






The Dene Lodge is a residential home in the Alcombe area of Minehead, which can accommodate 33 residents. They predominantly support those with dementia, but also welcome elderly residents requiring additional support with their care. The Dene Lodge also offers short stay services; respite care and intermediate care.
At The Dene Lodge, compassion meets comfort and residents become family. Established with a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for...
Care Provided by The Dene Lodge
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 39 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
*There are additional charges for the chiropodist, hair dresser, taxis, toiletries, dentist, as well as additional sundry items such as alcohol, cigarettes, clothing.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Dene Lodge for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Dene Lodge to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Owner
- Hazelgate Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Lewis Don (Registered Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2016
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (39)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (33)
Visiting
- The home are open to visitors, they have a private visitors room, beautiful gardens surrounding the property but do like to encourage friends and family to take their loved ones out, to enjoy the local amenities.
Parking
- Free on-site Car parks are situated to the front and back of the home.
The Dene Lodge Reviews (38)
The Dene Lodge has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.658) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Dene Lodge has 38 reviews.
Sadly what we felt let Dene Lodge down was the communication. Whilst we appreciate how busy the management are we felt that we were just an annoyance when trying to clarify a few situations.
Thank you for taking the time to review the home, We are pleased Dad has now found an appropriate care setting for his needs. We are grateful for your postive comments regarding the care team and will reflect on your feedback in relation to the management team, as we are disappointed not to meet your expectations.
Mother only been in two weeks, but overall very impressed with whole package provided. Nothing too much to ask for. Most important mother is happy. Well done, keep it going. Top draw.
Thank you so much for your feedback and taking the time to review our service. We really appreciate it.
Our mum has been a resident at Dene Lodge since November and we cannot vault the care taken of her by all staff and management. We are always made very welcome when visiting her and if we have any questions to ask they are answered there and then. Mum is really enjoying the activities which is good to see as she tends to be one of those people who sits back but now with encouragement she joins in. Having mum now permanetly residing at Dene Lodge is wonderful as dad living locally can visit her at any time. Thank you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home. It is so nice to see Mum so settled and as you noted, engaging in activities. A super supportive family, So pleased we've been able to help.
A brilliant Operations Manager and team. All so caring to us both. My husband was always spotlessly clean as was the home overall.
Lots of interesting activities, especially matched to the residents interests.
Good nourishing traditional food cooked from source daily and a very pleasant outdoor space to sit and enjoy the sunshine or the garden.
The Dene lodge has a very warm and homely atmosphere and the care is exemplary!
They deserve 'Outstanding' at their next CQC inspection. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review the Dene Lodge. I hope you are both settling well in your new homes. Look forward to seeing you when you're next in Somerset.
I cannot recommend Dene Lodge enough for dementia care. My mum was moved from another home to here & she has blossomed. The staff care & are friendly & helpful. I feel they have given Mum & I back some space for connection as she is less agitated & calmer. They help her keep her dignity & joy in life & I am so grateful. Thank you Dene Lodge.
If I could leave more stars I would. The operations manager and his amazing team at Dene Lodge helped to make a very sad time for my family and I more bearable. Most importantly the care and respect all the carers showed my Mum was outstanding.
A big thank you to the management and all the staff for the care of our family member, resident at Dene Lodge for 4 months, before sadly passing away at the home. He received excellent care and kindness during his stay as did we his family when visiting. We were always made to feel welcome and sometimes managed to sample the excellent home-cooked meals provided for the residents. The home was always clean, warm and bright with views out onto the garden and countryside.
Residents are taken out on outings in the home's minibus with trips to North Hill, the Seafront, Dunster, Dunkery Beacon, Porlock etc. Plus activities within the home and special guest's visits. I was fortunate to be visiting when 2 alpacas were brought into the home to meet the residents. This caused a lot of excitement.
We couldn't have asked for better care during his stay and the follow up and support to our family after he passed away. Thank you to everyone.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home. It is so important to us. You're always welcome to drop in to see us whenever you have the time.
Old fashioned decor is perfect for premises.
Cleanliness is a very high standard.
Staff? All having caring natures and are patient.
Management? Always approachable.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service and all you do to contribute to our 'first rate ethos'!
I would like to thank - 6 members of staff in particular and all the staff for their amazing care of my mother.
This is a wonderful care home with a staff that is exemplary.
Mum stayed for a short period of respite at The Dene Lodge. The management team were very professional, understanding and patient answering all our questions regarding her care. We found all the care staff to be cheerful, kind and considerate towards Mum and any problems quickly dealt with. She said 'the food was excellent', she felt safe and well looked after. Thank you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review the home, I am pleased we were able to offer some respite to Mum and the wider family for the duration of her stay. Thank you for choosing The Dene Lodge.
