Dementia Care

At Tanglewood we offer a home for individuals that are living with dementia. We know that dementia presents itself in different ways, and we are here to help you with taking that next step you need to take for yourself or your loved one. We offer services for people that require residential and nursing dementia, supported by our specialist team’s dementia care experience and skills.

Our Guide to Dementia Care

Tanglewood’s Approach To Dementia Care

Our friendly care home environment provides areas for people to have space to socialise and move around, as we know this is important. We understand that some may feel socialising is impossible for people with dementia, which is why our team works on promoting activity, engagement and the importance of socialising with dementia wherever possible. We have signage to aid people to find their way and orientate themselves around the care home, in case they find themselves in a state of confusion. Likewise, we want people living with dementia to remain independent, and continue to participate in their daily living skills as much as possible. Our specialist care homes focus on dementia and independence, with managers constantly exploring options to promote independence in people with dementia. We believe that with the right support, a dementia patient can keep their independence for longer.

Life at our Dementia Care Homes

We tailor activities to each person’s capabilities to ensure that they are able to continue to live full lives. Our care home activities coordinators are passionate about resident stimulation. With engaging games and activities for people with dementia, alongside good practice guidance to incorporate heritage objects, colours, and textures that help our dementia patients enjoy care home life. To get a look into life within one of our dementia communities, read about our Holbeach Meadows first-floor community. Inspection reports for our Lincolnshire dementia care home, Horncastle mention residents being seen laughing and holding hands with our staff and enjoying simple moments like watching birds on a bird table. Similar positive resident engagement is seen across our specialist dementia care homes, from residents enjoying a dementia-friendly barbers to nostalgic experiences for our residents.

Speak to a Dementia Care Home Specialist

Specialist Dementia Care Homes For Older People

We understand that making choices is difficult at times, so at mealtimes we are able to show people what options there are so that they can choose what they eat at the point of serving. We also provide physical support at mealtimes with eating, should this be required. We have equipment for mealtimes to enable independence. Our dementia care homes have lovely, safe and secure gardens, as we know how important it is to spend time outside. We often use our outdoor spaces for events and gatherings, such as a care home weekly memory cafe to support our dementia residents and their families. Some of our care homes have memory boxes outside the bedrooms to assist each person to locate their bedroom. Our environments are safe and secure, with each dementia care home designed with the health and safety aspects of residents in mind, including bedroom layout designs.

Request a care home brochure

Person-Centred Care & Staff Training

If you choose to live at a Tanglewood home, we carry out an assessment so that we can understand the support you require, and we will discuss decision making and who is able to do that on behalf of your loved one, if they are lacking in capacity. This is the first step in our care home’s commitment to truly person-centred dementia care.

Our team receive accredited dementia training and dementia awareness training, so they really understand how to recognise and support the person that is living with this brain change condition. We focus on dementia care qualifications that encourage our staff’s specialist care skills to ensure all staff are able to provide quality dementia care. Our staff training is continually enhanced, including attending workshops on dementia resources to ensure we’re always up-to-date.

Speak to a Dementia Care Home Specialist

Our Commitment to Quality Dementia Care

Our care home leadership team is passionate in making sure that each care home’s dementia patients receive high quality care, underpinned by dementia care training and dementia carer qualifications. This dedication extends beyond our homes, as proven by our commitment to supporting the wider dementia community through fundraising and awareness initiatives. Our commitment to quality care and community is demonstrated through events like our care home’s Dementia Action Week activities. Another commitment featured in our Lincolnshire dementia care home’s inspection reports is a manager who “spoke passionately about supporting people who lived with dementia and used her knowledge on the subject to influence staff practices at the care home”. At Tanglewood, we’ve a commitment to patient care transparency and involving families in the care process, with regular invites to resident relatives to meetings. One relative told the care home inspector, “We have relatives and resident meetings and issues get addressed.’”

Other examples of specialist dementia support include a staff member helping a resident who was upset about their birthday by gently pointing to a calendar and reminding them of the upcoming date. Our specialist dementia care homes are vibrant with life, from managing challenging behaviours to residents celebrating special occasions like International Women’s Day.

These are great examples of dementia behaviour management at Tanglewood care homes, and using the best behaviour management strategies for our patients. Tanglewood care home staff understand how to manage challenging behaviour in dementia residents whilst respecting their independence.

Request a care home brochure

Why Choose Tanglewood For Dementia Care?

Our specialist care home staff are trained to support residents with decision-making and are able to provide reassurance during times of distress. One example is a staff member at our Lincoln dementia care home, who calmly supported a dementia resident who had spent most of their day moving furniture around their room because of how calm the resident was whilst engaged in the activity. This staff member only intervened if they felt there was a danger to the patient or other people. We work very closely with community health professionals to support the individual with any changes in their condition, and how we can continue to support them, and embed this within our person-centred dementia care. At Tanglewood’s dementia care homes, we train our team to deeply understand how to recognise and support a person living with dementia.

