Swimbridge House Nursing Home

Welcombe Lane, Swimbridge, Barnstaple EX32 0QT
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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.

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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 41-60
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
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Date Published

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7
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57

Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother aged 90 stayed for one week respite. She was very anxious about being away from me and her home but she was very comfortable at Swimbridge House and made some friends during the week. The staff were all very cheerful and helpful. The food was very nice including the odd glass of sherry!

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Review from Sue M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Showed care and understanding in difficult circumstances. Good, happy atmosphere, all residents I came into contact with seemed happy. My dad was only in for a short time, but I would have no hesitation in recommending their care.

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Review from Bryan G (Son of Resident) published on 29 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good.

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Review from S M (Wife of Resident) published on 28 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Swimbridge House were wonderful from start to finish (and afterwards). The initial contact was hesitant but after that, we were encouraged to feel part of a family in a different place, but it was still to be home. From the removal of the hospital tag - "you are now at home" which set the
tone, we were guided through a new phase of my husband's life - towards death itself. I can't thank everyone enough. They had time for us and were willing to listen and guide. They really cared for my husband.

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Review from D M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother recently passed away in Swimbridge House Nursing Home. I was informed that the doctor had been called as her health was failing, although no cause was found he suspected end of life care would be required. I was kept informed of every decision that was made about her care. The staff all treated
Mum with the utmost respect and kindness. She always appeared clean and comfortable. Sadly, she passed away 10 days later. Some of the rooms need a little updating and decorating and then I think I would rate it as excellent.

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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 20 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For approximately 2 years (time at Swimbridge) I have found the staff to be faultless in all they do. When we visit she is always happy and we are made to feel welcome. I would happily recommend Swimbridge House to anyone.

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Review from Helen B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home was a temporary stay between homes. You did all you could to make my dad feel settled. The rooms are lovely with a nice view. The staff are delightful and a pleasure to get to know.
The only slight reservation is the quietness of the corridor. My dad thrives on human interaction and loves
just a wave or hello, sometimes we didn't see anyone on the corridor. We were pleased with his care on the whole.

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Review from Graham G (Son of Resident) published on 13 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mother is very happy and content at Swimbridge House. She is well cared for and the staff give her a lot of attention which she loves. She always said if she went into a care home it had to be Swimbridge House.

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Review from Keith A (Son of Resident) published on 5 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was a difficult transition for Mum, who has dementia, to move from her own home to residential care and the initial few days were difficult and emotional for us all. During this time the care and patience shown to Mum, along with the support and advice given to me, saw us through and within a short
time, Mum was settled and happy in her new home. The staff at Swimbridge are, without exception, friendly, caring and attentive, treating Mum with love and respect. There are regular activities to keep the residents busy and entertainment in the form of singers and musicians. Mum has been out for short trips and her life is much fuller and stimulating than it was. All in all, it has made a difficult period much easier to cope with and I know that we have chosen the best place for Mum.

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Review from W N (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My late mother was a resident at Swimbridge House Nursing Home for the past three and a half years.
As a family, we have found the home to be a haven of loving care run by a devoted, compassionate and dedicated staff who have created a happy environment where each resident is valued and respected.
The
staff showed a high standard of attention to duty at all times, working well as a team and led by a highly competent manager.
The end of life care received by my mother was outstanding in every way.

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Review from B P (Friend of Resident) published on 21 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very friendly and helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble. The home always smells very fresh when entering and everywhere around. Residents are happy and well looked after, very clean, nice rooms. Food - there is a nice assortment/menu. The tea trolley is well stocked but not always brought into
the bedrooms so the residents can see what else there is available other than what is requested the day before, if they don't ask to see it.


Care at the 'End of Life' was excellent.


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Review from Theresa B (Regular Volunteer) published on 29 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am a volunteer at Swimbridge House and we have realised our biggest wish - to have own vehicle with wheelchair access. In the few weeks since we have had the vehicle the difference it has made to the quality of the lives of the residents has been nothing short of amazing. A visit to an RHS garden
has been enjoyed but even more worthwhile are the what I would call "normal " trips taking individual residents to the shops or just out for a drive. Wonderful. It is a privilege as a volunteer to be made to feel very much part of The Swimbridge Family.

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Review from Dudley S (Husband of Resident) published on 27 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Wife has been a resident of this Nursing Home for more than two years and I consider that she is "well looked after".
I visit her regularly and I am always welcomed by the management and the staff.
Visiting hours are not restricted which I find most convenient.
The staff always are pleasant
and cheerful and can always be contacted by the resident with a press of a button.

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Review from Alexander B R (Grandson of Resident) published on 7 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manageress and the team at Swimbridge welcomed my grandmother with open arms and do an outstanding job of ensuring she is kept entertained, mentally stimulated and of course, cared for. Whenever I've phoned up to speak to my grandmother, she has been busy arranging flowers, making bread or planting
flowers in the garden, which is looked after by the residents.


I could not recommend Swimbridge enough, their level of attention to detail is impeccable and put our minds to rest, knowing my grandmother is safe and being looked after 24 hours a day.


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Review from Jennifer H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is a well-managed home where the staff have a friendly and caring attitude. Any issues were promptly and appropriately addressed by the Manager. My father's ensuite room was small but adequate, with a good outlook, and I thought the charge was reasonable. Newer, larger rooms were available,
with better facilities, at a higher charge. Nursing and care staff were well trained and professional in their work. Recent and planned expansion would suggest a stable and successful Home.

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Review from D S (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 1 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent staff, great food and looked after really well. Nice room and excellent facilities. I don't want for anything. My family is encouraged to join me for meals and activities.

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Review from Berwick C (Husband of Resident) published on 23 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife entered the Swimbridge House care home just before Easter this year. I have visited her regularly since then.
I find the whole establishment open, bright, sensitively spaced out and so far as I can see, well equipped. Everyone looks well cared for and comfortable, both physically and mentally.
There is very little of the "institution" about the place. This doesn't just happen; it is due to the professionalism and thoroughness of the staff. They do it all so well that you hardly notice that they are doing it.
Everybody I have seen is busy and purposeful, without any trace of hurry or annoyance. Nothing is too much trouble and this applies also to the staff attitude towards visitors. They remember names, faces and requests.
They are endlessly attentive to their charges, with no trace of patronising or impatience and they seem to work well as a team.
My wife was not happy when she first went in, but now she is content, comfortable and secure and this also doesn't just happen. It is the result of countless instances of observant care, professional skill and sheer human kindness.

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Review from Jackie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was in Swimbridge House for almost a year and she received the most wonderful care, the staff being exceedingly kind and compassionate. Mum was really very poorly towards the end of her life and I do not think that she could have had better treatment anywhere. The home is really homely, bright,
clean and cheerful. There is a very happy atmosphere and relatives are made so welcome and given great support. If I had to rate SHNH I would call it outstanding.

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Review from S T (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care given to my mother.
All the staff seem very caring to all the residents.
The home is kept clean and tidy and the meals and refreshments are good.
Management responds positively to any questions or problems.
There is a conscious effort to engage residents in daily activities.
Staff make time to spend with the residents in addition to caring.

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Review from Brian S (Husband of Resident) published on 22 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife was admitted to Swimbridge in February 2016 with a terminal illness. Due to the care she received she lived longer than expected.
I have nothing but praise for the attention she received from the nurses and staff. I am so grateful to all of them for easing my wife's end of life care with dignity.

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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)

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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.