As part of its mission to push the boundaries of compassionate, person-centred care, Gloucestershire-based charity Lilian Faithfull Care are unveiling a major refurbishment at Royal Court, dedicated to supporting people living with dementia.
This newly transformed home represents a progressive, research-informed model of dementia care that places dignity, purpose and quality of life at its heart. Every element of Royal Court has been carefully designed to create a supportive, enriching community, and above all, a true sense of home.
Royal Court will offer a nurturing environment where care is more than support, it’s a way of life. The home is arranged into family-style communities of six to seven residents, each with their own bedrooms, kitchen, shared living spaces and access to tranquil garden areas. This layout helps to create continuity, comfort and familiarity, essential for those living with dementia.
Royal Court is proud to be taking part in the Sage Project, a cutting-edge research collaboration with the University of Bristol exploring how natural soundscapes can enhance wellbeing for
people with dementia. One of home’s most distinctive spaces will be the newly designed Lavender Unit, featuring a bespoke sensory area with calming lighting, soothing music and tactile furnishings – a space purpose-built to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Alongside these changes, every member of the Cura team (as staff are known) is trained in dementia care, working closely with residents to support their emotional and physical wellbeing. A dedicated Dementia Lead Specialist oversees best practice, ensuring each resident receives highly personalised care.
Activities and social connections continue to play a central role in daily life, with regular visits from therapy dogs, intergenerational sessions with students from Pate’s Grammar School, and music therapy delivered by Mind Song. Residents also enjoy days out on the charity’s private minibus and access to physiotherapy, hairdressing and chiropody.
Crucially, families are welcomed as partners in care, ensuring the presence of familiar faces and meaningful relationships throughout each resident’s journey.
As with all Lilian Faithfull homes, Royal Court offers a “Home for Life” promise. The charity will never ask a resident to leave for financial reasons, reflecting the values set out when the charity was founded in 1946 by Lilian Faithfull herself: “a desire to improve the lives of others through care and dedication.”
Kevin Snowball, CEO commented:
“At Royal Court, we are redefining what dementia care can be. This is more than a refurbishment, it is a complete rethink of how we create a home where people with dementia can live with dignity and a sense of belonging. We are proud to be shaping what good dementia care looks like today, both in Gloucestershire and further afield”