Business Details
Your Trusted Residential Dementia Care Home in Minehead
Established in the historic town of Minehead, The Dene Lodge has been providing compassionate residential care for individuals living with dementia since the early 20th century. Our purpose-built facility, nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park, offers a warm and nurturing environment where residents maintain their dignity, freedom and independence. With 33 en-suite rooms across two buildings, including the newly expanded Rachels House, we create a homely atmosphere that supports both personal space and communal living. Our dedicated team of over 25 full-time care staff, all trained in dementia care and positive behaviour support, deliver 24/7 personalised support tailored to each resident's unique needs.We prioritise nutritional wellbeing through home-cooked meals prepared by our on-site kitchen team, with staff dining alongside residents to foster social connections. Our comprehensive activities programme, led by four dedicated coordinators, includes community outings, live entertainment and weekly mobility sessions with our partner HolisticFit. The home's digital medication management system ensures precise care delivery, while our secure outdoor spaces allow residents to enjoy the natural surroundings safely. Through our commitment to person-centred care, we strive to make The Dene Lodge feel like a true home for every resident.
Services
Residential dementia care
Personalised care plans
24/7 support
Activities programmes
Nutritional support
Highlights and features
- 25+ trained care staff with dementia care expertise
- Personalised nutrition support with home-cooked meals
- Dedicated activities coordinators for tailored engagement
- Secure outdoor spaces with Exmoor views
- Digital medication management system for precision care
What people say
Dedicated team
Safe environment
Engaging activities
Personalised care
Friendly response
Services
Residential dementia care
Specialist residential support for individuals with dementia across two purpose-built facilities. 33 en-suite rooms provide private spaces while communal areas encourage social interaction. Staff trained in positive behaviour support create tailored care plans that promote independence and reduce anxiety through structured activities and environmental adaptations.
Personalised care plans
Individualised care strategies developed through comprehensive assessments of residents' needs and preferences. Digital care planning software tracks progress and ensures consistency across shifts. Regular reviews involve family members and healthcare professionals to maintain optimal support frameworks that evolve with residents' changing requirements.
24/7 support
Continuous staffing presence with trained professionals available at all times. Emergency response systems in every room ensure immediate assistance when needed. Night-time support maintains residents' comfort while respecting sleep patterns through minimally intrusive monitoring techniques.
Activities programmes
Structured daily activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and physical wellbeing. Programme includes community outings, creative workshops, and visiting entertainments. Four dedicated coordinators develop both group and one-to-one sessions that reflect residents' personal interests and life histories.
Nutritional support
Home-cooked meals prepared fresh daily with dietary requirements accommodated. Nutritional assistants monitor residents' intake and hydration levels, working closely with kitchen staff to create appealing menus that meet medical guidelines while respecting personal food preferences.
People
Lewis Don
Registered Manager
Lewis oversees all aspects of The Dene Lodge's operations, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements. With extensive experience in dementia care management, he leads staff training initiatives and maintains quality assurance frameworks.
Jisna Mariam
Deputy Manager
Jisna supports daily operations and staff coordination at The Dene Lodge. She specialises in implementing person-centred care approaches and works closely with families to ensure residents' needs are consistently met through effective communication channels.
Gillian Whitmarsh
Finance
Gillian manages The Dene Lodge's financial operations, ensuring sustainable business practices while maintaining focus on quality care provision. She oversees budgeting processes and financial reporting requirements for the facility.
Fiona Vigrass
Care Supervisor
Fiona leads care teams in delivering daily support to residents, focusing on implementing individual care plans. She provides on-the-floor supervision and mentoring to care staff while maintaining direct communication with residents and families.
Janice Malarkey
Care Supervisor
Janice coordinates care delivery across shifts, ensuring continuity of support for residents. She specialises in medication management systems and staff training related to dementia care best practices.
Questions
What specialisms does Dene Lodge care home have?
We specialise in residential dementia care with staff trained in positive behaviour support and non-pharmacological interventions. Our facilities include secure outdoor spaces and tailored activities programmes for individuals with varying dementia needs.
How does Dene Lodge support residents' independence?
Through person-centred care plans that respect residents' choices in daily routines, meal selections, and activity participation. Our design features secure outdoor access and communal areas that encourage self-directed movement.
What staff qualifications ensure quality care?
All 25+ care staff hold dementia care certifications and first aid training. Eight staff are medication administration qualified, supported by digital systems ensuring accurate medication delivery.
How are family members kept informed?
We maintain regular communication through care plan reviews and daily updates. The management team is contactable via phone and email for immediate family concerns or care-related questions.
What recreational activities are available?
Our four activities coordinators organise group sessions, one-to-one engagements, and community outings. The programme includes live music, animal visits, and local trips to gardens and historic sites.
How does the home manage medical needs?
Digital medication management systems track residents' prescriptions. Nutritional assistants monitor dietary requirements while our kitchen team prepares appropriate meals. We coordinate with external healthcare providers for specialist needs.
