Ridgeway Rise Care Home

40 Richardson Road, Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 4DS
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10 76 Reviews
  • Ridgeway Rise Care Home, Swindon
Ridgeway Rise is a purpose-built care home that offers nursing, residential, dementia and respite care.

Home is where you cherish your memories and safekeep those special moments. Your home is where you pursue your hobbies and invite friends to homemade Sunday roast. Tea tastes better at home, where the walls smile at your from family photos and the roof provides safety and security.

At Ridgeway Rise they understand there is no place like home. They also know that circumstances can unexpectedly change and life can take a dramatic turn.

They are here to invite you to write the next chapter of your life with them. They want to give you peace of mind and make every day enjoyable and easier, without taking away your independence, identity, dreams and habits.

The team loves to meet new friends and feels privileged every time someone’s mum, dad, grandmother or brother chooses to share their journey with them. They cannot wait to meet your family and friends and make new memories together.

Join the squad of gardeners, bakers, knitters and artists. Surprise Ridgeway with your skills, impress them with your achievements and touch their hearts with your stories.

Moving to a care home may seem as a difficult adjustment but change means chance.

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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 73 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1500 – £1700
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1500 – £1700
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1500 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1500 – £1700

Fees do not include FNC.


Garden rooms available at £1800/week

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Ridgeway Rise Care 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

Person in charge

  • Bella Balaci (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (73)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (73)

Ridgeway Rise Care Home Reviews (76)

Total of 76, showing 21-40
10

Ridgeway Rise Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.971) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ridgeway Rise Care Home has 76 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 72
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Date Published

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Review from W S (Resident) published on 12 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is excellent as the carers and management are very helpful in many ways. They are always helpful when asked. I have settled down and find the carers and management go out of their way to make us feel at home. I have settled down fairly quickly and have been fortunate in making a good friend.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear that you've settled in quickly and that our carers and management have made you feel at home. It's wonderful to know that you've found a good friend and are enjoying your time with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team!

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Review from D F (Resident) published on 31 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The very new carers are not given very much training before looking after 'old women', the older carers they are the better. The food is considerably better since the arrival of the 'chef'. The change of government must sort out the finances in the country and make the running of the care home easier.
Cleanliness of rooms and laundry are excellent. The medical staff are excellent.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us; we truly appreciate it. We're pleased to hear that you're happy with the improvements in the food quality and with our cleanliness and medical care. Regarding training, we're committed to ensuring that all our carers are fully equipped to provide the highest standard of care. Thank you once again for your comments, which help us continuously improve.

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Review from J P (Resident) published on 31 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience has been first-class. I feel well looked after and have some really good friends. I am here with my husband.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you feel well cared for and that you've made meaningful connections here. It's wonderful to know that you and your husband feel comfortable and supported, and we're honoured to be part of your lives.

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Review from D K (Grandson of Resident) published on 31 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You can tell the staff here care about their residents which counts for everything.

Reply from Kinga Dabrowska, Marketing Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, our team members are very passionate about the care they provide.

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Review from F D (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum became a resident a year ago and everyone has been so welcoming. She is very well looked after and nothing is too much trouble. Staff are very kind and friendly and I'm always offered tea and biscuits when I visit. The food is freshly cooked and excellent and mum can either eat with other residents
in the dining room or in her room. Mum's bedroom is spacious, modern and has an ensuite. There's a lovely communal lounge overlooking a large garden and mum enjoys sitting out there. There are so many activities to keep residents entertained and staff are very good at engaging mum to join in. Mum is treated with kindness and respect and staff communication is very good. Ridgeway Rise Care Home is a wonderful care home.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're truly grateful for your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience at Ridgeway Rise Care Home. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and attentive care, and it means the world to us knowing that our efforts have made a difference for you and your family.

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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everybody has been excellent with Mum's care since she arrived two years ago. All the staff from management, nurses, carers and the activities team are so friendly. Apart from the excellent care given they also have fun. I didn't realise care homes could be this good. Although it may seem expensive
it's got to be the best!

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Hi Sue, thank you very much for your review. It was a pleasure having your mum in Ridgeway Rise. Waiting for you and continue joining our activities. Thank you for choosing us.

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Review from Jackie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely home. Mum was here for 2 years and I have no complaints at all.
All carers and staff are excellent.
Good activities.
The activities team are excellent.
All in all, a very well-managed home.
We are so glad we put Mum here.

