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Dementia Care
At Barchester, we provide dementia care and support to help your loved ones with dementia live fulfilling, happy and active lives.
For over 30 years our experienced carers have supported residents living with dementia – providing 24-hour, personalised care to make sure each and every person feels as comfortable and respected as possible, and that their families feel supported throughout too.
All of our dementia specialist care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and our carers are specially trained to provide safe and effective dementia support. We understand that choosing the right care home for your loved one can be one of life’s biggest decisions – and we are here to help you.
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What is dementia care?
People with dementia are likely to experience memory loss and find it difficult to make sense of their surroundings. We know these symptoms can cause distress, especially as the individual progresses over time and nursing or residential care is not enough.
Dementia care accommodates their complex needs with a focus on living a fulfilled life of activities they love.
Barchester’s dedicated Dementia Care Specialist Team are published experts in the field, and our Quality Improvement Team assesses the quality of our care to ensure it is up to date with the latest techniques. Our dementia friendly care homes are also designed for easier navigation, helping to reduce distress.
Types of dementia
Dementia is a collective term for various symptoms of diseases that affect the brain in different ways, the most common types include:
Alzheimer’s Disease
A progressive condition that affects brain function – a build up of proteins damage nerve cells and brain tissue. Symptoms tend to worsen over time and include:
- memory loss
- disorientation
- personality changes
- low moods
- increased anxiety
Vascular dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, this type of the condition can start suddenly or progress slowly over time. People with vascular dementia often experience:
- difficulties with concentration
- understanding and planning
- mobility and balance
- loss of memory
- changes in mood or behaviour
Lewy body dementia
Lewy bodies are abnormal deposits of protein that affect the chemicals in the brain’s nerve cells. Symptoms include:
- changes in mood and behaviour
- problems with thought processes
- mobility and balance
- sleep issues
Frontotemporal dementia
This type of dementia is a result of damaged neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. A person may experience:
- unusual behaviours
- emotional problems
- communication problems
- mobility issues
- memory loss
Early signs of dementia
Small changes in behavior and language, or a lack of decision making skills quite often go unnoticed at first, as we all forget words or have trouble finding things from time-to-time. Symptoms can vary significantly, but people with early signs may experience:
- Forgetfulness and a struggle to recall things
- Inability to make decisions or complete simple tasks
- Slow movement and loss of balance
- Striking personality changes and mood swings
Dementia symptoms & diagnosis
If you are concerned about the signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one, the first step is to talk to a healthcare professional. You might feel afraid to ask for help, but it is important to get an assessment and speak openly about your concerns to ensure the best support is provided by the right experts.
There are other causes of memory problems that aren’t necessarily dementia, so it’s important to seek advice and gain a diagnosis early to understand the best way forward for you.
Why is dementia care so important?
Caring for someone with dementia by yourself can be a struggle. As the condition develops over time, the need for specialist dementia carers increases. So too does the support needed by affected family members.
Residential dementia care not only ensures that your loved one is looked after and safe, but it makes a positive difference to their quality of life and gives you peace of mind. It is also vital to provide the relevant levels of engagement – something our Memory Lane Communities help with in our homes.
Dementia care planning
You might find it difficult to know what to do following your loved one’s dementia diagnosis. Every circumstance is unique and there will be different considerations based on the care required.
When you feel ready, our staff will take your loved one’s circumstances into account and produce a care plan based on their needs. Dementia-friendly care homes can be residential homes, nursing homes, or both, and we can help you decide the best way forward for them.
Barchester’s experts support residents throughout all stages of the condition – helping to manage symptoms wherever possible. Our personalised approach means we truly get to know each individual, their likes, dislikes, hobbies and stories, to ensure their transition into a care home is as comfortable as it can be.
Benefits of care homes for dementia care
Extra help for dementia patients is often required to maintain their psychological, sociological and physical well-being. Our team of experts are highly trained to ensure your loved ones stay safe, happy, and have the best quality of life possible.
We know that living with the condition can result in difficulty locating specific areas or rooms. All of our care facilities have been designed to include memory prompts and way-finding techniques to help residents navigate around more easily.
Our care homes also use specialist technologies that are important for adapting to life with the condition and reduce stress at mealtimes through cutlery adaptations and catering to small appetite – always providing personalised dementia care that adapts to each resident's unique needs.
Watch this short video to discover what Barchester care homes have to offer
Why choose dementia care at Barchester
Many of our specialised dementia care facilities and services are unique to Barchester homes, including our Memory Lane Communities which provide a comforting and stimulating experience for your loved one.
We also pride ourselves on our tailored approach to care. Tools like our ‘Getting To Know Me’ booklets and portable memory boxes are an important part of understanding a person’s history and what matters most to them.
Our Dementia Care Specialist Team, many of whom are published experts, work in conjunction with Worcester University, so you can be assured that we are implementing the best practices across all of our homes.
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Barchester care homes for dementia
Choosing a care home can be one of life’s biggest decisions. The combination of our highly trained teams and approach to dementia support is developed through the latest research and years of expertise.
We know a safe environment is important, and our homes’ Memory Lane Communities are designed especially for that – supporting independence through wayfinding, and reducing distress with visual prompts and relaxing environments.
Contact your local Barchester care home to find out more about our dementia care services and how they can help you.
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Dementia care facilities at Barchester
Our facilities are based on hospitality, comfortable surroundings and high-quality care. We embrace the latest technologies, research and proven techniques that are designed to bring out the strengths of people with dementia care needs.
