Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Welcombe Lane, Swimbridge, Barnstaple EX32 0QT
Submit a Review
9.7 71 Reviews
  • Swimbridge House Nursing Home, Barnstaple
Swimbridge House Nursing Home is a 44-bed nursing home, for those over 65, with a very homely atmosphere and plenty of personal attention.

The Home offers nursing, residential and respite care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where the physical and mental well-being of each resident is looked after in a warm and welcoming environment. The Home also specialises in dementia care and is accredited for the ‘Six Steps’ End-of-Life Care. The home is registered with the Care Quality Commission and is rated as ‘Good’.

The home is situated just outside the North Devon village of Swimbridge in a scenic rural setting, close to the A361 link road and in between the regional centre of Barnstaple and South Molton.

To help decide if Swimbridge House is a suitable choice, they provide a free trial day where potential residents can experience first-hand the benefits of the Home.

Their VISION is to be a warm and welcoming Home where everyone matters.

Their VALUES are:
WELCOMING - A positive environment where everyone is respected and treated as individuals.
CARING - With warmth and understanding in a secure and happy environment with qualified engaged staff and strong leadership.
HONESTY - Build and maintain strong relationships by being open and transparent.
CHOICES - Understand and support individual needs by providing person-centred care.

Show Swimbridge House Nursing Home on the Map

Care Provided by Swimbridge House Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 44 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • 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
  • Vaneal Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Martine Butler (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Open for everyone: nursing care, residential care, respite and dementia
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (44)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (25)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1996
    • Last Refurbishment: 2019
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Swimbridge House Nursing 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 from £1,113
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,113
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,348
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,340
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,200
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,400
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,400

  • Fees will mostly be based on assessment of care needs by the home, but will also depend on size of the room and wet room availability.
    Nursing care fees are inclusive of the FNC contributions by NHS to the home. Private contribution contribution for Nursing Care is similar as for Residential Care.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Swimbridge House Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The home is allowing visitors to residents, although there may be restrictions for infection control reasons. Please call the home to discuss current policy.


  • Parking

  • There is plenty on-side parking available, including for disability vehicles.


Swimbridge House Nursing Home Reviews (71)

Total of 71, showing 21-40
9.7

Swimbridge House Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.665) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Swimbridge House Nursing Home has 71 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 57
  • 14
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

71
1
7
14
57

Review from J T (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was not in for very long but for the short time, she was there staff we friendly, caring and supportive. They kept me informed at what was happening. I felt I could talk to them whenever I needed.
Due to Covid it was a difficult time.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nick K (Son of Resident) published on 23 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very clean and efficient.
Very friendly and helpful staff.
I have no doubt that Mother is being taken very good care of.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E D (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was in Swimbridge House for just over five years. Throughout this time, she was extremely well cared for, and I felt so very fortunate to have such a good quality home within walking distance. I would pop in most days if I could and was always made to feel welcome. During the challenges of Covid,
I felt confident that the residents were kept as safe as possible. The relatives were kept informed, and everything was done to enable safe visits. As Mum reached the end of her life, I was phoned regularly, although due to Covid restrictions, couldn't visit until her last few days. At this time, the staff were kind, gentle and sensitive, and we really felt their compassion and love. An exemplary home, I couldn't have wished for better.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Michael H (Son of Resident) published on 16 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident at Swimbridge House Nursing Home for four years. She received outstanding care and support during a period when she needed nursing care. Staff make time to stop and talk and try to allow as much independence as is safely possible. As a relative, I also received support as I
always felt able to ask difficult questions. The ethos at Swimbridge is very much one of a team effort, and I did feel included. The new facilities allow for more socialising that helps to provide a homely atmosphere.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Elaine I (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent the final year of her life at Swinbridge House. She always spoke highly of the staff and the care she received - nothing was too much trouble. She enjoyed her meals, and the daily activities were varied and stimulating. I would not hesitate to recommend Swinbridge House Nursing Home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Olly C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Swimbridge House Nursing Home have been absolutely brilliant with my mum. She has improved immensely since she became a resident and honestly looks 10 years younger! She is very happy and settled as a resident and it is a joy to visit her and see her beaming smile! The nursing home is always immaculately
kept and staff are always extremely friendly, helpful and super caring.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Geoffrey B (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 21 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Of the three care homes I have stayed in, Swimbridge is clearly the best. They are welcoming, caring although sometimes under pressure, provide an overall exemplary standard.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Christine R (Wife of Resident) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have marked all boxes as "excellent" as this is an honest opinion of Swimbridge House Nursing Home. My husband, until his death, was four months in the home. The staff, without exception, were caring, patient and kind and showed my husband dignity and respect. His end of life care was well managed,
and as a family, we were kept informed and also treated with great kindness. I would recommend Swimbridge House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Debbie W (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since dad's arrival, Sept 19, accommodated in his large ground floor room with ensuite wet room. I've been so impressed by the ongoing cleanliness of the home plus the care, compassion and friendliness of staff with residents and relatives. Since March
'20 and Covid restrictions, they chose to impose
early for the wellbeing of residents. I've still been encouraged to communicate with Dad online, which he soon adapted to in lockdown at 90! It gave us both weekly quality time until they built the 1st of 3 different visitor centres, each adapted to suit guidelines which bring me to now.
Dad has regained the confidence to pursue his hobbies of birdwatching in the lovely rural area and gardening initially with staff help and other interests. Something I thought I'd never see.
If a relative contacts them, they are so helpful and will always try to realistically accommodate needs or requests. It's such a happy place with caring owners, manager and staff. Like one big happy family!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew S (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are delighted with the care that she is receiving. The staff are wonderful, and nothing is too much trouble. Our mother/mother-in-law gives us glowing reports of the food and the people here. She enjoys the company and friendliness of everyone and is no longer lonely. She is very well cared for and
back to her normal self. She looks so much better than she did. She likes the activities and the parties. There is nowhere better!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Pearl W (Wife of Resident) published on 6 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak too highly of Swimbridge House Nursing Home. My husband was a resident for 12 months, being given end of life care. Not only was he very well cared for in a happy, friendly and loving environment, but I was always made to feel very welcome when visiting.
As my husband's life drew to
a close, he was cared for very sensitively and professionally. I was with him when he died and in my grief was shown great compassion and love by all the staff and for which I thank them so much.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I always find the staff extremely polite and helpful. They are all always very caring to my nan and I feel happy knowing that she is safe and cared for. She's always clean, well-fed and entertained. I also really love the fact that they have 'treats' around the home so residents can help themselves
as I know my nan always enjoyed a snack in the evening. I cannot find the words to express how well cared for my nan is by all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D M (Sister of Resident) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I felt that my brother was safe and well cared for. He would have benefited from joining in with the social side provided in the home, but despite great encouragement from the staff he refused.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

