If your loved one is experiencing memory problems then a nursing home that is registered for Dementia would be required as they would have the appropriate staff to manage the complexities of their cognitive decline.

When viewing a home always remember that a chandelier does not provide care and that the best looking homes are not always the best. Things to look for when viewing are:
• What is the care staff doing during the visit? Are they sitting with the residents talking to them?
• What activities are happening at the time you are in the home?

During your visit always ask questions to the staff and give information about your loved one for the staff to reassure you that they have the skills required to provide the care you want for your loved one.

Ask about how will they manage your loved ones?  Special diets if they are needed Activities which would be of interest for your loved one.

At Amberley Lodge, we have highly skilled and knowledgeable staff that all have an interest in Dementia Care. The qualified nurses are General trained and are able to manage any physical/medical concerns that your loved one may be experiencing and I am a qualified Mental Health nurse with many years’ experience in Dementia Care, having worked as a Specialist Dementia In Reach Nurse and am also a Dementia Care Mapper.

For our residents, we try to provide a home from home experience and encourage our residents to partake in activities inside and outside of the home. Trips into town for a touch of retail therapy, followed by coffee and cake in a local shop or a trip to the library to find a book or two. Within the home, we offer reminiscence therapy talking about the old days from school days to trips to the beach. We have a selection of outside entertainers who come and sing to our residents, which is always a big hit!

For some family who lives miles away you can always telephone in for a chat or if your computer minded facetime you loved one. Our staff is always on hand to offer our resident’s assistance should you wish to use this form of media.

If you feel we can provide your loved ones with the home environment that you would like for them please give us a call and arrange a visit. Telephone number 01903 201076.

Written by: Debbie Cowdery