Ridgeway Rise Care Home

40 Richardson Road, Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 4DS
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10 79 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

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

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: £1600 – £1600
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1600 – £1600
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1700 – £1700
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1700 – £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1600
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £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 (79)

10

Ridgeway Rise Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.971) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Ridgeway Rise Care Home has 79 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Ridgeway Rise Care Home
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Total of 80, showing 41-60
Review from Susan W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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 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 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 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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Review from Valerie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum moved here last May, passing away this month age hundred and three. The whole team were welcoming, friendly and supportive of mum and us throughout her stay. The transition from her own home was straightforward. The home is clean and airy and always a pleasure to walk into. Although my mother had
dementia I could see she found the staff caring and felt at ease with them.
During her stay, Mum was enabled and encouraged to engage with activities while she could, including getting outside to the garden in a wheelchair. I loved seeing photos of her enjoying life on their social media page! They had meetings to ensure we were happy with the care, going into great detail and I could tell they knew her well. I received phone calls if they had any concerns.
They ensured she was comfortable as she grew weaker, always making time to talk to us when we visited. As her end drew near I was thankful for their care and that I had chosen such a lovely place for her to end her days. Thank you!
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Hi Valerie, thank you very much for such lovely feedback. We had the great pleasure of having your mum in Ridgeway Rise.

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Review from Mark A (Son of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So impressed with the love and care the manager and her team provide. My parents have resided in the home from January 2021 and have been looked after so well.
Sadly my father passed away last week, the staff provided such wonderful and caring end-of-life care, ensuring my father was comfortable, in
no pain and looked after with respect and dignity in his final days. The family were also looked after so well with accommodation, food and drink provided ensuring we could all be with him during his final days.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear Mark, we are really sorry for the loss of your father. We are happy that we were able to give the family support during all this time. Thank you very much for your wonderful thoughts.
Bella

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Review from M V (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ridgeway Rise, a purpose-built care home where resident's rooms are light and airy, each with a spacious ensuite shower/toliet. The corridors are wide and bright. The overall floorplan of the living and dining areas, the nurse's station, the quiet nook and the rooms is very manageable; no corridors
to get lost down or deadends to be confused by. All very important points when looking for a care home for a mother with dementia. The care itself has been just that - caring. Be it from the carers, the nurses, the hairdressers, the cleaners, the chef and kitchen staff, the outcome for someone who was so against care homes has been care, attention, patience, fun, respect and above all, dignity. The activities volunteers are golden, so, so creative, compassionate and inclusive. Whilst nowhere is perfect, I am always grateful to have found a place that simply feels good. Just last week on an unexpected visit, I saw someone had taken the time to paint the nails of a resident, her hair was nicely combed. She had been dressed, not left in her nightdress, soft music was playing - this old, old bedbound resident with severe dementia was being truly cared for - she was my mother. Thank you.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear M V, Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to care for your mother for all those years she spent at Ridgeway Rise.

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Review from D N (Son of Resident) published on 2 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has settled very quickly and is very happy at Ridgway Rise. The standard of care is very high with lots of varied activities thankfully put on social media so that I can see mum enjoying herself. The food and accommodation are excellent. The communications are very good and I feel my mum is in
the best possible hands.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your feedback. Ridgeway Rise Team really appreciates your review. Your mum is a wonderful person. We feel proud of being part of her life. Regards, Bella Balaci

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Review from A R (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am writing particularly to commend the team at Ridgeway Rise for their tremendous kindness, sensitivity and care shown to my parents in residential care. Sadly my very frail father passed away recently and I have been overwhelmed by the support shown to my mother by a very dedicated team of medical
and care staff who have shown such compassion and understanding through the very difficult and emotional time of bereavement. We have also worked together to provide a new focus through the summer in the patio garden and the staff have been extremely helpful in facilitating this.
The staff listen to the resident's requests and do their best to accommodate wherever possible.
Despite extreme difficulties arising from Covid, during my parent's first year as residents, the team at Ridgeway Rise have worked hard to keep up high standards of care. The family are very reassured that my mother's emotional and physical needs are well met.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your review. I'm happy to see that Ridgeway Rise team support is appreciated. I was happy to see your mother praising the activities in the last residents' meeting and embracing the new menus. Hope she will continue to have a great experience in Ridgeway Rise. Regards

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Review from C L (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are kind, friendly and attentive. They go out of their way to meet residents' needs. The home is spotless and well maintained. A comfort to know mum is being well cared for.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. Highly appreciated. We are grateful for choosing our home for your mum.

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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 14 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care for my mother has demonstrated the highest of standards. A positive and reactive approach with proactive commitment has ensured speedy recovery from a serious illness. Professionalism enhanced with compassion has been evidenced by nursing and care staff particular. I have been proactively kept
appraised of all developments and proposals. My mother's recovery is a testimony to teamwork.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your review. Your feedback is much appreciated.

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Review from Graham P (Son of Resident) published on 30 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Always find the staff friendly and attentive to my parent's needs. The home is always clean and tidy and the facilities are very good.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you Graham for your kind review. We are happy that you choose Ridgeway Rise for your parents. It is great pleasure having them with us. Regards.

