Whether you are planning ahead or facing an urgent hospital discharge, finding the right care home can feel overwhelming. There are many factors to consider: quality of care, staff experience, atmosphere, safety, activities, and cost.

At Cleeve Lodge in Goring-on-Thames, we understand how emotional this decision can be. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a care home in 2026.

1. Check the CQC Rating

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects and regulates care homes in England.

Look for homes rated:

• Outstanding
• Good

Pay particular attention to:

• Caring
• Safe
• Responsive
• Well-led

An Outstanding rating is rare and indicates exceptional standards.

2. Visit the Home in Person

A website and brochure are helpful, but nothing replaces a visit.

Ask yourself:

• Does the home feel warm and welcoming?
• Are residents happy and engaged?
• Do staff know residents by name?
• Is there a calm, homely atmosphere?
• Does the home smell fresh and clean?

Your instinct matters.

3. Ask About Staffing Levels

High-quality care depends on having enough well-trained staff.

Ask:

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Are staff trained in dementia care?
• How long have key staff worked there?
• Are nurses or senior carers available overnight?

Consistency is especially important for residents living with dementia.

4. Look at Daily Life and Activities

A good care home offers more than personal care.

Residents should enjoy:

• Meaningful activities
• Social events
• Music and entertainment
• Gardening
• Community visits
• Therapy animals
• Celebrations and family events

The best homes focus on quality of life, not just meeting basic needs.

5. Understand What Is Included in the Fees

Some homes charge separately for services such as hairdressing, chiropody, and physiotherapy.

Others, like Cleeve Lodge, provide an inclusive fee structure with no hidden extras.

Always ask:

• What is included?
• Are there additional charges?
• How often are fees reviewed?

6. Consider Dementia Expertise

If your loved one is living with dementia, specialist knowledge is essential.

Look for:

• Dementia-trained staff
• Personalised care plans
• Calm, reassuring environments
• Meaningful activities tailored to individual interests

7. Speak to Other Families

Online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight.

Look at:

• carehome.co.uk
• Google Reviews

Consistent positive feedback is a strong sign of quality.

8. Ask About Medical Support

Check how the home works with:

• GPs
• District nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Opticians

Integrated healthcare support helps residents stay healthier and more comfortable.

9. Trust the Atmosphere

Families often say they “just knew” when they found the right home.

Look for warmth, dignity, laughter, and genuine relationships.

10. Choose a Home That Feels Like Home

The best care homes combine:

• Exceptional care
• Beautiful surroundings
• Engaging activities
• Compassionate staff
• Clear communication

Why Families Choose Cleeve Lodge

Located in the heart of Goring-on-Thames, Cleeve Lodge offers award-winning residential and dementia care in a boutique, family-run setting.

Families choose us because of our:

• Outstanding CQC rating
• High staffing levels
• Inclusive fee structure
• In-house physiotherapy, hairdressing, and podiatry
• Beautiful gardens and elegant accommodation
• Warm, family atmosphere

Arrange a Visit

If you are looking for exceptional care for a loved one, we would be delighted to welcome you for a personal tour.

Visit Cleeve Lodge

The post How to Choose the Best Care Home for a Loved One in Oxfordshire in 2026 appeared first on Cleeve Lodge.

Also known as supportive care, palliative care can and often is provided at any stage of an illness, not only for people with terminal or end-stage conditions. In many cases, it is provided alongside curative treatment to help relieve any side effects.

Because it intends to support people, particularly with progressive conditions such as dementia, supportive care can begin at any stage once someone is diagnosed and typically takes the form of these five stages.

Establishing A Personal Care Plan

As with any form of treatment or social care, a care plan is essential to ensure that your individual needs are met, which provider is best equipped to meet them, and what happens if these needs change, as can happen to everyone.

With dementia, this stage is also often where the first steps towards advanced care planning are established, to ensure that your needs are met throughout your care. You do not need to make any firm decisions at this stage, but it often helps to start these discussions.

Providing Emotional Support

In situations where palliative care is needed, it may not always be easy to prepare or know how to prepare for the next stages of your care journey, which is why emotional, psychological and spiritual support are available for you and your family when you need them.

Early Stage Support

Palliative care begins at a time that you want and is established in the care plan, often alongside other treatments and care.

The aim is to help you feel as comfortable as possible, enjoy life as much as possible, help manage the side effects of treatments and be prepared to adapt to changes in symptoms.

End Stage Care

Also known as hospice care, end-stage care is focused on ensuring you are as comfortable as possible and any arrangements you need to make are undertaken before it is no longer possible to do so.

Your friends, family and loved ones will also be supported during this time, ensuring they can be with you.

Supporting Loved Ones

Finally, the palliative team will offer support to your loved ones to help them manage during an often difficult time. This stage can often last over a year to ensure that people receive the supportive care they need.

