Choosing a dementia care home is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already managing the emotional challenges of supporting a loved one living with dementia.
Knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask, can make the process feel far more manageable. Whether you’re searching near Clitheroe, across the Ribble Valley, or in towns like Blackburn, Burnley, or Preston, this guide will help you find the right care with confidence.
What Is Dementia Care?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour. The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
As dementia progresses, the level of care a person needs usually increases. Many families begin by caring at home, but there often comes a point where professional support in a specialist residential setting becomes the safest and most compassionate option.
Dementia care in a residential setting offers:
- Qualified staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- A safe, structured environment with dementia-friendly design
- Person-centred care plans built around the individual’s life story and preferences
- Activities and social engagement to support wellbeing
- Peace of mind for family members
When Is the Right Time to Consider a Dementia Care Home?
There’s no single answer, every family’s situation is different. However, there are some common signs that it may be time to explore residential dementia care near you:
- Safety at home has become a concern – for example, leaving the cooker on, wandering, or falls
- The level of care needed has grown beyond what family carers can provide
- The person with dementia is becoming increasingly isolated or distressed at home
- Family carers are experiencing burnout or their own health is suffering
- The person with dementia would benefit from consistent routines and professional support
If you’re seeing these signs in a loved one, it may be worth starting to explore your options, even if you’re not ready to make a decision just yet.
What to Look for in a Dementia Care Home in Lancashire
1. A Person-Centred Approach
The best dementia care homes treat residents as individuals, not just as a diagnosis. At High Brake House, whether you are looking for permanent residential support or day care dementia services, before a resident moves in, we spend time getting to know their life story, preferences, routines, and interests. This shapes everything from their daily activities to what’s on the menu at mealtimes.
2. Trained and Compassionate Staff
At High Brake House, our team receives ongoing training in communication techniques, understanding behaviours associated with dementia, and providing dignified personal care. Many of our staff have been with us for five years or more – they know residents by name, know their stories, and genuinely care about the people they look after.
3. A Safe and Homely Environment
Dementia-friendly design matters. High Brake House is designed to feel comfortable and familiar, rather than clinical. This includes:
- Clear signage with pictures and words to help with navigation
- Good lighting to reduce confusion and shadows
- Secure outdoor garden areas where residents can walk safely
- Smaller, cosy lounge areas that feel relaxed rather than overwhelmingTraditional décor and familiar surroundings that provide comfort and reassurance
4. A Strong CQC Rating
All care homes in England are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure high standards across care home life. Homes are rated across five key areas – Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. High Brake House is proudly rated Good by the CQC, and you can read our full inspection report on the CQC website before making a decision.
5. Open Family Involvement
Dementia affects the whole family – not just the person with the diagnosis. At High Brake House, we keep families informed, involved in care planning, and always made welcome. We provide regular updates, invite families to be part of daily life, and are always available to talk through any questions or concerns.
Understanding Funding for Dementia Care in Lancashire
Paying for dementia care can feel complicated, but there are several routes worth exploring:
- Local authority funding – if a person’s assets are below £23,250, they may qualify for support through a Lancashire County Council needs assessment
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – fully funded care for those with complex health needs, assessed by an NHS team
- Attendance Allowance – a benefit available to those over state pension age who need help with personal care
- Self-funding – some families pay privately, at least initially
It’s worth speaking to a financial adviser who specialises in care funding, as well as your local council or GP, to understand what support may be available to you.
Dementia Care at High Brake House, Clitheroe
At High Brake House, we offer dementia care in Clitheroe, at the heart of the Ribble Valley. We’ve been providing family-focused residential care for over 23 years, and our approach is built around the person – not the diagnosis.
Before a resident joins us, we spend time getting to know their life story: their career, their favourite music, the food they love, and the routines that matter to them. This forms the foundation of a personalised care plan that’s regularly reviewed and updated as needs change.
Our dementia-friendly home has multiple cosy lounges, secure garden areas for safe outdoor time, clear and welcoming signage, and a team of experienced staff who receive ongoing training in person-centred dementia care. We’re rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, and trusted by families from across Lancashire.
We also offer respite care, residential care, and palliative care for those who need a different type of support.
Come and see us
Pop in between 10am–4pm Monday to Friday – no appointment needed. Or call us on 01200 538110 for a chat with our team.
We welcome families from Whalley, Longridge, Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Preston, and across the Ribble Valley. Send us an enquiry and we’ll get back to you promptly.