Reply from Kinga Dabrowska, Marketing Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to support your mum and your family. We look forward to seeing you joining in our activities.

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Review from Mavis B (Resident) published on 15 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been welcome and well cared for. The food is very good and if I ask for anything different I get it. The activities team are excellent in what they do and the management is very helpful.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your review. Your feedback means a lot to us.

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Review from Agnes J (Private Carer of Resident) published on 28 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've been the resident's carer for the last five years. I was so worried before she came here. But now I'm so happy to see her always smiling and happy. Thank you all Ridgeway Rise care staff.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you taking time to complete this review. Means a lot to us to know that she settles in. Thank you for choosing Ridgeway Rise and trusting the team with somebody who is so special to you.

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Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic staff, spoke to the nurse today and my mom chatted to new receptionist who was very good with her. Overall we are extremely happy with my mom's care and communication from the care home.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for this lovely review. We are happy to see happy residents and families. Regards, Bella Balaci

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Review from W S (Resident) published on 20 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been made to feel very welcome by management and staff. the food is excellent and my room is always nice and clean. The activities are excellent with a wide range of choices I can choose from. I am especially looking forward to getting involved with the garden club this spring. I have made many
new friends and enjoyed the trip out to the outlet village. I am very impressed with our new cinema which I have already enjoyed watching some films. Thank you.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. It is a pleasure to have you in Ridgeway Rise. Hope you will continue to guide us through this journey.

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Review from Paul H (Son of Resident) published on 15 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was a resident for just over four years and passed recently. In the four years she has been there I have seen Ridgeway rise team go from strength to strength, dealing with all that the last few years have challenged us with and still managing to deal in a dignified and supportive manner with COVID
to allow family to visit relatives in a safe as possible environment within the home. I have to say that the support from the nurses and careers has been wonderful, not just with Mum herself but also with advice and help for me with dealing with Mum's dementia as it progressed until she passed. The dignity and respect shown for both Mum and also family when Mum sadly passed was warming and will stay with me. I personally would say that all the teams from management, nursing, Entertainment, Catering, Maintenance, and Reception have all been very positive in the moments I have spoken and met with over the years I have been visiting Mum.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. It was a privilege to have your mum in Ridgeway Rise - she was great fun. We are waiting for you to join us at our future events.

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Review from P H (Cousin of Resident) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My cousin has settled well into Ridgeway Rise Care Home. It offers her amazing care, lots of activities, caring staff and good food. Most importantly it gives her safety and security since she is no longer able to live alone.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for such a nice review. We are lucky to have her in Ridgeway Rise. We really appreciate choosing our home. Regards,
Bella.

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Review from F G (Son of Resident) published on 11 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for three months and has been comfortable here. Her room is now homely and personal. The staff are attentive and friendly. Her coeliac dietary requirements are met well.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your review. Your mum is great fun, and we are happy the she chose Ridgeway Rise. Regards,

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Review from G O (Son of Resident) published on 26 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum came into Ridgeway Rise Care Home after spending a long time in hospital. The care my mum has received his outstanding. She has put weight on and looks the best she ever has in three years. The staff are kind, caring and treat my mum amazingly. The managers of the care home are everything you
would wish for - professional, understanding, empathetic and will go to every length to help. The care home is Immaculate and I would recommend it to anyone looking to put their relative in care. I know my mum will enjoy the rest of her life in comfort and safety.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your review. We really appreciate you leaving such a complimentary review. We are happy to hear that you and your mum had a positive experience with us. Your sincerely, Bella Balaci

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Review from Amanda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved to Ridgeway Rise Care Home six months ago and I wish we had moved her sooner. She is now so happy, lots of smiles that she didn't have before. This is due to the warm, friendly, caring environment she lives in. The staff are aware of her needs, the activities team are totally awesome! But
just as important is the time and care that is taken with us, the relatives. We are made to feel part of the family and I now enjoy my visits to see my mum.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for this lovely review. Very much appreciated. We are happy to have your mum in Ridgeway Rise. Regards.

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Review from Susan W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved in, in July and we have been very impressed. The staff are wonderful and friendly. The place is spotless, all care needs are catered for and communication is great. We were so lucky to find here for our mum.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for the review. Your mum uplifts our spirit. It is a pleasure having her in Ridgeway Rise. Regards.

