Swarthmore Residential Care Home

31 Marsham Lane, Gerrards Cross SL9 8HB
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9.7 54 Reviews
Swarthmore is set in beautiful landscaped gardens in the desirable village of Gerrards Cross, where there are many opportunities for residents to enjoy a variety of cultural and leisure pursuits.

The care home provides palliative, respite and convalescent care to older people or to those living with a physical disability or sensory impairment.

Swarthmore offers residents a comfortable and spacious home with large gardens and communal areas as well as single occupancy bedrooms, some of which have en-suite facilities.

The home also provides a high-quality and varied activities programme to encourage each resident to maintain their hobbies and interests.
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Care Provided by Swarthmore Residential Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neuropathic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Swarthmore Housing Society Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Claire Allsopp (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Following Assessment
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (36)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (22)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Swarthmore Residential Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,246 – £1,666
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,246 – £1,666
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,246 – £1,666
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,246 – £1,666
  • Please note additional fees may be incurred dependent on the level of care required; to evaluate the level of care required an assessment will be carried out prior to moving into Swarthmore.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Swarthmore Residential Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • They welcome visitors anytime. They do ask you to try and respect the lunch time serving between 1245 and 1400 hours.


Swarthmore Residential Care Home Reviews (54)

Total of 54, showing 21-40
9.7

Swarthmore Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.692) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Swarthmore Residential Care Home has 54 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident for seven years.
Swarthmore gave Mum security, love and comradeship in her golden years. I believe that being there extended both her life and its quality.
She discovered new hobbies and interests with her newfound friends and enjoyed every day of her residency.
The staff
were like Mum's extended family, and I can't thank them enough for their dedication, empathy and professionalism.
Swarthmore exceeded all of my expectations.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend had been at Swarthmore for 5-years - she enjoyed her time there socialising with her fellow residents and joining in the various activities. She particularly appreciated the visit
from the dog every week as she had had dogs herself before taking up residence.
She always enjoyed her visits
from the staff, and their care was exemplary, particularly
in the last few months when she became increasingly poorly.
I would happily recommend Swarthmore to other families.

Reply from Sally Warminger, Sales Manager at Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was a resident of Swarthmore for almost a year. The staff were very friendly and welcoming to her, and she formed close relationships with several members of staff in varying roles in the house. We feel they were genuinely very fond of her. Her room was warm and very sunny, there did appear to be
a good range of entertainment for the residents, but, when Mum moved there at 98, she really could not be bothered to take part very much. Others looked to be enjoying themselves.
Mum also appeared to enjoy the food, and the housekeeping staff were very efficient with all the washing and ironing of her clothes.
When Mum returned from a spell in hospital, the management and staff were very kind about letting us visit at any time as she was obviously coming to the end of her life. Covid rules in care homes were still quite strict at this time.
We would be happy to recommend Swarthmore and have done so to other families.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was in Swarthmore for a number of years before passing away in February this year. This was the best care home that Mum was in. Many promised lots but didn’t deliver. Swarthmore, at all times, treated Mum as an individual. She was treated with respect and dignity. We knew she was safe and well cared
for. The staff worked hard and with thought to meet her many needs, including her food needs.
Relationships matter and Swarthmore staff understand that. The wide range of activities they run is central to this. They made sure she made friends with other residents, and in fact, she became close to many staff too.
As a family, we believe that the approach was embedded in everything they did. They believe that both body and mind need to be cared for, and they were.
Mum had her last few days at Swarthmore. The staff and the care she received from them were exemplary. Faultless. Their care for us as her family at this difficult time was outstanding.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our dear friend was without family. She enjoyed a peaceful final 7-years at Swarthmore, passing away quietly at the home at 100-years-old. Without Swarhmore's excellent, thoughtful care, we believe Betty would have passed away some years sooner.
When she moved into Swarthmore, she was extremely frail.
The family-like care revived her. Her final years were comfortable and happy. She, and we, became very fond of her carers. They, in turn, were kind, patient and became extremely fond of her. In short, Swarthmore staff became her family. Managers kept us informed and involved.
She was our close neighbour for many years. We, and her other close friends, are very, very grateful to her carers, the managers and the trustees for their hard work and dedication, at times critically so.
We have kept this review short; but believe us, we are completely sincere and feel very deeply about recommending Swarthmore to any concerned family.