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Review from Adrian H (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dear mother became a resident in May 2020 due to dementia and from day one every member of staff has been exemplary, not just in how they truly care for my mother, but also how they help my brother and I. All aspects of my mother's health are monitored and discussed regularly with the local GP practice
and ourselves. The food is wonderful, the laundry service is excellent and all facilities are impeccably clean. The Covid restrictions have been frustrating, but necessary to protect the residents and staff, and despite all the extra pressures this brought, the staff have gone above and beyond to continue to provide top-level care, stimulation and kindness. The management have fostered strong connections with local schools and organisations, and they arrange very entertaining parties in their lovely garden. I can see from my mother's interaction with the staff that she feels at ease and at home there. I am so grateful that my mother is at Ridgeway Rise. Thank you!
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear Adrian, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. Your comments are uplifting and we cannot be more proud of you for choosing Ridgeway Rise for your mother. It is a true honour to have her with us. Regards, Bella

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Review from J F (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was wonderful today to arrive to find my mother so well cared for. The carer was interacting with my mother with dignity and compassion. She and her colleagues were polite and caring toward me and explained all the care that they had undertaken today. It was so reassuring and made my visit today
extra special. The staff, all of them, seem to go 'the extra mile'. Thank you!
Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are happy to hear that you are pleased with your mum's care.
It is a pleasure for our team to meet and greet you every time you visit.

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Review from David C (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic home. The staff looking after my dad were caring and informative with any questions we asked.
The manager and the staff could not help us enough.
Thank you.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear David, thank you very much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to offer support to your dad and your family.

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Review from A H (Resident) published on 7 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Difficult to settle but when settled everything was okay. Very friendly staff and quickly made friends with the staff and carers.
Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

I'm happy that you had the appropriate support to settle. I'm happy that you have chosen Ridgeway Rise.

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Review from M L (Resident) published on 7 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This place is so cute lovely ladies who always want to help us. We are very privileged. Thank god.
Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for choosing Ridgeway Rise. It is a privilege to have you here.

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Review from W B (Resident) published on 8 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good care home. Everybody is helpful and friendly. It has very good food. It is run very well, long may it last.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your honest review. It is a privilege to have you in Ridgeway Rise. Bella

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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I always find the staff very friendly and helpful, no matter what their role is within the home - from maintenance to management. Mum recently had a fall in the home and they phoned me to let me know, I also received a call the next day to let me know how she was and what injuries she had (luckily it
was only a bruise and grazed knee). They have activities for the residents from golf to making things and even summer events to which they have entertainment that relatives can enjoy and attend with their loved ones. It feels more like a hotel than a care home.
Reply from Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind review. We appreciate your support through the pandemic and we are grateful that you have chosen Ridgeway Rise for your loved one. Kind regards,
Bella

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Review from Ginette H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ridgeway Rise is excellent, they keep mum healthy and happy. She always looks well turned out and loves it when the hairdresser comes. She enjoys the activities. It is such a comfort to know she is so well taken care of.
Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you Ginette for your kind review. It is a great pleasure to have your mum with us.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 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 4.972 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (455 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 466 Ratings = 4.972
  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 Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on 38 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 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 38 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: 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: 15 Sep 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 (22)

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.

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: Deputy 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 Lead 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.

Alina

Alina Roman

Job Title: Unit Manager Joined: 2019

Alina Roman has been a registered nurse supporting the residents at Ridgeway Rise since 2019. Alina has a very good eye for details, and she is also a Mental Health First Aider. Recently, Alina completed a Dysphagia course, joining the highly qualified team of specialists at our Home.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel Olagoke

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2021

Ezekiel is the calm and dependable presence our residents and team members turn to for guidance and support. He has the most years of experience on our team, so he serves as a mentor to new staff, sharing his vast knowledge and expertise. His caring and kind nature ensures that everyone feels supported, valued, and well cared for.

Dorothy

Dorothy Sales

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2020

Dorothy is a dedicated and compassionate nurse who provides exceptional care to our residents during the night. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition as a finalist in the National Care Awards in 2025, in two categories: The Excellence in Palliative Care Nursing Award and The Exceptional Care Home Nurse Award under the Stars of Social Care.

Maria

Maria Umiten

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2022

Maria is a highly skilled and experienced nurse who plays a vital role in supporting our junior nurses. She is responsible and dependable, ensuring that our residents receive the best care possible. With years of expertise, she helps create a positive experience for those in our home. Her kind and compassionate nature makes residents feel like their individual needs are being catered to at the highest degree.

Peace

Peace Moite

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2024

Peace is a determined and ambitious nurse who began her journey at Ridgeway Rise as a care assistant. Through dedication and hard work, she has grown into one of the exceptional nurses on our team. Nurtured by her colleagues, she has continually expanded her knowledge and skills, providing compassionate and high-quality care to our residents.

Shanty

Shanty Thomas

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2022

Shanty is a highly skilled night nurse with strong clinical expertise. She plays a key role in infection control during night shifts and is also a trained first aider. Dedicated and knowledgeable, she ensures the highest standards of care and safety for our residents throughout the night.

DD

DD Busari

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant Joined: 2022

DD is a compassionate and hardworking healthcare assistant supporting the residents on the second floor. He is known for his wide smile, which he offers to everyone. He has been supporting adults in care since 2019, during which time he has built a strong bond with his colleagues, families, and residents at Ridgeway Rise.

Maryam

Maryam Ngonzi

Job Title: Activity Coordinator Joined: 2023

Maryam is the Activities Coordinator at Ridgeway Rise Care Home, where she brings energy, creativity, and warmth to every event and interaction. With a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for enriching the lives of residents, Maryam plays a key role in creating a vibrant and inclusive community within the home. She is especially known for her ability to plan and deliver large-scale events that bring joy and connection to residents, families, and staff alike. Whether it’s a themed celebration, a community day, or a wellness workshop, her attention to detail and enthusiasm shine through.

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