Ridgeway Rise Care Home

40 Richardson Road, Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 4DS
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10 71 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 by Ridgeway Rise Care 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 73 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Bella Balaci (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (73)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (73)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Ridgeway Rise 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 £1,500 – £1,700
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,500 – £1,700
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,500 – £1,700

  • 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)

Facilities

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

Ridgeway Rise Care Home Reviews (71)

Total of 71, showing 41-60
10

Ridgeway Rise Care Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.956) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ridgeway Rise Care Home has 71 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 67
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Date Published

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Review from C L (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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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Review from David P (Son of Resident) published on 20 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As for care homes, I don't personally think that you could find a better one than Ridgeway. The staff are second to none with so much care and attention. The place is immaculate and seeing my mum there she is happy and so well cared for

Reply from Bella Balaci, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear David, Thank you very much for your review. Much appreciated. We feel privileged to have your mum in our community. Regards


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Review from Gill W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was nerve-wracking trying to pick a home for my mum during Covid. The team at Ridgeway Rise immediately put my brother and I at ease and took us on a lovely video tour. Initially, I couldn't visit due to the restrictions but the staff were always on hand to help mum have WhatsApp with family and
friends. Eventually, I was able to visit mum and the home was absolutely beautiful. So clean and luxurious. The staff were all excellent and really cared for mum. My special thanks go to the staff who were always there for me and mum. I was so pleased we chose Ridgeway Rise and those precious few weeks of visits with mum before she passed were wonderful for us both. I highly recommend Ridgeway Rise for your loved ones.

Reply from Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your feedback. We really appreciate that you have given us the honour and pleasure of caring for your mum. Keep safe!


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Review from Audrey C (Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers are lovely and friendly. I love my sunny garden room, I love to spend time outside. The food is delicious and lots of choices. The activities are fun and varied.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Dear Audrey, thank you very much for your review. We are happy to hear that you are happy at Ridgeway Rise. Bella


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Review from P T (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are so professional. My relative is looked after so well. Can’t fault the sincerity, reassurance and support they give. This home is an excellent care provider and be reassured they will look after your relative with warmth and compassion. It's an exceptional care home.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you P T for your kind review. It is uplifting for my team and really appreciate it.
Keep safe.


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Review from M A (Resident) published on 9 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We both are more than happy with the Ridgeway Care Home. The staff are friendly and very helpful; nothing is too much trouble. The food - delicious, delicious.
We are sure we will be very happy in our new home.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you both very much for your kind review. It is a pleasure having you at Ridgeway Rise. Bella


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Review from Sharon I (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had a very warm welcome from the team at Ridgeway Rise and they asked a lot of questions regarding my Dad's care. The place looked extremely clean and COVID friendly. Although we couldn't visit Dad we called up and was reassured about Dad's wellbeing. Also saw numerous photos of him on their website
enjoying the activities. Best care home in Swindon.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind review. It is a real pleasure to have your dad with us.


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Review from Elizabeth B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mother arrived at Ridgeway in March, her care has been exemplary. I'm so glad I found somewhere so friendly, welcoming and most importantly safe to care for my mum.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for your kind review Elizabeth. It is a privilege to have your mum at Ridgeway Rise. Bella.


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Review from Harold P (Resident) published on 7 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstly, I am grateful for the chance to acknowledge and thank everybody at Ridgeway Rise Care Home for their care, kindness and understanding during my stay. The food is good to eat as well as looking most attractive and helping my appetite. Thank you, everyone, at Ridgeway Rise for the constant care
and hard work that helps myself and others every day. Best wishes.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you for choosing us, Harold. It is a privilege to have you here. Bella


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Review from Christopher H (Resident) published on 1 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having booked my place on a computer from a hospital bed, Ridgeway Rise management being extremely helpful, I have "congratulated myself" on the excellent choice I made. The home is purpose-built with plenty of space, wide corridors, good size rooms and plenty of open spaces and facilities, including
the gardens. The staff is lovely, caring people, doing their job well, with plenty of in-built natural compassion and warmth. I feel safe with the medical help available. The food is good and can suit individual needs. I thoroughly recommend this as the place to be.

Reply from Bella Bella, Manager at Ridgeway Rise Care Home

Thank you Christopher for choosing Ridgeway Rise. Your honest review is much appreciated.
Regards.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.956)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.956) out of 10 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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 4.956 for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (416 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 430 Ratings = 4.956

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Ridgeway Rise Care Home is based on 36 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 36 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: 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 04 Mar 2025

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


Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (14)

Bella

Bella Balaci

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2019

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


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


Contact Bella today and arrange your tour today!


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


We look forward to welcoming you.


Valentin

Valentin Joita

Job Title: Deputy Manager/Falls Prevention Specialist

Joined: 2019

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


Charlie

Charlie Yeates

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2021

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


Kinga

Kinga Dabrowska

Job Title: Business Administrator/Dementia Specialist

Joined: 2019

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


Tevor

Tevor Kenyon

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

Joined: 2023

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


Lory

Lory Branisteanu

Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Joined: 2023

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


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


Cristian

Cristian Panaitiu

Job Title: Unit Manager/Tissue Viability Specialist

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


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


Andreea

Andreea Birligea

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

Joined: 2019

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


Alina

Alina Roman

Job Title: Registered Nurse / Dysphagia Specialist

Joined: 2019

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


Bal

Bal Kumari Roka

Job Title: Senior Healthcare Assistant

Joined: 2019

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


Lilly

Lilly Ionescu

Job Title: Chef in Training

Joined: 2023

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


Alla

Alla Ricks

Job Title: Activity Coordinator

Joined: 2022

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


Colin

Colin Weaver

Job Title: Activity Coordinator

Joined: 2022

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


Joao

Joao Fernandes

Job Title: Housekeeping Manager

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