For many families, talking about the change from an independent lifestyle to a care-oriented one with parents or older relatives can often be a sensitive matter. It’s understandable that such conversations can evoke various emotions and challenges. However, once the decision to embark on this new phase is reached, it opens the door to discussing more practical matters concerning the type of care that would be most advantageous for those we care about.

There is an opportunity at this stage to reframe the impending change from one that emphasises ‘loss’ or ‘decline’ to an alternative that focuses upon new experiences and friends. For many older people, one of the fears of growing older is an encroaching isolation; if this is the case, a residential care home offers an excellent and potentially life-affirming solution.

Swarthmore Provides a Home Environment

For more than 70 years, Swarthmore Care Home has been providing residents with a comfortable home-from-home in which to share their lives with others.

Whilst being supported in their needs, everyone at Swarthmore is a unique and independent person in their own right. Those who have the privilege to work in this environment, get a close-up view of the benefits that we’re able to offer, and there are 8 which we consider particularly important to the people we work with.

1. Our Residents Enjoy a Safe Environment

After a long life of looking after others, taking care of children, or working hard to support the family, we think our residents deserve to feel totally safe and protected in their daily lives. Having 24/7 care provides reassurance when you cant always be around.

2. Healthy Eating and a Chef on the Premises

Older people tend to eat less than when they were younger, but that doesn’t mean that their food should be any less healthy or tempting to the palate. We cater for all dietary needs, and have a resident chef who cooks delicious food to wake up to.

3. Pleasant Surroundings, and a Garden

We know that we can’t replace the family home, but we can provide a comfortable space that’s clean, attractive and offers a combination of privacy and companionship. Our landscaped grounds serve as an inspiration to our residents and families. Walks in the garden, planting up pots for the terrace or simply enjoying the sun are a great way to spend your days and enjoy the changes in the garden throughout the seasons.

4. Person-Centred Care

Not everyone wants or needs to be cared for in the same way, and person-centred care acknowledges this. Our trained carers are friendly, capable, and experienced in the care home setting. Many of them have been with us for a while, and they develop a caring relationship with each of the residents individually.

5. Learn Something New, Enjoy Novel Experiences

Every day different activities are happening at Swarthmore. It could be a poetry workshop, pet therapy, a movement class, crafting, music, or films. We see how important these activities are for residents, which is why we offer two each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

6. One-to-One Activities

There are times when residents want to spend time in their rooms, rather than joining in with the group activities on offer. We respect this but provide the alternative of one-to-one activities. This may be as simple as sitting reading together or talking. It could involve reminiscing or looking through a photo album. Residents are encouraged to tell us what they need, so that we can support them.

7. Getting Out and About

Gerrards Cross is in beautiful Buckinghamshire, very close to the Chiltern Hills and just 20 miles north-east of London. Whenever we can, we get out and about enjoying picnics in the open air, trips to local historic sites, and – a great favourite – an annual trip river boat trip on the Thames, via Henley.

8. An Open House For Families and Friends

Families and friends are welcomed at any time of the day. They can spend time in the garden with residents or take a trip out to the local town centre, which is just a short drive, or walk away. Just as we want residents to feel that Swarthmore is their home, we also want their family to feel comfortable spending time visiting them.

Want to Try Swarthmore Residential Care Home Out?

We offer respite breaks at Swarthmore, and potential residents often use them as a way to experience life with us. We recommend a month as the right timespan for a respite break. It gives you time to settle in, understand our routines, and enjoy the care environment we offer. Best of all, you get complete rest and relaxation throughout your stay with us.

About Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Swarthmore is an independent care home that has been providing compassionate, person-centred care to short-term and long-term residents over 7 decades. It is set in beautiful, landscaped grounds, just a short distance from the town centre. Swarthmore carers take great pride in the support we offer to our 40 residents and the quality of care we provide. We would love to take you on a tour of the house and gardens in order that you experience the tranquil atmosphere first hand. At Swarthmore our residents are at the heart of all we do. For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.