Explore our care homes

Dementia Care FAQs

What Is Tanglewood’s Approach to Dementia Care?

Our approach is based on Person-Centred Care. We place each person’s history, preferences, and feelings at the heart of every decision.

Dignity and Respect

We protect dignity by using respectful language and involving residents in conversations about their care and daily life whenever possible.

Encouraging Independence

We support residents to take part in daily living tasks for as long as they can. Specialist signage helps with orientation and reduces confusion.

Specialised Environments

Many homes include dedicated dementia communities, such as the life-skills areas at Holbeach Meadows. These familiar, homely settings encourage activity and spark connection.

How Can Families Stay Involved in Dementia Care?

We value family insight and maintain an open, transparent partnership.

Flexible Visiting

We have <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/our-homes/tanglewood-horncastle/”>no set visiting hours</a>. Families can visit whenever they choose, and many enjoy time together in our landscaped gardens.

Relative Meetings

We host regular meetings to share updates, gather feedback, and address any concerns promptly.

LifeLibrary Involvement

Families can add photos and stories to their loved one’s digital memory book, helping staff deliver better personalised care.

Community Events

Families are welcome at celebrations and fundraising events. For example, see the community bake sale at <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/hunters-creek-raises-funds-for-children-in-need-with-community-bake-sale/”>Hunters Creek for Children in Need</a> and the <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/tanglewood-summer-fayre/”>Summer Fayres</a> held across many homes.

What Activities Are Available for People Living With Dementia?

We tailor <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/activities/”>activities</a> to each person’s abilities, interests, and life story.

Reminiscence and Sensory Activities

Sessions often focus on memory recall and familiar sensations. At Holbeach Meadows, residents enjoyed festive baking sessions that filled the home with comforting seasonal aromas. Learn more about this on our <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/holbeach-meadows-embraces-the-festive-spirit-with-christmas-cheer-and-activities/”>Holbeach Meadows festive activities page</a>.

Community Connection

Social interaction is essential. At Toray Pines, weekly visits from <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/building-bonds-across-generations-toray-pines-welcomes-weekly-visits-from-little-acorns/”>Little Acorns Day Nursery</a> bring joy, energy, and intergenerational connection.

Technology and Personalisation

Homes such as <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/our-homes/trent-bridge-west-bridgford/”>Trent Bridge</a> and <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/our-homes/bingley-park-bradford/”>Bingley Park</a> use the <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/tanglewood-care-homes-is-excited-to-announce-its-collaboration-with-oomph-on-demand/”>LifeLibrary app</a> to create digital memory books. These stories guide personalised activity plans and enhance engagement.

Specialised Services

Events such as <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/richard-house-care-home-welcomes-dementia-friendly-barbers-as-part-of-inclusive-care-at-tanglewood/”>Dementia-Friendly Barber visits at Richard House</a> and <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/a-touch-of-nostalgia-dementia-friendly-barber-event-brings-joy-to-toray-pines-residents/”>Toray Pines</a> help maintain familiar routines in a supportive and dignified way.

What Behaviours Are Common in Dementia and How Does the Team Support Them?

Dementia affects each person differently. Our teams use skilled, compassionate techniques to respond to behavioural changes, as described in our <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/understanding-dementia-care-guide-for-families-residents/”>dementia care approach</a>.

Understanding and Validation

We avoid correcting or arguing. Instead, we use validation-based approaches that acknowledge feelings and gently redirect, helping reduce agitation and confusion.

Reducing Agitation

Structured routines reduce distress from changes. We also use calming sensory elements, such as soft lighting and soothing sounds or music, to promote relaxation.

Supporting Safe Movement

Homes feature secure outdoor areas and circular indoor pathways so residents can move freely without dead ends or safety risks.

Meaningful Engagement

Activities often include <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/tanglewood-horncastle-activities-team/”>heritage objects, textures, and colours</a> to support cognitive function and evoke positive memories.

Do You Participate in Dementia Research?

Yes. Tanglewood Care Homes is committed to improving understanding and treatment of dementia.

Join Dementia Research Champion

Tanglewood is the first residential care provider in the UK to become a <a href=”https://www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/tanglewood-announced-as-winners-of-the-2023-sunflower-challenge/”>Join Dementia Research Champion</a>.

Our Commitment

We share research opportunities with residents, families, and staff, encouraging participation in clinical studies that may help advance treatment and bring us closer to a cure.</div>