Dementia care at The Orchards, Bristol

The Orchards is the first dedicated dementia facility in Bristol to have been opened by the St Monica Trust, part of the award-winning Westbury Field Retirement Village, a vibrant community of more than 200 elderly people who live independently in their own homes as well as a further 80 people supported with excellent long term nursing care in John Wills House, a specialist care home.

The Orchards has recently been refitted, benefiting from a major refurbishment to provide extended living space and a décor which manager Viv Stiles says is better suited to the of needs of the small community of fifteen people living with dementia. 

Explains Viv, “We are continually evolving our dementia service, learning from our experiences and striving towards new standards of best practice.  We have improved kitchen and bathroom facilities and additional specialist furniture. Combining warm colours with brighter lighting has made a real improvement to the overall ambience for residents."

The Orchards was awarded CSCI ‘Excellent’ ratings in its most recent inspection by the former Commission for Social Care, now the Care Quality Commission.

The Orchards has its own sensory garden, and residents can also enjoy the facilities and amenities of Westbury Fields Retirement Village, including the village green and cricket pitch where a local team plays regular summer league matches.

There is on-site physiotherapy, chiropody and hairdressing.

With the support of an activities co-ordinator, residents at The Orchards enjoy a wide range of interests and activities, including gardening therapy, cooking, music and movement . 

When Margaret and Desmond moved here they thought they were at the golf club. I can see why. It’s a lovely place. Margaret joins in with day trips if she wants to, loves singing and exercise classes, but she also enjoys the quiet things, tackling a jigsaw, which she always loved to do. I suppose like many people, I felt guilty at first that I couldn’t support her, but not now. This is the right place and she’s very happy here.

Helen Ducket, cousin of resident at The Orchards

The Russets The first purpose-built specialist dementia care facility in North Somerset, stands next to a brand new retirement village, Sandford Station		Sundials Sundials home for twelve residents living with dementia, one of two dedicated St Monica Trust dementia care facilities in Bristol.