Dementia Care

People living with dementia need a very special type of care to enable them to live comfortably and securely while making the very most of life.

Each of our dementia suites has been carefully designed in line with the very latest research to ensure we are providing the ideal environment. We want our residents to be comfortable, their families and friends to enjoy peace of mind and our staff to have the best surroundings to deliver the highest standards of care.

Internally, the suites are decorated with colour schemes which enable residents to identify specific areas with specific activities. Many of those dealing with memory loss struggle with words so picture prompts are used throughout for such information as menus and calendars. For the same reason, memory boxes containing personal possessions are used on each resident’s private door as a helpful guide.

Bedrooms have en suite facilities to ensure privacy and, while rooms are furnished, residents are encouraged to bring in possessions to personalise their space. This helps foster familiarity and continuity.

Each dementia suite has a range of communal facilities including dining and living rooms. Residents are encouraged to use these to socialise, entertain guests and join in organised activities.

Research has found many people suffering with short term memory loss enjoy vivid memories of their past, right back to childhood. For that reason, areas of our suites have been decorated in bygone-style. At Park Place there is a 1940s-themed scullery complete with flock wallpaper and butlers sink. 1950s juke boxes and film posters from the golden era of the silver screen are dotted around the Moat House’s Aspen Suite and the Penlee Unit at Roseland Parc has a room dedicated to the past complete with vinyl records, wing back arm chairs and traditional wall decorations. At Avonpark Village, Hillcrest House has a dedicated reminiscence rooms. Specially trained staff encourage residents to use these spaces to talk about their experiences and stimulate memories to share.

Residents of our dementia suites have access to secure outdoor areas where they relax or indulge in a spot of gardening.

Of course, every room has emergency pull cords for the safety of residents.

The hand-picked teams of staff are trained in dementia care and provide round the clock specialist care with extra support available if necessary. As in all our care homes, a team of support staff provide domestic services including cleaning and laundry. Nutritionally balanced meals are cooked on site by the chef working with a team of kitchen staff. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and night.

For the safety of residents, our dementia suites are self-contained with secure access.

We recognise that every individual has different requirements. Before admission, potential residents are assessed by a senior member of staff to ensure their chosen home can meet their needs. Following this consultation, a care plan is put together in conjunction with the resident, their relatives where appropriate, and staff. The plan enables the residents to achieve realistic goals and attain maximum levels of independence within their own environment. This plan is reviewed regularly or as needs change.

Dementia Care is available at the following Retirement Villages’ locations: