Queensbridge in Cheltenham is one of the first specialist dementia care homes in the area to reopen its respite care facility following the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

Queensbridge’s respite care will re-open September 1, accommodating new residents across Gloucestershire who will be able to stay for up to six weeks in the property located Queens Road, Cheltenham.

The family managed home runs with a team of 30 experienced dementia carers. The home has been a support for dementia care in the local community for over 30 years and is rated as outstanding in caring by the Care Quality Commission.

The care home has had no reported cases of Covid 19 and has remained open throughout the pandemic to provide specialist dementia care for its permanent residents.

With the respite care facility to open, extra steps to protect against Covid-19 have been introduced.

A separate entrance to the area for respite residents and direct access to the garden, and temperature checks and Covid swab tests will be takenon arrival.

Lisa Stanton, Manager at Queensbridge said:

“We’re delighted to be able to safely welcome back respite care residents and to once again help families, many of whom have gone through lockdown having to care for a loved one day and night with little support or rest.

“Queensbridge is like one big extended family with none of the artificial boundaries of institutional living seen in many care settings. “

“We are all about caring for the individual by people that care - where families can leave their loved ones with the peace of mind that they are in a loving, friendly and compassionate place where people living with dementia can thrive.

“It’s great that all our residents can once again enjoy and benefit from all the activities and entertainment they love here, including our popular garden singer and musician which will once again play for our residents.”