Dementia care in Somerset
Recent figures suggest that some 9,000 people in Somerset have dementia. The term covers a range of conditions that affect the brain when it has been damaged by diseases such as Alzheimers, or events such as strokes.
Common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and inability to plan or organise, as well as problems with language, orientation and visual perception. Dementia frequently causes mood changes, bringing on irritability, anxiety or agitation. Physical symptoms, such as weight loss, muscle weakness and changes in sleeping habits and appetite, may be experienced in later stages of dementia. As some of these symptoms may have other causes, including stress, depression or even dehydration or a urinary tract infection, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor if you’re concerned.
Dementia care in our Somerset nursing home
Dementia occurs mainly in the over 65s, with the risk increasing with advancing age. Located in the Somerset town of Weston-super-Mare, our St Georges Nursing Home has been specifically designed to offer outstanding dementia care. Operating a modern household model, the home offers a secure, dedicated dementia care household, staffed round the clock by a highly trained nursing team.
Interiors have been carefully designed to provide residents with wayfinding landmarks and memory areas to help reduce confusion, whilst automated lighting systems minimise disorientation, which can be particularly acute at night.
Preserving independence as part of our dementia care
A fundamental aspect of effective dementia care is the maintenance of a resident’s ability to live as independently as possible. As such, this is central to the care offered by St Georges Nursing Home, where highly trained staff support residents with tailored care plans and a varied programme of stimulating activities.
The home operates a modern household model, whereby each household has its own communal kitchen and living facilities, enabling residents’ day-to-day lives to be lived with greater independence.
As a group, Allegra Care operate a person-centred approach to elderly care. Nowhere is this is more important than with dementia.
A precisely tailored care plan, carefully designed around each resident’s lifestyle, interests and abilities, can make a significant contribution to personal fulfilment, providing structure and stimulation which, in turn, can offset the effects of anxiety, disorientation and mood changes associated with dementia.
Exemplary dementia care calls for outstanding staff, trained to the highest standards. As part of the Allegra Care group, St Georges Nursing Home in Weston-super-Mare ensures that all staff receive ongoing training and are fully qualified to provide exceptional levels of care, around the clock.
Dementia can bring many challenging behaviours which can cause great distress - the team at St Georges work calmly and professionally to support, reassure and assist residents at all times.
Independence, social interaction and stimulation are fundamental to effective dementia care. St Georges Nursing Home in Weston-super-Mare operate a varied and changing daily programme of activities to keep residents engaged and involved..
Dance, tai chi and yoga are tailored to cater for all physical abilities, whilst more arts-based activities such as drawing, painting, flower arranging and book clubs ensure that residents are occupied and fulfilled.
Purpose-built care home in Weston-super-Mare
Designed and purpose-built to offer outstanding dementia care, St Georges Nursing Home in Weston-super-Mare first opened in 2012. The highly-rated Somerset care home was extensively refurbished in 2020, updating its sector-leading dementia care facilities to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for residents with dementia in a progressive household operational model. As well as upgrading wayfinding and orientation facilities, recent renovation included the addition of a welcoming residents’ cafe.
A balanced, nutritious diet is important at all ages, none more so than for the elderly. Located in the Somerset coastal town of Weston-super-Mare, St Georges Nursing Home has established a reputation for excellent cuisine that caters for all residents’ dietary requirements. Prepared in the home’s beautifully appointed kitchens, menus are created from seasonal ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.