Our Dad joined Rachel's House earlier this year and staff were very welcoming and friendly towards us the family, as well as Dad. They were eager to get to know him and find out about his interests so they could put a plan in place to support Dad settling into a new care home. He has a lovely en-suite room which is clean and bright. Meals are home-cooked and a good variety and Dad looks really well and healthy. Dad is suffering with Alzheimer's and dementia and so certain times of the day, thoughts and situations can cause him a lot of confusion and staff take time to support him through until he settles again.
Thank you for taking the time to review our home. It has been great working alongside side you to support the best outcomes for Dad while in our care. We really appreciate your feedback.
My husband has only been with you 3 weeks and I thank you for the effort you have put in to care for him at The Dene Lodge. He has settled in beautifully and appears very happy. I am sure he will not walk again because he was in bed or chair for nearly 3 months. Even trying to get him into an easy chair he is very frightened. I only had one complaint, the man in a red coat with a biscuit tin, I did ask him not to put on bad films which he said he knew that when he put it on. He has a good sense of humour. I come in twice a week more but I do not want to be a nuisance but I need my husband more than he needs me. I will be at the meeting on the 27th.
Thank you leaving a review for home, I look forward to hearing your thoughts at the relatives/family meeting later this month.
My sister has been in the home since February and I am extremely happy with the care she is getting. The staff are all very friendly and she is always clean and tidy when we visit her. Any problems and the staff informed me immediately.
Thank you for your review. I am glad to hear you've had great interactions with the staff. I look forward to seeing you on your next visit.
My husband and I came to see our very dear friend and neighbour in May and were very happy to see her very clean and comfortable. The care staff were so very friendly and attentive at all times, to our friend and ourselves. We were given a lovely dinner each and my husband fed our friend with her own dinner. Our minds are very much at rest knowing our very dear friend is in such a caring and wonderful environment.
We really appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback. We pride ourselves on the attitude and values of our staff at the home and I am so pleased they made your visit special in what was otherwise very difficult circumstances.
I think this care home is a lovely place to visit. Staff are very helpful, and the building is very clean. My auntie likes it here and she looks well cared for. My only problem is the size of the car park.
Thank you for your feedback, I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit. We are aware of the challenges with the car park and have a project to expand the car park at the rear. I look forward to seeing you next time you are here to show you the plans.
My wife who has dementia, has been in residential care in Dene Lodge for five weeks of respite care - extended for various health reasons. The care she has been given has been very good, she has been well looked after. The strongest impression I have gained is the kindness and friendliness of all the staff and management towards all the residents and visitors. Additionally, the management and staff have bent over backwards to be helpful and welcome me. Because of my wife's health issues a visit to Minehead Hospital was necessary for an ultrasound scan. This visit was achieved with the minimum of worry and stress thanks to the transport and transfer arrangements organised by Dene Lodge. My wife was accompanied by two very experienced staff members and myself. The successful scan would not have been achieved without this exceptional level of help. It took much of the stress and worry away. I am most grateful for the care and consideration we have received.
Thank you
My husband has been well cared for in Dene Lodge since July 2023! He is happy which is a weight off my mind and at the moment very pleased to see me when I visit as often as I can!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We are very grateful. It is a pleasure looking after your husband and always nice to see you when you visit. See you soon!
The bedrooms are very homely and there's always something going on in the lounge for the residents, singing, films, activities and even a visiting band playing lovely music.
Thank you for your review, I am pleased you found the home welcoming. We really appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback.
The staff eat their meals with the residents. Also, there are many and varied activities to suit all, from word games to trips out.
The rooms are basic but very clean and residents can have their own objects around.
Thank you so much for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I will pass on your kind words to the team.
If I could ever offer a wider tour of the home for you, I'd love to show you some of our newly renovated rooms.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit.
We cannot recommend Dene Lodge highly enough. They have shown nothing but constant care to our mother over the last four months. Despite her challenging dementia and deterioration resulting in her passing away on Monday. She was given excellent care and treated with dignity by all the staff as well as support us her three daughters at all times.
Thank you so much for taking the time to place a review. We are incredibly grateful.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 22 May 2024Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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There are no upcoming events for The Dene Lodge.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Dene Lodge.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Dene Lodge.
Meet the Team (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Dene Lodge
What types of Care is The Dene Lodge registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does The Dene Lodge have?
There are 39 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at The Dene Lodge?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is The Dene Lodge to the centre of Minehead?
0.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Dene Lodge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Dene Lodge has an Enhanced Service -more info.