






From the moment you arrive at St Monica Trust's The Garden House, you’ll feel surrounded by warmth and kindness.
Located in a sheltered spot in the magnificent grounds of the Cote Lane retirement community, this thoughtfully designed nursing and specialist dementia care home is a place where life is truly celebrated.
Your comfort and contentment come first and whether it’s taking a bit of you time or engaging in activities,...
Care Provided by Garden House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 102 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
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
We do accept third-party top-up fees in certain circumstances. Each of our homes has an agreed number of placements available at the local authority rate. Where these placements are fully occupied, a third-party top-up may be requested to secure a placement until a local authority-funded bed becomes available. Our team will always discuss this fully and transparently with prospective residents and their families.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Garden House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Garden House 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)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- St Monica Trust
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Laura Gilyeat(Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2014
Room Information
- Single Rooms (94)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (4)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (94)
Visiting
- Visiting is available in line with government guidelines.
Parking
- Free parking is available.
Garden House Reviews (42)
Garden House has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.687) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Garden House has 42 reviews.
My Mum spent the last 3 years of her life in The Garden House, she died in January 26. The care from all the nurses, care staff, activity staff, chaplains, catering, cleaning, absolutely everyone was amazing. We could not have wished for a better last three years for Mum, everyone there is so dedicated and caring. They were all so supportive for us as well during the last few weeks of her life. A big thank you to you all for making Mum's last few years so fulfilled, forever grateful. I would recommend The Garden House 100%
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely and thoughtful review. We are sorry for your loss, and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are so glad to hear that our team made such a positive impact on you and your mum during her time with us. It was...
My father spent his last 7 weeks at Garden House. We met many very caring members of staff, and he developed a soft spot for several. It was great to be able to visit at anytime and had he had more energy he would have enjoyed the activities arranged by the events manager, who listened to all residents' requests/suggestions and ran a full programme. It was a peaceful and kind place to be, and staff were very sensitive to his needs and dignity. We are so grateful for his time there.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback. It means the world to us to know that our team made such a positive difference in your father's care. We know how important it is for residents' families to visit their loved ones at any time, and it is always our mission to...
My mother was found a place at short notice. She is on palliative care. The trust deserves its reputation. The facilities are excellent and the staff likewise, caring, thoughtful, focused on solving problems and respecting their residents. In our unit the nurse lead is very impressive. The grounds are extraordinary. My mother loves her independence and retains her strong will; but she can walk in the garden and have her own way as much as is safe! I have no safety concerns. All the family who have visited share our good impression.
It is a pleasure to have welcomed your mother to Garden House, and we are so pleased you feel she is safe and well cared for here. It's wonderful to hear you find both our staff and facilities impressive and extraordinary. Thank you for taking the time to leave us this kind review, I will make sure to pass your lovely words onto our team.
Staff are caring and professional. I don't think they would give any better care to their own mother. Staff are respectful and provide dignity to my mother with every interaction. In a situation where my mother is weak and dependent they give her choices and say in her care which helps us feel that mum is empowered. Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff, one example of this is the help I have had to make sure my mum is in the wifi successfully and making sure mum can 'attend' (remotely) the Sunday chapel service. The nurses were able to do her required medical procedure early so she could be settled in time for church. The care here is amazing, I feel comfortable leaving mum in the evenings and know she will be safe.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this glowing review, we really appreciate it. We are delighted you find the care your mother is receiving amazing. We understand the importance of giving our residents choice and ensuring that we deliver exceptional personalised care for every resident. It...
As a family, we were also very grateful for the professionalism, openness, support and inclusiveness that we received. Dad's care needs were considered, discussed and implemented to ensure his welfare was paramount. We also really valued the great humour of the team caring for Dad and it was great to see him laughing. Humour was always a very important aspect of his life.
In addition, there were always lots of activities including lots of cake which was great as Dad had such a sweet tooth!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this glowing review. It is really appreciated and I will pass your kind comments on to the team. We felt privileged to welcome your dad to Garden House, and we are so glad he loved living here. It was a joy to care for your dad and share a laugh...
Mum was on end-of-life care. Mum was bedbound, couldn't talk or eat due to her MND. Her diet throughout her 11-week stay was ice cream as that was all she could manage. They welcomed her and gave her a birthday card. They took her out to the grounds on one occasion (in a wheelchair) The staff washed her daily and used the hoist to bath/shower her. The staff we met were all kind and caring. Her room was comfortable with a TV and ensuite facilities.
It was a privilege to look after your mum and welcome her into Garden House. We are delighted you found all our staff kind and caring. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us this review, it is really appreciated and I will pass your lovely comments onto the team. We are all wishing you the best.
Thank you all.
Thank you so much for your kind words during such a difficult time. We are deeply honoured that we could provide comfort and care to your mother in her final days. Our team is truly touched to know that you felt the love and dedication we strive to give to all our residents and their families. Thank you for this lovely review, I will make sure to pass your kind words on to the team.
The care was excellent at all times, sensitive, efficient, appropriate and very caring. All his needs were catered for as well as extra external activities.
He had a wonderful 5 years before he died. Thank you.
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a privilege to care for your uncle over those five years and we are pleased to hear you were always happy with the level of care he was receiving from our wonderful team. We really appreciate the time taken to leave us a review, and I will make sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Our thoughts are with you.
Garden House have been absolutely amazing! The staff are, without exception, caring, friendly, welcoming and everything I could possibly hope for and more. They have coped with challenging needs with creativity and adaptability to recreate, as far as possible, an environment that reduces situational anxiety whilst still enabling them to provide all necessary care. The home itself is light, bright and an utter delight to visit, from the glorious grounds to spacious corridors and comfortable rooms. From my first contact with them I felt absolutely confident that this was somewhere I could trust with the care of my loved one. As a friend and legal advocate, I was able to relax for the first time in many weeks and let others take over the role of care-givers and allow me become a friend and companion again. The staff have also supported me, providing a listening ear when needed. I honestly can't speak too highly of everything they have done and continue to do for us. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for this touching review, it is greatly appreciated, and I will be sure to pass your words on to the team. It is wonderful to hear you are happy with the care our team is providing, and that they have also been able to support you. We understand how important it is to maintain...
