At Highwood, we are proud to be a compassionate and welcoming care home in Torridge, dedicated to providing high-quality support and enriching life experiences for every resident. Nestled in the heart of the historic Torridge district, our home offers a peaceful, purpose-built setting where comfort, dignity and wellbeing are at the centre of daily life.
We understand that deciding on a care home is a meaningful step for families and individuals. That’s why our team is committed to offering personalised care that reflects each person’s individual needs, lifestyle and preferences. Whether you are exploring long-term residential care, specialist dementia care in Torridge, or short-term respite care in Torridge, we are here to support you with expertise, warmth and understanding.
Our care home in Bideford has been considerately designed to feature a range of facilities and services that ensure the comfort and convenience of each of our residents.
Our residential care in Torridge offers tailored daily support for individuals who may find certain everyday tasks more difficult to manage alone but still wish to maintain their independence. From the first visit through to settling in, we take time to get to know each resident and collaborate with them and their families to develop a personalised care programme that reflects their preferences, routines and goals.
At Highwood, residential care is delivered with a focus on dignity and quality of life. Our compassionate team is available around the clock to assist with personal care, mobility support and other day-to-day needs, while also encouraging social interaction, meaningful activity and connection within our welcoming community.
We are experienced in providing specialist dementia care in Torridge, with an approach that centres on understanding, patience and consistency. Dementia affects every individual differently, and we know how important it is to tailor support in a way that brings comfort, reassurance and familiarity. Our team members receive in-depth training to deliver compassionate care through every stage of cognitive change.
Our supportive environment is designed to help reduce anxiety, encourage engagement and build routines that respect each resident’s preferences. Activities and interactions are thoughtfully planned to promote wellbeing, connection and fulfilment, preserving dignity and enhancing quality of life for those living with dementia and their families.
Our respite care in Torridge provides flexible short-term support for individuals who need temporary assistance following a hospital stay, during recovery, or while regular caregivers take a break. Respite stays offer the same full range of support and opportunities for engagement as long-term residence, helping residents feel safe, comfortable and fully supported throughout their stay.
Many families find that respite care also offers an opportunity to experience life at our home before making longer-term decisions. During this time, residents can become familiar with the environment, routines and caring team and families can feel confident in the care and continuous support provided.
At Highwood, we also provide specialist nursing care in Torridge for residents who need a higher level of clinical support alongside the warmth and community of a care home setting. Nursing care is designed for individuals who require 24‑hour oversight from qualified nurses, whether that’s to manage complex health conditions, support recovery after an illness, or provide ongoing medical care that can’t easily be delivered at home.
Every nursing care plan at our home is tailored to the individual, ensuring that medical needs are met with skill and compassion while still honouring personal routines and preferences. Our team of registered nurses works closely with each resident, their families and their wider healthcare professionals to monitor health, administer medication safely and respond quickly to any changes in condition. This round‑the‑clock expertise means you can feel confident that your loved one has continuous access to professional care whenever it’s needed.
At Highwood Care Home, the needs and interests of our residents always come first, and we encourage everyone to make their own choices and continue to live their lives as they wish. Our team works hard to form relationships with our residents and their families so that their every need and wish is met. Thanks to our various facilities, range of care services, and purpose-built environment, residents are able to pursue their passions and enjoy a happy life.
Highwood Care Home is easy to reach by car, train or bus, with convenient parking and accessible transport links for visiting families. Use the information below to help plan your journey and ensure a comfortable, stress-free visit.
Highwood Care Home is located at Abbotsham Road, Bideford EX39 3AB. It’s easily reached via the A386 from Barnstaple or the Atlantic Highway (A39) from the west. For example, Bideford is only about 11 miles (18 km) from Barnstaple by road, follow the A386 west into Bideford and then onto Abbotsham Road. Visitors coming from the south-west (e.g. Exeter) can take the A30/A396 toward Barnstaple (about 43 mi, /1¼ hrs), then continue on the A386. We provide ample free onsite parking for all visitors, so you can park close to the entrance when you arrive.
Bideford does not have its own railway station, the nearest station is Barnstaple, about 9 miles away. Trains on the scenic Tarka Line run roughly hourly from Exeter St Davids (and Exeter Central) to Barnstaple. From Barnstaple station, families can take the Stagecoach 21 or 21A bus (approximately 30 minutes) into Bideford or use a taxi for the 11-mile journey. (For example, the trip from Exeter to Bideford typically involves an hour+ train ride to Barnstaple, then a 30-minute bus.) In total, a rail journey from Exeter via Barnstaple to Bideford usually takes around 2–2½ hours, including the train–bus transfer.
Bideford is well served by local Stagecoach South West buses. Route 21/21A runs between Barnstaple and Appledore/Westward Ho! via Bideford and Route 319 runs from Barnstaple to Hartland, stopping on Abbotsham Road near Highwood. Bideford’s main bus station (on Mill Street near the town centre) is only a short walk from Abbotsham Road. In practice, look for Stagecoach stops marked “Bideford” or “Abbotsham Road” when planning your trip. Families should check the Stagecoach or Traveline websites for the latest timetables and any service updates, to plan the most convenient bus journey.
Our home is designed to be fully accessible. It has a step-free main entrance (with a gentle ramp) and wide level corridors, and the facility includes a passenger lift and full wheelchair access. We also have level onsite parking right beside the entrance. Our friendly staff are always on hand to assist any visitors with mobility needs, ensuring everyone can reach residents’ rooms comfortably and enjoy their visit.
Highwood Care Home
Abbotsham Road
Bideford
EX39 3AB
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