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What to look for in a dementia care home

Choosing a dementia care home is one of the biggest decisions a family can face. It’s not only about finding professional care – it’s about finding a place where a person feels safe, supported and valued.

Every person’s dementia journey is different, so the right home will be one that understands individual needs and helps people live as well as possible.

Personalised dementia care

Dementia affects everyone differently. A good dementia care home should take time to get to know each person – their routines, likes and dislikes, hobbies and memories. This helps ensure care is built around the individual, not just the condition.

At HC-One, we:

  • Spend time with residents and families to understand their life stories

  • Plan care with compassion, supporting personal choices at every stage of someone’s dementia journey

  • Help residents stay connected to family and their communities

A safe and supportive environment

Familiar surroundings can make a big difference for someone living with dementia. Look for a home that feels warm and welcoming and offers dementia-friendly features like calm colour schemes, interior design that supports wayfinding and safe outdoor spaces.

People living in HC-One care homes are encouraged to bring personal items – photos, ornaments or a favourite chair – to help create a comforting, homely environment from day one.

Companionship and activities

Loneliness can be a challenge for people living with dementia, especially if they live alone. A dementia care home should offer opportunities for meaningful activities, social interaction and companionship – all of which help support wellbeing.

Our wellbeing teams design activities to support both physical and mental stimulation, from gentle exercise and creative hobbies to time outdoors in the garden.

Knowledge and support from our dementia care experts

When choosing a dementia care home, it’s important to know the team has the right skills and experience. HC-One is one of the UK’s largest providers of dementia care, with guidance from our expert team of Dementia Care Managers - who work together with Professor Graham Stokes to support our family of care homes to offer dedicated dementia care support.

Across our homes you’ll find:

  • Kind, caring teams who are supported by our expert Dementia Care Managers

  • Wellbeing Coordinators offering companionship and a wide range of stimulating activities

  • Chefs trained in catering for specialist diets

  • Registered Nurses available 24/7 in homes offering nursing dementia care.

Peace of mind for families

A dementia care home should give families reassurance that the right care and support are in place, while still involving them in daily life. At HC-One, we welcome family visits – whether that’s a cuppa in the lounge, joining in with activities, or heading out together into the community.

Finding the right dementia care home can feel daunting, but knowing what to look out for can make the journey easier.

If you’d like to learn more or arrange a visit to one of our dementia care communities, speak to our friendly Care Advisors on 0333 999 8699 or use our care home search tool to find a home near you.