Swerford House
Swerford House is a residential care home in Dover, Kent (CT16 3AW). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Swerford House
At Swerford House, we provide residential care for adults in the heart of Dover, Kent. We support people with learning disabilities and autism, and we also offer respite care for those who need a short break or whose families need some time to recharge. We know that choosing a care home is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our approach is straightforward: we get to know each person as an individual, understand what matters to them, and build their support around that. Routines, preferences, hobbies, and personal goals all shape how we work with the people who live here. For those with learning disabilities and autism, we recognise how important consistency and familiarity are. Our team works hard to create an environment that feels calm, predictable, and genuinely welcoming, where people feel safe to be themselves. We communicate in the ways that work best for each individual, and we encourage independence wherever it is possible and meaningful. Our respite care is offered with the same level of thought and attention. Whether someone is staying with us for the first time or returning for another visit, we want the experience to feel comfortable and reassuring rather than unsettling. We are pleased that our most recent Care Quality Commission inspection rated us as Good. That reflects the work our team puts in every day, and it gives families an independent measure of the care we provide. We never see a Good rating as a reason to stand still though; we are always looking at how we can do better. If you would like to find out more about life at Swerford House or come and have a look around, we would be very happy to hear from you.
Care provided at Swerford House
- Learning disability and autism support
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 24 July 2019
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of Swerford House. Report published 24 July 2019.
- 12 June 2019
- 7 places, 7 people were using the service at the time
Safe
Inspectors found that accidents and incidents were minimal. Staff worked to reduce the chance of issues happening again. People had been supported to reduce behaviour that could challenge, and staff used fewer physical interventions.
Caring
Inspectors found that staff treated each person with compassion and kindness. Staff used feedback, given verbally or shown by how people presented, to improve the service. Care centred on people's needs and preferences.
Responsive
Inspectors found that the registered manager and staff were exceptionally responsive and worked continuously to make improvements. Staff had worked with people to improve their communication in innovative ways. As a result, people were communicating for the first time, learning new skills such as counting, and going on holiday for the first time.
What people told the inspectors
Relatives told inspectors about significant improvements in people's quality of life as a result of the support from staff. One relative said they were involved in their loved one's support, and their feedback was positive about the difference staff and managers had made.
Since the last inspection
Rated Good in July 2019, the same overall rating as before (Good).
Responsive moved from Good to Outstanding; Safe is still Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Well-led is still Good.
- 12 June 2019: Routine inspection
- 10 November 2016: Routine inspection
- 20 October 2013: Routine inspection
- 13 January 2013: Routine inspection
- 28 August 2011: Routine inspection
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How Swerford House compares in Dover
Measured against the 58 care homes registered in Dover. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 7 places. Smaller than 44 of the 58 homes. The local average is 22 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 41 of the 58 homes (71%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Kent the figure is 73%.
- Latest report
- 24 July 2019. 45 of the 58 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- January 2011. 42 of the 58 homes registered more recently.
- Food hygiene
- 5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 31 of the 40 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes in Dover.
The local picture: Dover
What the numbers say about care for older people in Dover, in Kent.
What care costs in Kent, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | £1,187 | £1,409 to £1,600 (Middle half of prices from 22 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing care | £1,378 | £1,550 to £1,865 (Middle half of prices from 11 Kent homes. Median £1,605.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,500 to £1,619 (Middle half of prices from 18 Kent homes. Median £1,500.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,975 to £2,226 (South East figure, because too few Kent homes publish this price. 37 homes. Median £2,050.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 15,300. Rising to 18,000 by 2035, up 18%
- People aged 85 and over: 3,800. Rising to 5,800 by 2035, up 53%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 2,000. Rising to 2,500 by 2035, up 27%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 59%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Kent as a whole is 62%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 75. Kent average is 77.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 1 closed. 1 changed owner, covering 21 beds.
- Care home beds filled across Kent: 88%. The 12 month average is 88%.
- Who pays, across Kent (estimate): 35% council, 43% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about Swerford House
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 7 January 2011, so 15 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 27 August 2021.
- Run by
- High Quality Lifestyles Limited, which runs 7 adult social care services in England. All 7 that have a rating are rated Good or Outstanding.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near Swerford House
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, 15.5 miles away
It is about 15.5 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
- Buckland Medical Practice, 1.5 miles away
- Lydden Surgery, 1.6 miles away
- High Street Surgery, 2.1 miles away
Nearest dentists
- Dover Priory Dental Practice, 2.3 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Af Dental, 2.4 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Bupa Dental Care, 2.4 miles away (NHS.uk details)
Nearest pharmacies
- River Pharmacy, 0.6 miles away
- Tesco Instore Pharmacy, 1.1 miles away
- Cairns Chemist, 1.9 miles away
Nearest railway stations
- Kearsney Station, 0.3 miles away
- Dover Priory Station, 2.3 miles away
- Shepherds Well Station, 3.1 miles away
Around Swerford House
- H: Swerford House
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Common questions about Swerford House
Where is Swerford House located?
Swerford House is a residential care home in Dover, Kent, CT16 3AW. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Swerford House provide?
Swerford House is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Learning disability and autism support, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Swerford House's CQC rating?
Swerford House is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 24 July 2019. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Swerford House offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Swerford House offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Swerford House
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
No. Swerford House is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. Swerford House is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Swerford House offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
Ask the home. The register does not say which age groups the home supports. Ask the home.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the South East
Swerford House has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from Swerford House. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
Explore more
More care homes in Dover
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- The Glen — CQC Outstanding
- Wolverton Court — CQC Outstanding
- 55 Sandwich Road — CQC Good
- Alexander House — CQC Good
- Ashingham House — CQC Good
Browse all care homes in Dover.