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Review from Tina B (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel this care home is very good, although quite expensive, roughly £7,000 per month. My mother was on floor two and I would like to mention the unit manager, who was a very caring person and looked after my mother and nothing was too much trouble. Her carers were excellent on this floor as well.
The food is good and there are activities if you want to join in. The two nurses on nights, when my mother passed away, were very good as well.

Reply from Jo Needs, Regional Director at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Many thanks for your lovely feedback regarding our service. The team at the home will always go above and beyond and we are thrilled to see that this has been your experience.

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Review from Paul R (Son of Resident) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Ridgeway Rise in late April, initially for respite care, but it soon became clear that her condition was more serious and she sadly passed away on the 8th June aged 89 years.
The whole team at Ridgeway were so caring and loving towards Mum. Even though she was there for a small period
of time, the team treated Mum like she had been there for years from day one and she loved them all. As Mum grew weaker, the team made her as comfortable as possible and were very supportive of me and my family, always keeping us fed and watered. They also helped a lot with all details of Mum’s stay.
I’m very thankful for their lovely care and that Mum was in such a beautiful clean, comfortable and light place to end her days. Thank you all so much!

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your nice comments. It was an honour to have your mum with us.

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Review from Jane I (Sister of Resident) published on 6 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has been cared for at Ridgeway Rise Care Home for four years. She has been very well cared for with respect and empathy. Myself and family have only praise for this home. My sister lived here and was content for her entire time here. Thank you all.

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your feedback.
Very much appreciated.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.971)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.971) out of 10 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 37 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.971 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (430 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 442 Ratings = 4.971

  • b) 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 Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on 37 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 37 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 15 Jan 2020

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

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 21 Jul 2025

Offering residential, nursing and dementia care we welcome enquiries to our beautiful, purpose built luxury care home.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (15)

Bella

Bella Balaci

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2019

Bella has been a Registered Nurse for over 18 years and has an extensive range of qualifications and management experience in the Care Home Sector.


Nursing inspired and developed her innate desire to help and care for people, and as a Care Home Manager Bella is the key communication point for Residents, Families, Staff, fellow professionals and the various agencies involved in care provision.


Contact Bella today and arrange your tour today!


Experience life at Ridgeway Rise for yourself by popping in for a tour: we can arrange a little Afternoon Tea too! Meet our team, take a look around our home, see the surrounding gardens and chat with the residents.


We look forward to welcoming you.

Valentin

Valentin Joita

Job Title: Deputy Manager/Falls Prevention Specialist

Joined: 2019

Valentin Joita is our devoted Deputy Manager with experience as a Registered Nurse as well as one of our trainers. With a considerable range of qualifications, he is always keen to help and take care of our lovely residents, relatives and team members. Valentin said, “No day is the same at Ridgeway Rise and that anticipation and excitement makes me want to come to work”.

Charlie

Charlie Blackford

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2021

Charlie has been working at Ridgeway Rise for over two years and started off as an Activities Coordinator. She is known for being bubbly, chatty, and a people person. Charlie can often be seen speaking to residents and their families, offering them a hot cup of tea and a smile – she is always happy to help.

Kinga

Kinga Dabrowska

Job Title: Business Administrator/Dementia Specialist

Joined: 2019

Kinga Dabrowska is our Business Administrator. She has a degree in social care and pedagogy and devoted her life to working with the older generation and people living with dementia. Kinga uses her experience to make sure Ridgeway Rise is a care home of choice for new residents and their families. With the support of her passionate colleagues, she organises events and open days to show off the great atmosphere of the Home. Kinga is very active in the community as a member of the Dementia Action Alliance, she also delivers training sessions to local businesses, organises regular community lunches, and events with Swindon Carers Centre and participates in career days at local schools.

Tevor

Tevor Kenyon

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

Joined: 2023

Trevor is local to Ridgeway Rise Care Home and has worked in maintenance roles for 28 years, most of this time at Honda as a Maintenance Engineer and more recently as Facilities Manager for Arena Group. He has a keen interest in working at Ridgeway Rise Care Home, not only carrying out the day-to-day maintenance of the building but also meeting and getting to know our residents and contributing to their wellbeing.

Lory

Lory Branisteanu

Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Joined: 2023

Lory is our Head Chef here at Ridgeway Rise Care Home and he has a huge passion for cooking. With his 28 years of experience as a chef including senior positions, Lory enjoys menu planning and challenging himself to meet high satisfaction standards. He used to work in kitchens of large banqueting hotels, restaurants, and care homes worldwide. Lory speaks 8 different languages. Everywhere he goes, Lory invests in developing coaching and mentoring programs for his team.


