At High Brake House, we see the person beyond the dementia. Our dementia care in the Ribble Valley focuses on your life story, cherished memories, and individual personality – helping you live well and feel valued every day.
Seeing the person, not just the condition
Dementia care at High Brake House is built around person-centred care and your unique life story. We believe that behind every diagnosis is someone with a lifetime of experiences, relationships, skills, and preferences that deserve to be celebrated and supported.
Before you join us, we spend time learning about your background – your career, hobbies, family, favourite music, foods you love, and routines that matter to you. This becomes the foundation of your personalised care plan.
We help you stay connected to the things and people that matter most. Whether that’s listening to music from your era, looking through family photos, or continuing activities you’ve always enjoyed, we adapt our approach to keep these connections alive.
Every interaction is based on respect for who you are. Our staff communicate with patience and understanding, recognising that frustration and confusion are part of the condition, not a reflection of your character.
A typical day that feels familiar and comfortable
We maintain familiar patterns that provide comfort and structure, but with flexibility to adapt to how you’re feeling each day. Some days you might want to join group activities, other days you might prefer quiet time – both are perfectly fine.
Mealtimes focus on foods you recognise and enjoy. If you’ve always loved a particular meal, we’ll make sure it’s regularly on the menu. We understand that eating habits may change and adapt our approach accordingly, including using the food first incentive where food is fortified to help with boosting or maintaining weight.
Experienced, compassionate care
Our dementia care team receives ongoing training in:
Our experienced staff learn to read non-verbal communication and anticipate needs. If you’re restless, you might be bored or need to use the bathroom. If you’re calling out, you might be in pain or feeling anxious. We work to understand what you’re trying to tell us.
Each person’s dementia journey is different. Your digital care plan is regularly reviewed and adapted as your needs change, always involving your family in decisions about your care.
As dementia progresses, we adapt our care approach:
A home designed for comfort and safety
High Brake House doesn’t feel like a clinical environment. Our building has the character of a family home with:
We understand that movement and exploration are natural for many people with dementia:
We’re here for your whole family
Understanding the journey We know that dementia affects the whole family, not just the person with the diagnosis. We’re here to support you through this challenging time with understanding, practical advice, and emotional support.
Regular communication
Flexible visiting We encourage families to visit regularly and be involved in daily life:
Respite and support Caring for someone with dementia is exhausting. Our dementia care provides families with:
Managers, listened carefully to what I thought my needs were following a leg operation. I felt that I was treated as an individual, not just another resident. It was great to be encouraged to personalise my room. The carers helped me with my mobility. very soon, I was able to get in and out of bed on my own. The carers often made time for a general chat which helped to make me feel at home. I was greatly encouraged to increase my mobility. The carers shared my joy with each small success. The food was varied and delicious. I was glad to be able to choose small portions. The activities co-ordinator, kept me informed daily of available activities. There was a good variety of activities and he was willing to accommodate interests. I felt very safe and well-cared for throughout my 6-week stay. ALL the staff - management, carers, kitchen staff, cleaners, were very friendly. compassionate and helpful. I would certainly return there should the need arise.
Grace F Respite ResidentMy mum had been in the care home for just short of three years until she sadly passed away in January. Throughout her time in High Brake I could not fault the level of care shown by all the staff towards her. When my mum first went into the home they supported her independence, even charging up her mobility scooter to allow her to visit the local cricket club! As her balance deteriorated the level of care and support given increased proportionately so that mum was always kept safe. The staff are always friendly and cheerful, nothing is too much trouble for them. We were able to personalise her room with family photos etc. Mum became one of the 'High Brake family' and I know she was cared for and loved by all who worked there. When we were unable to visit, the home facilitated a FaceTime meet, which was gratefully appreciated. I couldn't have asked for better care and would not hesitate to recommend High Brake House.
Andrew K Son of ResidentMy husband had been at home for nearly two and half years being cared for full time by myself. He had suffered sepsis with complications of 2 strokes, leaving him registered blind with reduced mobility. As a family we took a view that both my husband and I needed that little bit of respite. Having visited other homes the idea was put on ice because we felt their environment was not suitable. In January 2025 High Brake was recommended and the Managers visited us in our home and advised us correctly for the length of respite and assessed my husband's requirements, this proved invaluable. Whilst in their care my husband wanted nothing, all the staff were a credit to the High Brake brand and could not help us enough. The family have discussed my husband's next visit, as and when this is required it will be the only home that will be considered.
Lynn S Wife of ResidentI was very happy how well my husband was looked after in High Brake House while I had surgery. Was peace of mind for me. He enjoyed the activities and had a lovely room. There was choice at meal times. The outside garden is very pleasant. Would definitely recommend.
Shirley S Wife of ResidentMum went to High Brake House for respite after a fall. It's such a bright, clean and friendly house with a family atmosphere. The staff are so helpful and caring, resulting in mum making excellent progress and regaining both her mobility and independence. We couldn't have asked for better care.