She was engaged in so many activities including a trip to the museum and walks in the grounds.
We as a family always felt welcomed whatever time of day or night.
Her room was spacious and we were able to personalise it with pictures, furnishings and flowers which gave her a real sense of home.
Thank you all so much.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we really appreciate it, and I will pass your gratitude on to the team. We are so pleased you are happy with the care and support your mum received from our team and found everyone friendly and always there to help. It was a privilege to care for your mum.
Throughout the Covid restrictions everyone went above and beyond, not only to keep Dad safe, but to allow as much communication with his family as possible.
Nothing was too much trouble and as Dad came towards the end of his life we felt we were all in safe, compassionate hands.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the staff at Upper Sundials. Thank you.
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a privilege to care for your dad and welcome you all into our Upper Sundials family. It is wonderful to hear you were confident in the care he was receiving, and that you found our team hardworking, responsive, and willing to go above and...
Dad has a spacious and bright room with an adjoining large wet room. There is plenty of choice with his meals that are hot and look and smell appetizing. The activity sessions are amazing with a real variety of interactive sessions including the opportunity to mix with children and animals as well as enjoy visits from outside speakers and musicians and even go on trips. The grounds are also spacious with wild areas as well as beautifully more formal areas and it is a great place to easily stroll or push a wheelchair.
Dad has now been at Garden House for 6 months and, although adjustment to change inevitably takes some time, I am personally extremely grateful to know that he is content and well looked after.
Thank you for your kind words, it is a pleasure to care for your Father and we are delighted to have him as a valued member of our Garden House community. It is great to hear that you are happy with the facilities, variety of activities, and our caring staff, who will continue to encourage and...
My parents recently moved to Garden House. My mother was transferred from a previous nursing home on 31/10/2023. My father gained access to an apartment on the 01/11/2023. On the morning of 03/11/2023 after visiting my mother in the nursing wing my father had a cardiac arrest in the foyer. He was successfully resuscitated by staff and is expected to return for rehab after 10 days in hospital. My mother throughout this time has been welcomed, supported and cared for in an exceptionally kind and caring manner. We are indebted to all the staff, especially the porter who initiated the resuscitation.
Thank you very much for your kind words – we are extremely proud of our staff, especially in scenarios such as this. We are very glad to hear that your mother has felt supported here at Garden House during this stressful time. I would also like to extend my best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time and will make sure your lovely words are passed on to the team.
Our father recently moved into Garden House after an accident and hospital stay. He couldn't have been more warmly welcomed at Garden House. The staff are patient, kind, friendly and knowledgeable, and made his quick transition comfortable and much less difficult than expected. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we are very happy to hear that your father felt welcomed when he moved in and supported by our wonderful staff. I will pass your lovely words on to the team.
Back in March, my father entered Garden House as a resident. We were pleased to see how well he was looked after and visiting was made very easy. A couple of months later, my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and she expressed a desire to be with Dad. Within a short period, perhaps just a week or two, the application for my mother was submitted and subsequently the NHS funding for her bed at Garden House was approved. It could not have been smoother; their rooms are on the same corridor and they spend time together every day. The manager made everything very easy and my mother was transferred from hospital with very little fuss. I am pleased with the level of attention they both receive and the friendliness of the staff. Everyone is doing their very best with what is essentially an entirely harrowing and heartbreaking situation. Well done everyone.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and express your gratitude towards our team. We are so glad to hear you are happy with the care being provided to your parents and that we have been able to support your family during this difficult time. If there is anything else we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best.
Wonderful surroundings and care for my mum in the last part of her life. Staff couldn't do enough to make you feel welcome and my mum was looked after so well. They were very caring with family too. Great food which was an added bonus and lots for residents to do.
Thank you for your review. We are grateful for your kind words about the surroundings and care provided to your mum. It is our utmost priority to create a nurturing environment where residents can find comfort and support. We understand how important it is to offer not only excellent care but also...
Dad had a short stay in the Garden House Upper Sundials in January for end-of-life care. The staff were exceptional and made such a big difference in his last few weeks. The care they showed my father and the support they gave us as a family were very special. They went the extra mile to look after Dad as if he was one of their own family.
We are glad that we were able to support your father and family during such a difficult time and are incredibly sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such kind words, they will be passed on to the team.
Our daughter was looked after in Garden House for 8 weeks, such a lovely place the staff were all so caring and welcoming. We as parents were looked after as well with compassion. Can't praise them enough.
We are glad that you and your family felt supported during your daughter's time at the Garden House and that the staff made you feel welcome during this time. Thank you for leaving a review, I will pass on your praises to the team.
My experience with the team is that they are a dedicated, kind and caring bunch. I no longer feel as anxious and worried that my mum isn't receiving the care she needs and deserves. The peace of mind this affords me and my family is worth a fortune. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we are so glad that we were able to help your mum celebrate her birthday and that you have peace of mind that she is receiving the very best care and support here at Garden House. Your kind words will be passed on to the team.
Dad broke his hip and came to Garden House (St Monica Trust) from the hospital. He quickly regained weight and vigour. The care is exemplary with the staff engaging Dad.
Thank you for your review of Garden House. We are so glad that your dad is on the mend and going from strength to strength. Our dedicated therapy team, alongside our nurses and carers, are passionate about supporting our residents through their challenges. Your kind words will be passed on to the team.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 03 August 2023Good
- 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)
There are no news items for Garden House.
There are no upcoming events for Garden House.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- 03 Sep 2020Recipient: St Monica Trust
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Garden House.
Meet the Team (4)

