Haviland House is our dedicated dementia care home, with five different households to cater to people living with different stages of dementia. A diagnosis of this condition can be life-changing and it will take time for an individual and their family to process the impact that it will have on their day-to-day lives. Someone with dementia may feel both agitated and scared about moving into a care home, because it is such a disruption – both to their routine and to their environment. This is why we place so much importance on getting to know everyone on an individual level, as each resident needs to feel recognised and understood for the person they are. We make sure we give staff the time they need to do this. Our team prioritises learning about a person’s likes and dislikes, starting from the admissions process through to moving in with us. This helps residents feel that Haviland House really is a home from home. We regularly hear about how positive connections have been built between residents and staff. As one family member recently told us: “Haviland House is beautiful, but it wasn’t long before I knew that not only was it a beautiful building – it had the staff to match it. It took mum a very short time to settle in. “She went from strength to strength, gaining weight and confidence and forming wonderful relationships with all the staff. It was a joy to watch her transformation.” Beyond the strong relationships that we’re able to build between residents and staff, Haviland also offers outstanding facilities to suit everyone’s needs. The home has large single occupancy rooms with ensuites, providing residents with spacious areas in which to live. Communal spaces include a lounge, dining room and themed rooms, such as a sensory room and an indoor potting shed. Our award-winning well-being co-ordinator, Eileen, organises both group and 1-2-1 activities, with everything from live performances to exercise classes helping to keeps residents’ minds and bodies active. Additionally, residents and families benefit from our outdoor space in the warmer months, in the home’s beautiful gardens. Avallon McCormack, home manager at Haviland House, shares what makes the care home a special environment in which to live: “At Haviland we are able to support people through all stages of dementia. Our expert team of carers and nurses empower our residents to enjoy their lives and get the most possible from their time with us.” To find out more about Haviland House, or to book a tour around our home, please contact our friendly enquiries team on 01903 327327 or email enquiries@guildcare.org. • This article has been submitted by Kevin Burke, director of quality and care home operations at Guild Care