From the initial visit to look at the home, we were met with kindness, professionalism and courtesy. Mum was welcomed, as myself and husband, and we felt part of a family. Mum was always treated with kindness and respect up to her death in July. All members of staff, manager, carers, cook and cleaners
always spoke to you on a visit and made all three of us welcome.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M M (Son of Resident) published on 17 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been receiving care at Swimbridge for years. Her nursing care needs were always compassionately delivered. When she reached the "End of Life" stage she was always informed of the situation (together with family). She died peacefully and with great dignity. The staff dressed her for her
final departure from the home. The family were greatly comforted by the compassion and dignity she received.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carolyn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had very good care. She died in January and the staff could not have done more for my mother and me on that day.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 25 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Stayed for one week's respite care.
Staff friendly, reliable, caring and helpful.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jane C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father went to Swimbridge House Nursing Home for end of life care. Without exception, everyone was very caring, helpful and professional.
It was very sad to lose Dad but it did help that he passed away in a loving and peaceful environment.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As this was end-of-life care for my dad, we could not have had better support.
The kindness and understanding from everyone.
They were amazing, and they made a difficult situation better.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the care given to my parents especially when my father passed away. The staff were excellent. I would recommend this home to everybody. Excellent care, lovely homely rooms.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.665)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.665) out of 10 for Swimbridge House Nursing 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.665 for Swimbridge House Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 167 Ratings = 4.665

  • 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 Swimbridge House Nursing Home is based on 14 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 44 registered maximum number of service users is 8.8, which has been reached with 14 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: 29 Jan 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (4)

Martine

Martine Butler

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2021

Martine is a qualified nurse with over 30 years experience of working within the Health and Social care sectors. Prior to joining Swimbridge House Nursing Home in August 2021, she worked as a senior regulatory inspector, quality and compliance manager, and care home manager within the independent sector and with Devon County Council, and most recently as Nurse Educator and Safeguarding Lead.


Martine’s skills and experiences have equipped her with a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement, a process that she aims will become synonymous with the reputation of Swimbridge House.


Anita

Anita Nelson

Job Title: Senior Health Care Assistant

Joined: 2013

I joined Swimbridge House over 10 years ago and have worked in the care sector throughout most of my working life in hospital and community settings. Swimbridge House is a home-from-home environment offering all levels of individual support to all of its residents and families it is a great place to work. We are committed to providing the best support we can. Every day you will hear laughter and see a sea of smiles; we also offer free hugs to everyone. All our staff are committed to providing the best care and experience for our residents and their families and I am proud to say I am a member of that team.


Reka

Reka Lukacs

Job Title: Nurse

Joined: 2014

Swimbridge is a warm and friendly care home, where the staff aim to provide a “real home” for all residents, personal comfort, safety and a high standard of care. The staff are always smiling and helpful. About half of the staff have been working together for more than four years now. We support and motivate each other and also we learn from the experiences of others, forming a strong team.


Nichola

Nichola Hussell

Job Title: Personal Assistant

Joined: 2015

I’ve worked at Swimbridge House for just over three years now and it’s a friendly, happy place to be – for residents, their families and staff. Everyone pulls together as a team to make sure that the residents and their families get the help and support they need and deserve. Everyone has their role to play to make the home the place it is – warm, welcoming and caring.