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This is particularly important for progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, where early intervention and effective social care can help to slow the rate at which it develops and ensure people with it live as well as possible for as long as possible.

However, there are also, unfortunately, cases where the goal of care is to relieve symptoms and pain rather than necessarily to treat disease. This is known as palliative care, and its ultimate goal is to improve quality of life in cases where it is more appropriate to provide supportive care.

Whilst often associated with hospice care, palliative care is flexible and can often occur alongside other forms of treatment, although it is most commonly offered following the diagnosis of a chronic or serious illness.

By contrast to palliative care, hospice or end-of-life care is offered to provide a high level of comfort in the final weeks and months, with treatments designed to avoid discomfort as much as possible and 

In the case of dementia care, supportive treatment is about providing social and emotional support during the more advanced stages of dementia, not only for the person at the centre of care but also for their family and loved ones.

Many elements will be arranged in advance through advance statements and advance decisions that ensure that a person’s wishes surrounding their care are met whilst they have the capacity to voice them.

These include managing physical needs such as pain relief, managing distress and confusion, ensuring they can see everyone they want to, live in comfortable surroundings and a community that will help provide comfort, and ensure that any cultural beliefs and practices are respected.

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A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlighted evidence showing that traumatic brain injuries sustained in falls by people aged over 65 were a major factor in the dementia risk.

Those who suffered such an injury were 69 per cent more likely to develop dementia within five years and 56 per cent more likely over a longer period. The likelihood of needing to be admitted to a care home was up by 45 per cent.

Around half of traumatic brain injuries among over-65s in Canada are caused by falls, the study found.

At Cleeve Lodge, we can offer specialist care for anyone who has dementia, whatever the underlying cause, which includes helping to protect residents against falls that can add further injury, whether to the head or the body.

Other studies have indicated that the cumulative effect of multiple impacts on the head raises the risk of dementia, with some sports posing a higher risk.

The issue of footballers heading the ball has been much debated after several cases of famous players suffering dementia in later life. A study by Glasgow University produced last year indicated that professional players, despite being healthier in other regards than the general public, were 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease.

Notably, the difference only applied to outfield players and not goalkeepers, who seldom head the ball and suffer fewer concussions. The findings led to football’s governing bodies placing restrictions on heading the ball in training before matches and on heading at junior levels.

However, the causes of dementia are many, and this can include factors such as genetics, general health and lifestyle factors such as excess smoking and drinking.

Our care for those with dementia remains effective and appropriate to maintain dignity and maximise quality of life for all patients, irrespective of the underlying causes behind their condition.

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The latter decision can be a tough one in all sorts of ways, but there may be good practical reasons in favour of it. Against that, you may be reluctant to take such a step if you cannot find a very good care home.

Here at Cleeve Lodge, we are very aware of these sentiments and this is why we pride ourselves on providing outstanding accommodation that makes every resident feel at home and as comfortable as possible, while also providing all the care they need.

An example of the kind of dementia that may require particularly specialised treatment is frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, which is one of the less common forms of dementia.

This condition, as its name suggests, affects the frontal temporal lobe of the brain, which means it has a significant impact on personality, behaviour and language, the Alzheimer’s Society explains.

Among the initial signs can be aphasia, where the use of language is impaired. Thereafter, behavioural changes such as difficulty with planning, being easily distracted and acting or speaking inappropriately can emerge. Some patients can become aggressive.

Later on, symptoms can include a complete loss of speech, memory and the ability to recognise family members.

These factors can impair the patient to the extent that moving them into a care home may be the best option for their welfare, safety and care quality.

Well-known FTD sufferers include the former actor Bruce Willis. His symptoms have been highlighted in a newly published memoir by his wife Heming, as she outlined the reasoning behind her decision to move him into a care home. This included his struggles with stairs and the difficulty in maintaining a low-stimulus, serene environment to keep him relaxed.

According to the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, FTD accounts for one in 30 dementia cases in Britain.

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Here are seven early signs of dementia that are worth looking out for, either in yourself or in someone you love, so you have the time to find the right care home in Oxfordshire for their needs. 

1) Difficulty concentrating

Most people associate dementia with memory loss, but the first thing others might notice are a difficulty concentrating and seemingly forgetting things that recently happened. They might repeat themselves frequently, forget important dates, stop in the middle of a conversation, and increasingly rely on reminder notes and to do lists. 

It is also common to misplace or lose things, and they may even accuse others of stealing from them.

2) Problems with language

As part of their short-term memory loss, people with early signs of dementia might find they begin to struggle with language. This can include difficulties with finding the words they are thinking of, following conversations, or knowing what to say in response. 

Subsequently, they may withdraw from social events or stop their hobbies, as they find it hard to maintain conversations with people. The more they isolate themselves, however, the worse their challenges with communication will become. 

3) Issues with problem-solving

Their ability to problem-solve may start to decline, which can make every day tasks more difficult. For instance, they might find it hard to follow recipes, keep to the rules of a game, keep track of household bills, or write a shopping list. 

