SWCH Ltd
The Firs
Residential care home in Witheridge, Devon
Operated by Swch
What do these badges mean?
- High Retirement Community — An above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
- Peaceful Neighbourhood — Among the lowest for recorded anti-social behaviour and public disorder of comparable areas (police-recorded crime).
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About
The Firs is a care home in Witheridge, Devon, operated by SWCH Ltd. It has 27 single rooms, 21 of which have an ensuite WC. The home provides residential, dementia and respite care, and also lists convalescent, day care, end of life and palliative care among its services. It supports people with dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and sensory impairment.
Residents can bring their own furniture, and pets are welcome by arrangement. Rooms have a phone point, a television point and internet access, and the building has a stairlift and wheelchair access. The home has gardens, is close to local shops and is near public transport. Staff are available 24 hours a day. The Care Quality Commission rated the home Good overall in its 2022 report, with Good ratings for safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
What inspectors found
CQC: GoodReport published 7 March 2022 · Last inspected 2 February 2022
Inspectors found that The Firs, a residential care home for up to 22 people including some living with dementia, was providing caring and responsive support. People appeared relaxed, staff were described as patient and kind, and relatives said the team knew residents well and followed through on requests. Care plans were personalised, and staff were supported by a well-being facilitator to run meaningful activities and maintain community links.
- Staff showed kindness and patience, especially when residents became distressed or needed help orienting themselves
- Care plans were detailed and personalised, reflecting residents' preferred routines and personal histories
- A well-being facilitator helped develop activities suited to residents' interests, and links with the local community continued during lockdown
- Systems were in place to gather and act on the views of people using the service, their families and staff
Written by AI from the report text and checked against it. Not an official CQC statement. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Read the full report on CQC.
Care provided
Specialist care
Facilities
What's nearby
- Set back from main road noise
- Fire station about 200 m away
Straight-line distances. Road and rail noise from government strategic noise mapping (modelled, not measured). Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What’s in the area
Outdoor Spaces
- AllotmentsSparse
- Play SpaceLimited
- Golf CourseLimited
- Public ParkSparse
- Tennis CourtLimited
- Bowling GreenLimited
- Playing FieldLimited
Local Amenities
- Pubs & BarsLimited
- Restaurants & CafesLimited
- Retail ShoppingLimited
- SupermarketsLimited
- TakeawaysLimited
Local crime statistics
15 recorded crimes in the local area (July 2026)
Top categories:
Source: data.police.uk · within 1 mile
Fees and funding
| Care type | Weekly fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | Fees on request | — |
| Dementia care | Fees on request | — |
| Respite (short stay) | Fees on request | — |
- Funding accepted
- Not stated
Fees depend on the room and the care needed, so ask the home for a written quote. Check who pays with the funding calculator, or see what Devon council pays.
Care fee trajectory
| Year | Council rate (per week) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | £1,054 |
| 2025 | £1,110 |
What Devon council pays care homes, and whether it will help with fees
Weighing up the options? Compare a care home with care at home, or check who pays with the means-test calculator.
Local health safety net
The Firs is backed by a local NHS health network. The nearest A&E is Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), 16.2 miles away. The local GP practice is AMICUS HEALTH - MID DEVON SITES, 0.3 miles away.
Nearest services from NHS ODS + postcodes.io + CQC, by straight-line distance.
Community & connection in Witheridge
Local clubs, charities and support groups that help older residents stay active and connected.
Okehampton District Community Transport Group
The provision of transport facilities for the elderly, disabled, poor, mothers with young children or people living in isolated areas where there are no adequate public transport facilities.
Showing groups across Devon.
Part of Swch
The Firs is one of 10 homes run by Swch on AskBart. See how the group's homes are rated and where it operates.
More care homes near Witheridge
Information last reviewed October 2026.
Reviews from families
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