make my mother feel at home. Nothing is too much trouble. The atmosphere is great with music often playing, carefully thought out activities and very caring staff.
Visitors are always made welcome. As a family, we feel that Fitzwarren is a happy
home with a great understanding of the very different needs of our lovely mum and the other residents with dementia.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for your wonderful review of the care and support your Mum receives at Fitzwarren House. What better accolade than to be called a happy home. The team work hard to create that home feeling and will be delighted with your comments.

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Review from Wendy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The building is welcoming, well designed and fit for purpose. Cleanliness is exceptional. Carpets and soft furnishings are attractive and regularly refreshed or renewed. The communal areas are spacious and comfortable. Individual bedrooms are well furnished with an en-suite wet room. The nursing staff
are friendly and sincerely care for the residents with compassion and expertise. Carers are upbeat, kind and work hard to keep residents comfortable and clean. Activities are organised daily for those who can take part. As a relative of a resident, the support I have received from nurses and carers have been fantastic.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the care and support your relative receives at Fitzwarren House. It is great to hear that you recognise the efforts of all of our team members in creating a clean, welcoming and caring home which residents and relatives can enjoy.

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Review from Margaret T (Friend of Resident) published on 3 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit once a week to see a friend who is a stroke patient and has been in the home for five years. I have always found the home to be clean and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care and support that your friend receives at Fitzwarren House, your positive comments are greatly appreciated.

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Review from Janie B (Mother of Resident) published on 4 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has been at Fitzwarren House for one year. I have nothing but praise for the care , kindness and good humour of the staff . Nothing is too much trouble and I have complete peace of mind . Her room is lovely, she is always immaculately dressed, clean and well groomed. The laundry service is
excellent. The food is tasty and appetising and there are always snacks to be had. Mum does have 'off days" however, the staff know how to deal with it and never hesitate to call the doctor if needs be. This has to be the best care home in Swindon and I am so glad that my Mum is safe and well cared for. Well done and many thanks to all staff .
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for your wonderful review of the care and support your Mum receives at Fitzwarren House. It is great to hear that you now have complete peace of mind and that our team deliver such an exemplary service, they will be delighted to hear your comments.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father spent the final six months of her life in Fitzwarren house and I could not have wished for a better place for him. The standard of care he received was second to none and nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. He was unable to get out of bed so spent all his time in his room. However,
there was always someone around to say hello or have a quick chat with him. I'm sure many people have pre-conceived ideas of what a nursing home is like but Fitzwarren House will blow these ideas out of the water. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this home to anyone.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for your glowing review of the care and support your Father-in-law received at Fitzwarren House. The team will be delighted to know they “got it so right”, beyond excellent is quite an accolade to be awarded.

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Review from Sarah S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 2 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I spent quite a few days visiting my grandma with my family (including our dog!) and found everyone who worked and helped grandma wonderful. They took time to get to know her in the few months that she was there, and seemed to have a keen affection for her which was of great support. The care I received
during grandmas last week is something I won't forget. Thank you all for being so lovely, friendly and kind.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for taking time to tell us about the care and support that your Grandma received. I am so pleased that you found the staff caring and supportive and that you also felt well cared for in your Grandma's last week at the Home. I will be sure to pass your lovely comments onto the team.

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Review from Geoffrey M (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 1 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This home is run in an extremely professional and caring manner. all staff are well trained and motivated to provide care and treat each resident with dignity. I would also like to make a special reference to the nursing staff who are exceptional.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for taking time to review the care and support your loved one receives at Fitzwarren House. It's lovely to hear that our team are well trained and can be relied upon to provide care with dignity.

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Review from Gillian M (Sister of Resident) published on 1 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fitzwarren house is a delightful place to visit. Plenty of parking available and garden is well cared for a lovely place to sit. The staff i.e. nurses, carers and cleaners are all so lovely, caring and informative. Special mention to all the nurses who are SO loving, caring and considerate towards
the residents. My heartfelt thanks to them all.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for sharing your views on the care and support provided at Fitzwarren House. It is great to hear that you find our team so lovely and caring and that you enjoy the garden so much.

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Review from Anne H (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was treated with dignity, care and concern. She was dependant on her carers entirely and never wanted for anything.
Outside agencies were consulted appropriately and nothing was too much trouble. Rooms were comfortable and there was a high standard of cleanliness throughout the home. Kitchen
staff made every effort to provide food appropriate for her needs to the point where the catering manager sought me out to discuss mums needs.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care at Fitzwarren House. It is lovely to hear that your Mother wanted for nothing and that the team were able to provide such a great support for her.

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Review from Michael G (Son of Resident) published on 11 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both nursing and care staff, consistently did everything they could to make sure mum's needs were met. Unlike in her previous stay in hospital, she was treated like an individual old person with her own personality, interests and skills. The activities organiser went out of her way to ensure that mum
used her decorative and craft skills, played the piano and was generally engaged. The Methodist Chaplain was always cheerful and energetic and mum enjoyed the services and her spiritual needs were also met. Thank you to all.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

How wonderful to hear that your Mum was truly treated as an individual with her own personality and skills. It is great to know that she enjoyed the activities and felt that her spiritual needs were met by the chaplain. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about this, the team will be delighted to know they “got it right”

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Review from Christine F (Wife of Resident) published on 4 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was so lucky to have been offered a room for my husband at Fitzwarren House and he moved there in November 2015 from another care home. Since he has been there, he has really improved, which is due to the care and interaction from the staff who are so loving and caring to all the resident. The are
very supportive to relatives as well. The home is spotless, food is good but the staff are absolutely brilliant, cannot be faulted in anyway. Love, love this place. Thank you so much for caring for my husband xx
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about how much your Husband's wellbeing has improved since he moved to Fitzwarren House. It is great to hear that you find the team loving, caring and supportive, this echos what CQC found on their visit and I will be sure to pass on your wonderful comments to the staff team.

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Review from Clive W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 15 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife and I were lucky enough to be offered a place for my father-in-law, who badly needed 24 hour care. Fitzwarren House personified and excelled in delivering what we had hoped for, in terms of caring for my father-in-law in what was to become, a brief stay.
The compassion and care shown by all,
is a credit to what Fitzwarren House stands for. The importance of an individuals dignity being retained through illness is effortlessly delivered. Everything about Fitzwarren House is quite brilliant. Staff magnificent day and night.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care and support your Father-in-law and the family received at Fitzwarren House. It is heartening to hear that the team delivered dignity and compassion during end of life care so effortlessly. It is important that we deliver all care in a person centred caring and compassionate way, but it is even more important that we make someone’s end of life experience as peaceful and dignified as it can be. I will pass on your lovely comments to the team who will be delighted to hear they were able to make a difficult time easier for you.

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Review from Jane H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the help and support myself and family received. My father in law was well looked after and the care shown was well appreciated.
Reply from Susan Smith, Home Manager at Fitzwarren House

Thank you for telling us about the care and support your Father received at Fitzwarren House. It is wonderful to hear that the team were able to meet his needs so well, I will be sure to share your comments with them.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.869)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.869) out of 10 for Fitzwarren House 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 35 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 35 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 4.869 for Fitzwarren House is calculated as follows: ( (367 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 412 Ratings = 4.869
  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 Fitzwarren House is based on 35 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 64 registered maximum number of service users is 12.8, which has been reached with 35 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: 7 Dec 2018

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • 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 (12)

Meet the Team (1)

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Sue Smith

Job Title: Home Manager

Sue is Fitzwarren House's compassionate and dedicated Home Manager.

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