I have been the Care Home Manager of the Garden House for 5 years and was the Deputy Lead at the home prior to this.
Alongside my nurse registration, I was proud to achieve a degree in 2016. I also hold health and safety qualifications and have completed several nursing courses related to teaching. I have had a long nursing career that has included working in Africa in disability and elderly rehabilitation, which feels like a very long time ago now!
My favourite part of my job is working with residents and their families at a time of their life when they need our help and ensuring the move to our care home is smooth, whilst recognizing the huge change that it is. I am also incredibly proud of my team and really enjoy seeing staff develop and grow both personally and within their careers.
Outside of work I sing in a choir and am an active Rotarian.

I have been working for St Monica Trust for eight years since 2016, initially as a Registered Nurse then progressing to a Lead Nurse, and now in my current role as Social Care Deputy Manager. I have responsibility for the Garden House Dementia Unit ‘Sundials’, as well as the home’s Well-being Team who support residents with all aspects of social care from larger social events to individual one-to-one sessions.
Over the years I earned a degree in psychology and my main interest and passion is promoting the residents’ well-being from different angles.
I love spending time with the residents, listening to them and building relationships of trust.
My favourite part of my job is seeing people flourish, express their full potential, and contribute to our amazing Garden House community. I feel lucky to work in such a beautiful and vibrant setting. Book a tour with us and see for yourself!

I initially worked at the Garden House as an agency nurse and was impressed by the excellent care provided by the home, therefore when the position of Deputy Manager became available at the start of the pandemic in 2020 I applied and was successful. My current role is now Clinical Deputy Manager.
I have wide experience in the care of the older person and the impact ageing and ill health have on the residents. I am passionate about promoting high standards of clinical care and practice and as the Clinical Deputy, the support and development of our junior nursing colleagues. With a specific interest in learning, I support the placement of nursing students from UWE. Also, as a home, our team has successfully seen in-house staff complete Nursing Associate training and become Registered Nursing Associates, with ongoing training seeing one member of staff’s continued development to become a Registered Nurse.
I am proud that we work with residents with a wide variety of very complex needs with support being provided to the residents, families and the staff teams.

I initially joined the Garden House team in 2014 as an Administration Manager with many years of management experience. During the last 10 years I became Business Manager and following organisational restructure in 2022 I became the home's Business Deputy Manager.
I have responsibility for administration functions within the home as well as the Resident Support Assistant team who provide delivery of catering and housekeeping services for our residents. I also work closely with the Trust's facilities team to support the day-to-day running of the home. Alongside the General Manager, I enjoy helping residents and their families as they navigate the moving-in process to achieve a smooth transition into our community.
Daily conversations with our residents are the highlight of each day and gives me an opportunity to listen to their feedback and for this contribution to influence decisions around the home that they share. Having previously worked in the corporate sector, this role provides a different level of satisfaction to know that the work we do directly impacts the experience of residents who have chosen the Garden House as their home.
Since becoming Business Deputy Manager I have been supported by the Trust to attain further qualifications in Leadership & Management. I aim to provide high standards in all aspects of the services we provide and look to ensure this ethos is shared by the wider Garden House team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden House
What types of Care is Garden House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Garden House have?
There are 94 Single Rooms and 4 Couples/Companion Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Garden House?
Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Garden House to the centre of Bristol?
2.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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