- Easy-to-navigate environments for improved independence
- Lighting scientifically proven to improve vision
- Individual memory books to guide each person’s experiences
- Dedicated sensory gardens and rooms
- Unrushed dining with private or more social options
Our Memory Lane Communities have been offering pioneering dementia care and support since 1992. Today, we continue to evolve our approach, making sure your loved one can live a life that feels comfortable, enriching and connected.
Meet Barchester’s dementia care specialists
Our team ensures that our support programme is second to none and that all our staff are trained in caring for dementia, regardless of the services provided by the home they work in.
Julia Atherton
2I have worked within the care industry for over 25 years; I started out as a carer looking after people with learning difficulties and sensory impairments. Now my focus is on the delivery of high-quality care and support to all residents in Barchester's care homes and hospitals.
Claire Peart
I qualified as a nurse over 20 years ago and have worked in various roles within the private sector including a role as Head of a Complex Dementia Unit in North East England. I now work within a team as a Dementia Care Specialist for Barchester.
Alternatives to dementia care
Our specialist dementia care homes have custom facilities and support plans for those who are experiencing memory loss and are finding it difficult to make sense of their surroundings. If you're uncertain whether this is the best option for you or your loved one, there are several alternatives you could consider.
Nursing care is well suited for individuals who have regular or complex medical needs – with reassurance that a registered nurse is on-hand 24 hours a day.
Residential care is for elderly individuals with low medical needs, but who require considerable assistance with day-to-day tasks. Carers are always on hand to help residents with daily life activities.
Dementia assisted living facilities enable loved ones to live in the comfort of their own homes, safe in the knowledge that specialised support is available if and when required.
Dementia respite care is a short-term stay in a care home that provides support for outside carers whilst also ensuring that respite residents continue to be properly looked after.
Dementia help & advice
From adapting your current home to the transition into a dementia specialist care home — we know that there are many challenges when it comes to caring for a loved one. You can find resources that we have compiled in collaboration with our experts in our Dementia Care Support Guide. At Barchester, we’re always happy to discuss the next steps when you feel you need help with dementia care.
We understand that it can be hard to know where to turn when you have a dementia diagnosis or are caring for someone living with dementia. That’s why our care homes support their local communities and dementia charities by hosting regular support groups or events, like Dementia Cafés, that are free to attend. These groups offer help and advice, and allow families to share their experiences in a relaxed setting.
Dementia care FAQs
What are dementia symptoms?
Symptoms can progress and worsen over time, and dementia affects people in different ways. Early indicators include:
- Memory loss
- New difficulties with familiar daily tasks
- Confusion and disorientation
- Personality and mood changes
When should someone with dementia go into a care home?
Residential care for dementia patients is needed when the tasks of daily living become too much, and they are no longer able to live independently and safely with support from a relative, friend or paid carer. For more information, visit our Dementia Carers Support Guide.
Do Barchester homes care for different dementia types?
Yes, our teams receive dedicated training to understand the different types and how the symptoms may present themselves for each person. They can support residents throughout all stages of the condition – helping to manage symptoms wherever possible.
At what point do dementia patients need 24-hour care?
Usually 24-hour care is needed when the person is unable to look after themselves safely when alone. This is especially true if your loved one is struggling with:
- Washing and dressing
- Using the toilet
- Taking medication
- Mobility
- Eating and drinking
- Socialising
If any of these are true for yourself or a loved one, then it might be time to consider how specialist dementia support services will benefit your or their quality of life.
How do I arrange dementia care?
Every circumstance is unique and has different considerations, so one of the first things you will want to do is to understand the level of support required. You should talk to healthcare professionals about their recommendations and to develop a care plan. Your local authority will also be able to offer an assessment and help you plan ahead, and a Lasting Power of Attorney can be requested to make health and well-being decisions on your behalf if required.
To support you on your journey, our carers for dementia can also help to produce a support plan and provide information on the care home options in your area. Then you will be able to visit the facilities to assess the environment, culture, and quality of care.
When you or your loved one has decided on a care home we will do everything we can to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. We have several resources for carers and family members that are useful in settling loved ones into their new environment. For more information, visit our Dementia Carers Support Guide.
What is the best care for dementia patients?
Care homes for dementia patients can be residential homes, nursing homes, or both.
Residential facilities offer 24-hour care for dementia patients who are struggling to manage at home and are a good option during the early stages as the person may not need complex support.
Nursing care is provided for those who need regular medical assistance – with reassurance that a team of qualified, on-site nursing staff is on hand day and night.
The types of care that are best can also depend on the type and progression of the condition. Barchester offers personalised care, meaning our team gets to know each and every person to ensure they receive the very best support for their specific needs.
How can care homes help with dementia?
Barchester dementia care homes have the dedicated teams, spaces and activities needed to enable your loved ones to live a fulfilled life.
As their symptoms develop over time, they may require extra dementia assistance. Our specially trained staff are on hand 24/7 to ensure our residents remain as comfortable as possible.
Our spaces are designed to be easily navigated. For example, our dedicated facilities support orientation and wayfinding – often including bright coloured doors and photos rather than room numbers to serve as memory prompts.
We are also focused on improving well-being and quality of life. Our enrichment programme of activities allows all our residents to increase their physical and social interactions, with opportunities to stimulate the mind, body and soul.
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Barchester has over 200 care facilities across the UK; each one creating a supportive and friendly environment for residents. Find a home near you and book a visit.
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Types of care
At Barchester, we treat everyone as individuals, and always tailor our services and support to meet their needs.
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Help and advice
Finding the ideal care home is a daunting task. Take a look at our dedicated help and advice section, to help make the best decision possible for yourself or a loved one.
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