Dementia Care
What is dementia care?
Dementia care in Lilian Faithfull care homes is designed to offer tailored support for each of our residents living with dementia. We understand that dementia affects every person differently, so our specially trained staff will create personalised care plans to support each individual in the way that best suits their needs and wishes.
From one-to-one physical care through to adapting activities to make them more accessible, our team ensures every person living with dementia feels like a valued part of our community.
Why consider a dementia care home?
Specialist dementia care
Our ‘dementia care leads’ and teams of dementia link workers ensure that our staff are up to date with the latest training and understanding of dementia. Our homes are subtly adjusted to ease common practical challenges when living with dementia, such as suitable signage, use of colours and appropriate tableware, to give a secure and safe environment.
Dementia care homes & suites
We understand that people living with dementia often need extra levels of support, compassion and care. Two of our residential homes offer precisely that, suiting those who might otherwise feel lost in a larger home or find a busy environment overwhelming. We find that residents needing extra support flourish in these family-sized environments.
Royal Court
The newly refurbished Royal Court is made up of multiple, close-knit communities of just six to seven residents each. These communities include thoughtfully designed bedrooms, kitchens and welcoming communal spaces. We support residents here to build meaningful relationships with familiar neighbours and a consistent team of staff. We find residents really thrive with this level of continuity, helping them feel safe, relaxed and valued. The home also has dedicated spaces to encourage engagement, creativity and meaningful moments throughout the day. This includes three tranquillity gardens, and a sensory room in the Lavender Unit, which all offer a peaceful haven for residents to relax.
Faithfull House: The Bluebell Suite
On the first floor of Faithfull House, the Bluebell Suite overlooks the beautiful views across Suffolk Square. With a separate team of dedicated staff for consistency and a higher staff-to resident ratio, it’s an ideal setting to give additional one-to-one support for residents living with dementia. The self-contained suite has its own lounges, dining rooms and even a garden room complete with grass, a beautiful woodland mural, plants and birdsong to bring the outside in for residents with limited mobility.
At each location, the calm and tranquil settings offer familiarity and continuity which gives extra reassurance and comfort to its residents. Activities are on a one-to-one basis and include music therapy, cookery, massage and gentle exercise.
At each location the Extra Care Suites are self-contained with their own lounge, dining rooms and accommodation. They both have their own dedicated team of experienced staff. The calm and tranquil settings offer familiarity and continuity which gives extra reassurance and comfort to its residents. Activities are on a one to one basis and include music therapy, cookery, massage and gentle exercise.
Dementia care at our adult day hub:
At our Secret Garden Hubs at Faithfull House, Cheltenham and Bay Tree Court, Prestbury, we offer flexible day care for adults, including those living with dementia. We understand that dementia affects everyone differently, which is why our day care team offer tailored support to meet the needs of each individual in a friendly, secure environment. From therapeutic activities and social engagement to quiet time in our beautiful, secure garden, every element of the day is designed to support mental and physical wellbeing. Whether someone is in the early stages of dementia (we offer a Young Onset group) or in the later stages, we strive to create joyful, meaningful experiences to help people stay connected, engaged and supported throughout the day.
Fall prevention programme
Our physio team have a particular interest in falls prevention for those whose cognitive ability is affected by dementia. They work with staff, residents and families across the charity to increase understanding of potential hazards and give practical advice on ways to minimise risk including tailored exercise programmes.
Dementia care and support at Lilian Faithfull
Alongside residential, respite or nursing care, we offer specialist dementia care in all of our Lilian Faithfull Care homes and day care hubs in Cheltenham. All our staff receive specialist training so that they can work with skill and confidence to assist those living with dementia.
We also offer support meetings to provide families and friends with advice and help them to understand more about dementia, interact with other people in similar situations and receive advice relating to their loved ones.
Discover more about our care homes and how we support those living with dementia, or get in contact with us for additional help and advice.
Royal Court
Faithfull House
Secret Garden Community Hub
‘We believe that people living with dementia can still live a full and contented life. Our care is about finding what makes each person relaxed and comfortable in their environment, helping them, and their loved ones, to adjust to this new chapter in their lives’
Suzanne Booker, Director of Care
DEMENTIA CARE FAQs
When should someone with dementia go into a care home?
When living at home becomes unsafe, when risks increase, or when family carers can no longer meet the level of need. This might look like frequent confusion or disorientation, wandering or getting lost, increased risk of falls, changes in behaviour such as agitation or distress, or difficulties with eating, personal care, or taking medication.
If you’re noticing these changes or feeling unsure about whether you can safely provide care at home for your loved one with dementia, we’re here to talk things through and support you in deciding what feels right, at your pace. We support decisions being made collaboratively, with the individual involved where possible, or through a best interest process if capacity is lost. Read more about when it’s time to seek dementia care for a loved one.
What is the average cost of dementia care home fees?
Approximately £1,850 per week (Correct as of Feb 2026)
Do you provide emergency dementia respite care?
Absolutely. We know that personal situations can change quickly, and sometimes specialist dementia respite care is needed urgently. Please contact us and we will do our best to help at short notice to provide expert short term cover.
Can I visit before making a decision about dementia care?
Absolutely. Visits and show rounds are encouraged so families can see the home, meet the team, and understand what is included in the fees. We strongly recommend booking a visit to get a true feel for the environment and ask any questions you may have to help give you peace of mind.
What training do staff have in dementia care?
All our care staff receive dementia training, starting with the basics and building up to more advanced learning for those who want to specialise.
Everyone begins with our Lilian Faithfull Care Academy induction, which includes a full day on dementia. This gives a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the condition and how we support people living with it.
After this, staff complete Tier 1 dementia training, which follows the standards set by the Dementia Education Team. Once Tier 1 is finished, they can progress to Tier 2, a one-day external course that deepens their knowledge and confidence.
For those who want to take on a specialist role, there are two further pathways:
- Dementia Link Worker – an 11-week external course (one day a week) that equips staff to champion dementia care within their home.
- Dementia Lead Worker – a course run alongside the Link Worker programme, supporting staff to lead dementia practice in their home.
After completing either of these roles, staff may also train as a Tier 1 Dementia Trainer, enabling them to teach others.
Alongside this structured pathway, we offer regular CPD sessions and update events throughout the year. These help staff stay current, share best practice and continue to grow their skills.
Dementia Care Reviews
‘My wife is very well looked after here [Faithfull House] and seems happier and more communicative than before she moved in about 12 months ago. There are plenty of things to do and many other residents to interact with which suits her just fine. I am happy that as someone with Alzheimer’s she is in exactly the right place for her.’
Aug 2021