Reply from Sally Warminger, Sales Manager at Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words; this means so much to everyone at Swarthmore. She is dearly missed to all that knew her well; she was sincerely part of our family at Swarthmore. We were very lucky to have had the privilege to have known her and yourselves.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I stayed at Swarthmore for one week following surgery which was very beneficial to my recovery. The staff and atmosphere were very relaxing and caring. They also catered for my specific diet at mealtimes and nothing is too much trouble. All in all, the experience was extremely pleasant.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Swarthmore did the most amazing job caring for my elderly aunt over several years. All the staff did so with compassion, professionalism and dedication, often going above and beyond what one could reasonably expect. This became especially apparent in her final weeks prior to passing away in late March.


The

atmosphere at Swarthmore is that of a "home" where residents have the opportunity to socialise and join in many activities as suits their mood and state of health.


I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending you seriously consider Swarthmore.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience with Swarthmore has been very positive; it is impressive how welcoming it feels.
Swarthmore's greatest asset (in my eyes) their staff. At all times very friendly and cheerful, and more importantly, kind and caring. All communication, whether in person or via telephone, was excellent.
We also received regular updates via e-mail regarding the situation around Covid-19, I found these helpful and efficient.
The 'pod' during lockdown was great; it enabled me to visit our relative, and it was much appreciated by both her and me.
My family and I are very grateful to all the team at Swarthmore, and I would certainly recommend it.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father lived in this care home for three years and overall was very happy there. He made some close connections with the staff and said that they treated him as if he was their grandfather. He felt that the home was well run and maintained. His only complaint was about the food; he mentioned this
several times to the manager, but it appeared that she was unable to make significant improvements. He had a very pleasant room.


Overall, my experience (I am his daughter) was also good. I always had the impression that staff genuinely cared about Dad, got on well with him and wanted to make life comfortable and happy for him, and I made good relationships with staff also. I had some relatively minor problems with admin and communications.


During the pandemic, the home issued speedy and clear guidelines for visiting and remained Covid free - for which they must be congratulated.


I would certainly recommend this care home to others.


Reply from Sally Warminger, Sales Manager at Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to forward a review. We take on board all comments from our residents regarding food complaints. We have recently taken the catering facilities in house and improvements have been made, and we constantly strive to address any issues. We are pleased to hear that your overall experience at Swarthmore was pleasant. We wish you and your family well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident for over 10-years at Swarthmore, and during this time, was looked after with kindness, love and the best care possible. The whole team at Swarthmore have always been welcoming and friendly, and the home provides the family with the peace of mind their loved ones are in a safe,
calm and caring environment.


I cannot praise the whole team, and especially those carers who looked after my mum so well, especially in the last year under such challenging circumstances and did all they could to keep me connected with her, and finally were there with her when she passed away. I have always thanked the team for what they did for her and also for me over the many years. I felt like they were my family too when I would visit.


Swarthmore is especially lovely in the Spring and Summer months when the gardens and outside space can be used. My mum loved her room overlooking the garden.


