Happy Unicorn Day at The Old Vicarage Care Home
Our residents spent time creating beautiful unicorn colouring artwork, bringing plenty of smiles and joy to the home Activities like colouring are not only enjoyable, but...
Dementia Care in Weymouth
A dementia diagnosis changes things for the whole family, not just the person living with it. At The Chestnuts in Weymouth, dementia care isn't an add-on to what we do - it's something our team has specialised in for over 35 years, and it shapes how we support every resident living with memory loss.
Because we're a small home, our carers get to know each resident's history, habits and personality, not just their care needs. That familiarity matters enormously with dementia - recognising a face, hearing a familiar voice, and following a routine that doesn't change day to day all help residents feel calmer and more secure.
We support people living with mild to moderate dementia from Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and across Dorset, adapting our approach as each person's needs change over time, always with patience and without rushing anyone.
What is dementia care?
Dementia care is specialist support for people whose memory, thinking or behaviour has been affected by conditions such as Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. It goes beyond standard day-to-day support, focusing on consistency, reassurance and understanding how confusion or memory loss can affect someone's mood and confidence.
At The Chestnuts, our team is trained to communicate patiently, respond calmly to confusion or distress, and build daily routines that residents can rely on. We support people living with mild to moderate dementia; if needs progress beyond what we can safely provide, we'll always talk this through honestly with families and help them explore the right next step.
Our dementia care services
Here's what families can expect from dementia care at The Chestnuts.
Personal care assistance
Washing, dressing, grooming and getting around the home — always handled with patience and without rushing anyone.
24-hour supervision and support
Someone from our team is always nearby, so there's never a moment when a resident is left without support.
Medication management
We keep track of prescriptions and dosages carefully, so families don't have to worry about missed or muddled medication.
Freshly cooked meals, every day
Nothing pre-packaged — our kitchen prepares meals from scratch, adjusted for allergies, preferences and dietary needs.
Familiar daily routines
We keep routines steady and predictable, which helps reduce confusion and anxiety for residents living with dementia.
Social and activities programme
From games and gentle exercise to seasonal celebrations, we keep residents engaged rather than just occupied.
Who is dementia care suitable for?
You might want to consider dementia care at The Chestnuts if your loved one:
Has been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia, or a diagnosis is underway
Is becoming increasingly forgetful in ways that affect daily life
Needs help with washing, dressing or taking medication safely
Is no longer as safe or settled living at home alone
Needs regular supervision, reassurance or gentle prompting
Has been more confused, anxious or withdrawn lately
Would benefit from a steady routine and a familiar, unchanging environment
Has a family carer who's finding things increasingly difficult to manage
Every dementia care plan at The Chestnuts is built around the individual - their history, their routines, what settles them and what doesn't - so they feel understood, not just looked after.
Why families choose The Chestnuts for dementia care
Families across Dorset trust us with dementia care for reasons that go beyond a checklist:
Over 35 years of specialist experience supporting people living with dementia
A small home where staff recognise every resident and their routines
A calm, patient approach to confusion, anxiety or changes in behaviour
A warm, homely setting rather than a clinical one
Meals cooked fresh on site, every day
Activities adapted to what residents can enjoy and manage
Honest, ongoing conversations with families as needs change
Starting your journey with
Moving a loved one into care is a big step, and we don't expect anyone to rush it. Here's roughly how it goes.
Contact our team
Call or message us and tell us a bit about your situation. No forms, no pressure — just a chat.
Visit our care home
We'd rather you visit and get a feel for The Chestnuts than take our word for it. Meet the team, look around, ask questions.
Pre care assessment
We sit down with you and your loved one to understand their needs properly, so the care plan fits from day one.
Move in with confidence
Once you're ready, we handle the move-in process carefully, so it's as smooth and reassuring as possible.
No pressure, no obligation - just friendly advice and support.
Our trusted care services
Residential Care
Our residential care in Weymouth, Dorset provides older adults with the reassurance of 24-hour support in a warm, family-run environment where they are known, valued, and respected. Every resident receives a personalised care plan tailored to their individual needs, routines, and preferences, with compassionate assistance for personal care, mobility, medication management, and daily living. By combining professional expertise with genuine companionship, we create a comfortable home where residents can enjoy independence, dignity, and an exceptional quality of life.
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Respite Care
Our respite care in Weymouth offers flexible short-term stays for older adults who need additional support following a hospital stay, during recovery, or while family carers take a well-deserved break. Guests receive the same outstanding standard of personalised care as our permanent residents, with comfortable accommodation, freshly prepared home-cooked meals, engaging activities, and round-the-clock support. Every respite stay is thoughtfully designed to promote wellbeing, restore confidence, and provide complete peace of mind for residents and their loved ones.
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News and updates from
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