A W Daughter of Resident
We needed rest and care which we got in abundance. The staff looked after us and helped us to settle in with the other residents. Overall we came out feeling much better.
B D ResidentMy brothers and I have been very pleased with the care my mother has received at High Brake. The owners are lovely and are very involved in the care of the residents. All the staff are friendly and cheerful and want the best for the residents. The food is tasty and well received. It is very clean and well-kept. I go in 3 or 4 times a week and feel that my mother is in a safe place and is well cared for. I also feel that I always receive a warm welcome from the staff and am able to discuss my mother's care with members of the care team when I visit.
K R Daughter of Resident
The staff and facilities at High Brake House are very good. There is a warm and welcoming environment as soon as you walk in and all the staff are very helpful and friendly. As it is a relatively small home, compared to some we viewed, it has a more homely atmosphere and a family feel to it. There are activities organised in which the residents can participate or they can sit quietly in the lounge or their rooms. When the weather is nice, there is a lovely little garden to sit out in. Families are encouraged to visit and can do so at almost any time. We take Mum out a couple of times a week and this is never a problem. On a couple of occasions, we have been a little late getting back and the staff have either saved Mum a meal or have arranged for her to have one made. Mum has been at High Brake House for 5 months and as a family, we are very happy with the help, support and friendship she has received. We would not hesitate to recommend High Brake House.
D J Daughter of ResidentWe cannot praise High Brake House highly enough. The long-term care my Mum has received over several years has been outstanding and I am always confident that she is well cared for and living in a wonderful environment. Even during some of the most challenging times with Mum, they have always been willing to work through the issues in partnership. The management team and all the staff are wonderful and, even through the challenges of Covid, were exceptional. Mum's accommodation is modern, clean, and spacious with great en-suite facilities and feels very homely. The house in general is meticulously clean and inviting. There is always a warm welcome for visitors too. I would have no hesitation in recommending High Brake to anyone.
Ian H Son of ResidentFrom the very top and throughout all the staff everybody is very friendly/helpful/considerate and understanding. Nothing is too much trouble and everything is done with a smile on the face. It's a tough job but they all do it brilliantly. Thank you.
Peter I Son of ResidentDad has been at High Brake House for just over two years and settled in extremely well. All staff are kind and courteous, and the management team really are lovely. From the initial viewing of the home to Dad's first day everything was undertaken in a professional yet caring manner. The home is clean and inviting, rooms are a good size, the garden is a lovely sun trap, and the food is great. There are activities to join in if inclined, and there is a regular hairdresser and chiropractor. Each room has a direct dial phone so I am able to speak with Dad at any time which really is a bonus. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend High Brake House to anyone.
L P Daughter of ResidentI’ve thought long and hard before writing this review because, let’s face it, nobody will ever care for your loved one as well as you would if you were able to do so. That said the management team at High Brake House will do their very best to do just that! The first time I visited it immediately felt like “home” and not “a home”. Visitors are free to come and go just as they would were the person in their own home. Rooms can be personalised with décor, bedding and small furniture, nothing was too much trouble to help Mum feel settled very quickly. All the staff are friendly and know all the residents by name. Management takes onboard suggestions and any concerns and are very hands-on in delivering care. Mum deserves the best and I made the right choice.
Lisa P Daughter of ResidentCommon questions about dementia care
We understand that behaviours can communicate unmet needs. Our approach is to identify triggers and address underlying causes rather than simply managing symptoms. Our staff are trained in gentle redirection and calming techniques.
There’s no pressure to participate. We offer gentle encouragement, but respect personal choice. Sometimes just being in the same room as others provides comfort and stimulation.
Absolutely. Familiar belongings provide comfort and help create a sense of home. We encourage families to bring photos, favourite clothes, furnishings, or other meaningful items.
We understand that eating habits change with dementia. We offer familiar foods, provide gentle assistance when needed, and ensure proper nutrition even if eating patterns become irregular.
Maintaining dignity is paramount. Our staff are trained to provide personal care with sensitivity, using familiar language and approaches that feel comfortable and respectful.
We use clear, simple language, maintain eye contact, and give people time to process information. We also recognise non-verbal communication and respond to emotions rather than just words.
My mum initially was at High Brake House for respite care. From the moment we walked in we were made to feel welcome and treated with dignity and respect which continued throughout her stay. The staff were all caring kind and professional. Each visit we were pleasantly greeted by a team member and they always were able to advise where to find mum. Staff were always available to discuss mums care and needs and were very good at contacting us to keep us updated. The management team were always available to discuss anything or answer any questions. The food was good and available in small portions. The home was always clean and tidy. They initially told us the care was individualised to the resident and they did just that.
Trudy H Daughter of Resident