Thank you again, Swarthmore. I cannot recommend you highly enough.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After looking at several care homes we decided without any doubt that Swarthmore was the best place for my father. This obviously was the right decision as he settled in very quickly, soon getting on with his reading and writing as before. The home is a converted, beautiful Edwardian house located in
a very quiet residential area of Gerrards Cross. The extensive terrace running around the back of the building (with doors onto it from all the communal rooms) is a lovely place for the residents to sit, with or without visitors, enjoying the views and sounds of the landscaped gardens - with no discernible traffic noise, just bird songs. Visiting the home, I found the staff responsive and helpful, always making me feel welcome. Before Covid, you were free to visit as often as you like at any time of day. I know my father was also impressed with the dedication of his carers. He was always consulted on matters affecting his care and his views, whenever possible, were taken into account.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Until recently Swarthmore was home to my dear Mother. She lived there happily for over 4 years and regarded the staff as part of her extended family.
In March 2018 I recommended Swarthmore and two years later I continue to endorse the home.
The peaceful atmosphere of the house is homely and welcoming.
The staff provide a high standard of care and are kindly and compassionate. Attention is paid to the needs of each of the residents who feel they are respected and valued as individuals.
The food is tasty and well-presented and the dining-room overlooks beautiful gardens. All the rooms, furnishings and linen are bright and clean. Family and friends are welcomed.
Activities play a large part in the life of Swarthmore. They are varied and entertaining: board games, flower-arranging, visits from singers and musicians, outings to garden centres, river trips, and walks into Gerrards Cross for coffee and shopping.
It was lovely to see her happily settled which gave me peace of mind.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Swarthmore has worked tremendously hard keeping COVID-19 away from the residents. The current visiting option is so well organised. The care and support to residents is outstanding.
Thanks to everyone at Swarthmore for all the care to residents.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister went to live at this home 18 months ago. She has a lovely room overlooking a beautiful garden. The care us excellent with great carers, if one is not happy about something you can always get help and the problem is sorted. Every day there is some form of entertainment which is really great.
When you enter the house it has a very homely feeling. I cannot praise the home enough at this coronavirus time we have not been able to see our relation, but there has not been any problem so that us amazing.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you to all the staff at Swarthmore for the excellent attention my mother received during her recent four week period of respite care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandmother received fantastic care during her 2-week respite stay. The staff are very professional and extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend Swarthmore for anyone thinking about respite/long term care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff were very kind and helpful and made you feel welcome.
I would recommend the home to other people.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find the home clean and smelling pleasant. The staff are kind and cheerful. The residents always look well groomed. The food is very good quality. The rooms are very pleasant with lovely views.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The view of the garden from my room was beautiful and uplifting and it made me feels so much better after hospital.
The staff were helpful and courteous in every way. The management was efficient, especially the fast turnaround in setting up respite care. I felt very welcome.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident at Swarthmore from September 2016 to the day she passed away in January 2019. I know that she was happy there and this is entirely down to the exemplary care provided to her at the care home. My brothers and I are eternally grateful to the staff of Swarthmore who took care of
Mum's every need and who were so very kind to her. Mum saw them all as friends. Knowing my mother to be Chinese, the care home staff would even deviate off the menu to occasionally cook her Chinese food. I can't think of anywhere else where Mum would have been happier!

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.692)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.692) out of 10 for Swarthmore Residential Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.692 for Swarthmore Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (134 Excellents x 5) + (45 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 185 Ratings = 4.692

  • 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 Swarthmore Residential Care Home is based on 16 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 16 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.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 9 Oct 2019

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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 02 Apr 2025

1 Premium room - will be ready End of April 251 Standard room


Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (3)

Claire

Claire Allsopp

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2013

Claire leads the team at Swarthmore; she has worked in care since 1994 and joined our home in 2013. Claire’s a Level 5 Registered Manager with Level 3 Housing Support and a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care – she’s also a qualified assessor for Health and Social Care and completed a Train the Trainer course on Moving and Handling. Claire has three children, who are regular visitors to the home, and enjoys family visits to Cornwall.

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Agata

Agata Met

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2007

Agata’s career in care started back in 2007 as a care assistant – having completed her NVQ 2 and 3, Level 5 Diploma and many other relevant courses, she’s now our Deputy Manager. With a person-centered approach in leadership and a passion for improving quality of life for elderly people, Agata enjoys supporting the entire team to bring the best out of everyone and improve job satisfaction. When not here in our home, you’ll probably find Agata up a mountain with her dog.

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Sally

Sally Warminger

Job Title: Success Manager

Joined: 2019

When you visit Swarthmore, Sally is probably the first person you’ll meet. Sally’s here to ensure that making Swarthmore a home for you, a friend or a family member is as smooth as possible for everyone involved, and she’s here to help you and your loved ones every step of the way. Sally lives locally, so you may spot her out and about walking her Springer Spaniel!

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