Planning the Move: A Practical Guide for Families Starting the Care Home Journey

The decision to move a loved one into a care home is never easy. It’s a journey that raises questions, emotions, and logistical issues.

At Shipston Lodge, we’re here to support families every step of the way, and this guide outlines key considerations to help make the process a little smoother.

Start with an Honest Conversation

If possible, it’s essential to involve your loved one in the discussion early on. Listen to their thoughts, preferences, and concerns—it helps guide the transition with compassion.

Understand the Level of Care Needed

Assess whether residential, respite, nursing or dementia care is most appropriate. Speak with your GP and book a care assessment to ensure you’re exploring the right options.

Visit Potential Homes

Nothing compares to seeing a home for yourself. We always encourage families to book a tour at Shipston Lodge to experience the environment, meet the team, and see how residents spend their day.

Consider the Location

Proximity to family, local services, and familiarity with the area can make a big difference for someone settling into a new home.

Think About Practicalities

Understand costs, funding options, and what’s included in the fee. At Shipston Lodge, our all-inclusive pricing gives families peace of mind with no unexpected charges.

Make It Personal

When the time comes, help your loved one personalise their space. Familiar photos, books, and keepsakes help create a sense of home and ease the transition.

Remember, moving into care is a big step—but with the proper support, it can be a positive new chapter. At Shipston Lodge, we’re always ready to talk, guide and help you navigate this critical journey.

Listening, Learning and Leading: How Resident Feedback Shapes Life at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we believe the best way to provide exceptional care is to listen to our residents.

That’s why feedback isn’t just welcomed; it’s actively sought and central to how we evolve and improve our home.

From one-to-one conversations to informal chats over tea, our team creates countless opportunities for residents to share their feelings and what could be improved.

Whether it’s a suggestion for the weekly menu, a new activity idea, or a comment about the décor—every voice matters.

We also hold regular resident meetings where feedback is gathered and reviewed by the wider team.

Our most successful initiatives—like themed afternoon teas, bespoke birthday cakes, or activity room enhancements—have come from resident ideas.

Family input plays an important role, too. Our open-door policy and regular family engagement events help us meet expectations and provide a truly personalised experience.

Resident-led improvements are not just about service quality—they empower individuals to feel heard, respected, and part of the community.

That sense of agency is vital in maintaining dignity and wellbeing.

At Shipston Lodge, the people who live here shape life.

Their stories, preferences, and feedback are the blueprint for how we continue to grow as a home that truly puts residents first.

Designing for Dementia: How Thoughtful Environments Support Memory Care

At Shipston Lodge, we understand that a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing—not only for the individual but also for their family.

We’ve designed spaces beyond comfort to support cognition, independence, and emotional well-being.

Designing for dementia is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating an enabling environment.

Our Memory Care community incorporates soft furnishings, gentle lighting, calming colour palettes, and clearly defined areas to reduce confusion and promote ease of movement.

We use themed ‘imagination stations’ such as a nostalgic nursery corner, a holiday-themed retreat, and a sensory reading room.

These zones stimulate memory, spark joy, and give residents meaningful ways to engage. A jungle-themed lounge and a cheerful rock and roll hangout provide fun, familiarity, and sensory input that enhance the quality of life.

Each feature is intentional: contrasting colours for visual clarity, memory boxes outside rooms to help residents identify their space, and communal areas that encourage social interaction while still feeling safe and structured.

Family members often remark on the warmth and comfort they feel when they visit—a testament to how the environment affects emotional well-being.

Our “Continue Being Me” ethos ensures that spaces reflect and support each resident’s past identity, helping them feel known and valued daily.

Dementia-friendly design is about empathy in action, and at Shipston Lodge, it’s at the heart of how we care.

The Role of Pets and Animal Therapy in Enhancing Resident Well-being

At Shipston Lodge, we know that some of the greatest joys in life come from our four-legged friends.

That’s why we regularly welcome therapy animals into our home, offering residents the chance to experience the proven benefits of animal companionship.

Interacting with animals can profoundly affect emotional health, particularly in a care home environment.

Studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. For our residents, visits from therapy dogs and other animals bring comfort, laughter, and fond memories of beloved pets.

Our regular visits from Veronica, the therapy dog, are a highlight of the month. Residents love stroking her soft fur, watching her friendly antics, and reminiscing about their own pets. These moments spark conversation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create smiles all around.

Beyond therapy animals, we also embrace animal-themed activities, such as crafting bird feeders for the garden or visits to local farms and butterfly parks.

These experiences allow our residents to stay connected to the natural world, nurturing a sense of purpose and joy.

At Shipston Lodge, the simple act of cuddling a dog or feeding the birds reminds us all that the smallest moments can bring the biggest happiness.

How Shipston Lodge Supports Couples Moving into Care Together

At Shipston Lodge, we understand how important it is for couples to stay together, especially when entering residential care.

We proudly offer a compassionate and flexible approach to supporting couples who wish to continue their shared journey under our roof.

Moving into a care home can be an emotional transition, especially for couples who have spent a lifetime together.

At Shipston Lodge, we offer options for couples to live together in spacious, beautifully appointed suites. This ensures they maintain their companionship and routines while receiving personalised support.

Sometimes one partner may require more complex care, such as dementia or nursing care, while the other remains relatively independent.

Our skilled care team tailors support to meet each person’s needs without compromising their bond. Whether through shared meal times, private sitting rooms, or simply enjoying the garden hand-in-hand, we help couples continue living life together.

Our aim is to minimise disruption and provide reassurance that both partners will receive the highest standard of care in a loving and supportive environment.

After all, we believe love should always find a way—and at Shipston Lodge, it certainly does.

The Power of Reminiscence Therapy: Keeping Memories Alive at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we believe that memories are a treasure chest of life’s most precious moments.

Reminiscence therapy is vital in supporting our residents’ emotional well-being. It helps them connect with their past, strengthen their sense of identity, and enjoy meaningful conversations with others.

Reminiscence therapy involves using prompts such as photographs, music, treasured objects, or themed activities to encourage residents to recall and share memories.

At Shipston Lodge, our team uses specially curated memory boxes, themed days like ‘1940s Week’, and even personal life story work to stimulate these precious recollections.

The benefits are far-reaching: not only does reminiscence spark joy and nostalgia, but it can also enhance cognitive function, reduce feelings of isolation, and build stronger social connections among residents.

It can be particularly effective for those living with dementia, where familiar memories may remain clearer than recent ones.

Our activities team is passionate about tailoring reminiscence activities to our residents’ individual interests and life stories.

Whether it’s singing along to songs from their youth, sharing stories over afternoon tea, or flipping through a photo album, we celebrate the unique histories of everyone who calls Shipston Lodge home.

Reminiscence therapy is a beautiful reminder that every story deserves to be heard, honoured, and cherished.