A RESIDENTIAL care facility for dementia sufferers in West Somerset reopened this week after it had been closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The six-bed Rachel’s House stands in the grounds of specialist dementia care home Dene Lodge, in Alcombe, Minehead, 

The building was named in memory of Rachel Pearse, a long-standing Dene Lodge kitchen team member who died in 2019.

It was closed during Covid due to financial pressures and challenges associated with running the service during the pandemic.

But now it has been reopened and will again provide care and support to elderly residents who are able to engage well with their peers and work collaboratively to establish an engaging environment.

One of the rooms in Rachel's House, Alcombe, Minehead.
One of the rooms in Rachel's House, Alcombe, Minehead. ( )

New manager Lewis Don, who took charge in December, said: “I am delighted to see this resource back and operational, with The Dene Lodge supporting residents requiring dementia care.

“It is so important to have Rachel’s house available to support those who require a safe space but are still wanting to remain independent.

“Our care team promote our residents to remain as independent as possible by maintaining their critical skills.

“All rooms feature a large en-suite bathroom with shower and large doors to access the garden.

The communal room in Rachel's House, Alcombe, Minehead.
The communal room in Rachel's House, Alcombe, Minehead. ( )

The setting is secure and highly staffed to support residents’ safety and encourage engagement.

“We look forward to welcoming our local community for residential placements, respite, and day care.”

The three-storey Dene Lodge has 23 rooms and provides accommodation for married couples and single people either for long stays or respite periods.