A NEW specialist home is all set to change the face of dementia care in Swindon.

Abbey House in St Andrews Ridge opened its doors last summer and is already pushing ahead with its sensitive and individual approach to dementia support.

From the homely layout and cluster of living room spaces and kitchenettes scattered across the building to the memory boxes places outside every room, staff have done away with the typically clinical atmosphere of most units.

And with an estimated 2,280 people living with dementia in Swindon, a one-size-fits-all system is simply not the answer anymore, according to nurse Jo Rabbitts.

"The main focus is privacy, dignity and respect," she says. "We help them live their lives as they had before. It's not regimented and institutionalised. We're not that sort of home. We are working with people to see what they want, what works and doesn't so we're constantly adapting to make sure we meet their needs."

Abbey House, which is run by the charitable Milestones Trust, is currently home to 16 residents all at various stages of dementia but has a capacity of 73. It is headed up by a team of 40 nurses and carers.

"Dementia covers such a range of symptoms and affects everyone differently," says general manager Sheila Jolly. "We don't not label anyone. It has nothing to do with who they are. It's a condition, it doesn't define them.

"So we try to offer something different. It's a care home, we have to accept that it's not their home, but we want to make it as homely as possible."

Specially designed with the needs of those with dementia in mind, the home is fitted with enhanced-mood lighting and distinct flooring so residents can easily identify the type of room they find themselves in, whether it be a kitchen, bathroom or lounge. As dementia can cause disorientation, virtually every door bears a picture sign.

The home also includes indoor garden areas and has an on-site hairdresser. Over the coming weeks the team will unveil its community café on the ground floor.

Resident numbers are steadily growing and with it the nursing team, but Sheila is keen for a phased intake to keep residents' anxiety and stress, one of the side-effects of dementia, to a minimum.

"We are trying to build up the service slowly and not try to run before we can walk," adds Sheila.