Dementia care at The Russets, North Somerset
The Russets is the first fully purpose-built long-term dementia care facility from the St Monica Trust, providing a home for 71 people living with dementia, including complex dementia.
The Trust’s first specialist dementia care facility in North Somerset, it stands next to a brand new Trust retirement care village, Sandford Station, in Sandford, North Somerset. What’s different about how The Russets supports people living with dementia starts with the living environment, designed to reduce anxiety amongst residents and to encourage mobility and independence. Every aspect of how care is delivered has also been examined to ensure it responds to residents’ individual needs, ideas the Trust believe significantly improve the quality of life for the people who come to live here.
Built on three acres of land, accommodation is provided in five adjacent and connected bungalows, each one split into two, creating homely living environments for just 7-8 people living with dementia. Each bungalow has an open-plan but secure kitchen, where residents are supported to help prepare food if they wish, along with two dining areas and sitting areas. One bungalow has additional equipment to support the needs of residents who are very frail or who have limited mobility. The Russets is also able to offer respite care for people with dementia.
Simple visual cues make it easier for people with memory loss to identify their surroundings, encouraging residents to explore the central clubhouse with its kitchen and hairdressing salon, home to many social, physical and spiritual activities. Colours, layout, furniture, fittings and signage are all designed to make purpose and function clear, to aid understanding and orientation. Wardrobes with clear doors help residents select their choice of clothes. Sensors in every bed control the lights in the en-suite bathroom, turning on when someone leaves their bed, turning off when the bed is re-occupied.
At the heart of the development is a sensory garden, with a circular walkway through seven different landscaped areas, with raised beds for those residents who like to garden and an aviary. Although The Russets remains separate and secure, it is always open to friends and family to visit, share meals and join in the many social activities whenever they please. Similarly many residents enjoy outside visits and outings.
“Since arriving at The Russets in June, my father has been in ‘dementia paradise’. The amazing environment, the sensitive, thoughtful and practical care, together ensure that the last chapter of my father’s life will be one of his happiest.”
Cherry Bretton, daughter of resident at The Russets
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The Orchards
Recently refurbished and part of an award-winning retirement village, The Orchards was the first dedicated dementia facility in Bristol from the St Monica Trust.
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Sundials
Sundials home for twelve residents living with dementia, one of two dedicated St Monica Trust dementia care facilities in Bristol.
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