Sandford dementia care facility recognised as ‘best in UK’.

An innovative new care home in Sandford, North Somerset has been recognised as the best facility for dementia care in the UK.

The Russets, the specialist care facility opened earlier this year in Sandford by Bristol charity the St Monica Trust, was recognised as the Best Dementia Care Facility in the UK in the UK Over-50s Housing Awards. It provides a unique living environment designed to improve the quality of life, levels of independence and fulfilment for more than 70 residents living with all stages of dementia.

St Monica Trust director Gerald Lee accepted the award on behalf of the Trust. He also received personal recognition for his contribution to the over-50s housing sector, named as one of the top five thinkers in relation to enhancing care and accommodation for older people in the UK. Says Mr Lee, “The Russets has been an exciting new development for the Trust and a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we can offer the very best provision in terms of both care and accommodation to support the individual needs of people living with dementia. It is very pleasing that the service The Russets is now providing is gaining both early and widespread recognition for its quality innovation and excellence.”

Underpinning the unique care service at The Russets is the careful design of the building which creates an environment that is easily understandable by residents. Openness, accessibility and visual cues all work together to reduce the frustration that can often be experienced by people living with dementia, empowering residents at The Russets with the freedom to explore, choose and enjoy purposeful activity in a supported, homely and stress-free environment.


The Russets is the third specialist dementia facility to be opened by the St Monica Trust within the past four years and the first in North Somerset. It’s situated adjacent to Sandford Station a separate retirement village also being developed by the Trust. With 108 one, two and three-bedroom cottages and apartments, providing independent accommodation for older people, Sandford Station will open its doors to first residents in October this year with facilities such as a restaurant, swimming pool, gym, bowling and croquet greens and a wide range of leisure activities.