Lory was a Regional winner of the Great British Care Awards 2023.

Cristian

Cristian Panaitiu

Job Title: Unit Manager/Tissue Viability Specialist

Cristian Panaitiu oversees the second floor. He is a dedicated Registered Nurse and Unit Manager. Cristian contributes to the life of Ridgeway Rise as a conscientious coordinator, active daily care assessor, tenacious trainer and fun-loving colleague.


Cristian has many accolades including Regional Winner Assessor of the Year Great British Awards 2023 and National Finalist Nurse of the Year Dementia Care Awards 2024.

Andreea

Andreea Birligea

Job Title: Unit Manager/Palliative and End of Life specialist

Joined: 2019

Andreea Birligea is the face of Ridgeway Rise due to her appearance in many of our marketing materials, including the back of Swindon busses; but her day job is being a Unit Manager. Having plenty of experience as a Registered Nurse and multiple qualifications, she dedicates her time to caring for our residents in Brunel and Blunsdon communities. She is always happy and attentive.

Alina

Alina Roman

Job Title: Registered Nurse / Dysphagia Specialist

Joined: 2019

Alina has been a registered nurse since 2014, she joined Ridgeway Rise right at the beginning, of 2019. Alina is a great asset to the team. She recently qualified as a mental health first aider. She is a dysphagia champion and supports the continuity lead. Alina loves working with her team and is always happy to pick up additional shifts, which earned her an award for Ridgeway Rise’s Values Champion as Respectful. Alina is our Mental Health First Aider and Dysphagia Specialist.

Bal

Bal Kumari Roka

Job Title: Senior Healthcare Assistant

Joined: 2019

Bal has been working as a Senior Carer at Ridgeway Rise Care Home for the past five and a half years, finding great fulfilment in supporting our residents. Alongside this role, she manages her own nightclub business, which brings its own excitement and joy. Bal also took a Nurse Associates course for a year and took a break, with hopes of becoming a nurse in the future. Balancing these passions keeps her motivated and happy.

Lilly

Lilly Ionescu

Job Title: Chef in Training

Joined: 2023

Lilly joined the team as a kitchen assistant initially but her passion for cooking and baking was so transparent she decided to take on the offer of training as a Chef. Lilly has vast experience working in the kitchen and catering for a bigger number of guests. Lilly loves learning about different cultures and experimenting with dishes. She is a fast-adapting person willing to always do more to meet the resident’s expectations.

Alla

Alla Ricks

Job Title: Activity Coordinator

Joined: 2022

Alla is our Activity Coordinator on the 2nd floor and has a Master's degree in music, finishing university as a qualified conductor. Alla is our art expert and is never short of ideas to plan unique craft sessions. Alla is also a piano teacher and has extensive experience in organising events. Alla has a great passion for entertaining residents and making their lives enriched and enjoyable with lots of soulful activities.

Colin

Colin Weaver

Job Title: Activity Coordinator

Joined: 2022

Colin retired from Sainsbury’s, ending his 30-year career in the bakery, eventually as a bakery manager. At the age of 52, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. His recovery from a very hard battle, disqualifying him from many aspects of life, made him realise he was not ready to retire yet. He always loved working with people and his new role, as an activity coordinator, is his way of giving back, supporting others and enjoying life. He loves history and offers the residents lots of talks on notorious characters, not by reading facts from the book but by dressing as that person. Colin is the regional winner of the Great British Care Awards 2023.

Joao

Joao Fernandes

Job Title: Housekeeping Manager

Joao is a dedicated Housekeeping Manager bringing his experience in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation and safety at Ridgeway Rise. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Joao always has time for a little chat with the residents and never says ‘no’ to an invitation to our afternoon activities.

Dagna

Dagna Dabrowska

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2023

Dagna is a student at one of our local colleges and our weekend receptionist. She has great interpersonal skills and a very bubbly personality, which works great in bridging the generation gap between her and the residents. Despite the age difference, they have a great connection through art. Together with residents, she created a Dementia Project which was presented at the Swindon Art Site. Her work with the residents led her to win a regional award for Dementia Care Home worker 2024 and to the final of Dementia Care Awards in the Multigenerational Activities category.

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