Their decision-making can also suffer, which can often lead to paying less attention to their personal hygiene, spending more than they can afford, or buying things they do not need. 

4) Getting lost

If yourself or your loved one has found themselves in a familiar location without knowing how to get home, this could be an indication of dementia. Not recognising where you are, having a lack of orientation, and not recalling cues, such as landmarks, are common with some forms of dementia. 

5) Lack of visual perception

Visual perception and spatial awareness are also likely to decline. This means they can find it harder to judge distances or obstacles; therefore, they may bump into things or trip up more often. Repeated falls, problems with balance, and being unable to determine contrast or colour are common signs of dementia. 

Those who drive may find it more difficult to judge their speed, navigate parking, and might get too close to other vehicles. 

6) Changes in behaviour

One of the hardest symptoms of dementia for loved ones to deal with is the change in personality. This is especially true before a diagnosis when nobody understands why their friend or relative has started to act differently. 

They often become more irritable; they might be more impulsive and reckless; they may say inappropriate things without thinking; and they can become suspicious about their loved ones’ intentions. For instance, they might resist their family’s or friends’ concerns, and be rude and aggressive towards them when bringing up the topic of dementia. 

7) Become depressed

Another sign to look out for if you are worried about yourself or a loved one is whether their mood has started to change. It is common for people with early signs of dementia to feel depressed and anxious. This could be because it is hard to come to terms with their cognitive changes, and they may be frightened, sad and angry about it. 

However, low mood can also be indicators of dementia, so if someone presents with symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is worth looking out for other signs as well. 

The post Early Signs Of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore appeared first on Cleeve Lodge.

However, the slow progression of dementia means that it is not always easy to discover the early warning signs that give you time to consider your options.

This could potentially be about to change, thanks to advances in diagnostic technology and medical research made possible by the UK Biobank, the world’s largest medical imaging project.

The UK Biobank project is an extensive set of full-body medical images taken of over 100,000 volunteers, which helps to provide significant insight into a huge number of health conditions and how they affect the body as we age.

This anonymised data is then made available for researchers, laboratories and clinics to help their research, which has led to 1300 studies and countless medical breakthroughs over the past ten years, including a diagnostics tool that can predict future heart issues in less than a second.

One of the biggest is a diagnostic tool that analyses activity data and brain scans with the help of a specialist machine learning algorithm against a wide range of training data to detect brain conditions at an early stage, with an accuracy comparable to existing diagnostic tools typically used once it has progressed.

The study suggests that it can predict dementia, as well as Parkinson’s disease, before a person even notices any symptoms, which could be a huge transformative step to ensure that people get any potential care they need as soon as they need it.

One caveat is that it was a preliminary study, requiring a much larger group to confirm the findings, but as with any other progressive condition, there are more options for treatment the earlier it is diagnosed, which can prolong a higher quality of life.

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This is the third time that the residence has received this result, first back in 2016 and then again in 2019… true testament to the exceptional service it provides and its continued dedication to excellence.

This third Outstanding rating places Cleeve Lodge among the top-rated care homes in the UK, recognition of the home’s commitment to delivering person-centred care in a homely, warm and supportive environment.

Sally Gill, care home owner, said: “At Cleeve Lodge, our philosophy has always been simple: to provide the kind of care and environment we would want for our own parents and loved ones. Every member of our team lives by this ethos, showing compassion, warmth, and commitment every single day.

“I would like to personally thank all our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to create a loving and supportive home. Your passion and dedication do not go unnoticed… you are the heart of Cleeve Lodge.

“We are also deeply grateful for the continued support of our wider community, including the Goring Surgery, our trusted local pharmacist, local churches and everyone else who helps our residents live full and meaningful lives.”

In the final report, the CQC inspectors mentioned the outstanding compassionate and kind care they noticed throughout their visit, with staff telling them how much they enjoyed working there.

Residents, meanwhile, said they felt very safe and received consistently high standards of care, with staff always listening to them and being very responsive with care provision.

If you’d like to find out more about Cleeve Lodge and how we could help you or a loved one, get in touch with the team today.

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What is undoubtedly the case is that demand for such treatment is only going to rise as Britain’s population ages, as most (though not all) dementia patients are over the age of 65.

According to figures produced by the Alzheimer’s Society last year, there were 982,000 Britons with dementia. As the population ages, this figure is set to soar, with a projected increase to 1.4 million by 2040 – a figure which is higher than the population of Birmingham.

Some might hope for medical breakthroughs that may prevent such a steep increase, but at present, that is not happening.

This is a point that is important to bear in mind, following the decision by the government’s National Institute for Care and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in declining to approve two new drugs – Donanemab and Lecanemab – that are designed to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is not just a case of cost, but an assessment that the cost is not justified for two drugs that, NICE decided after consultation, offered benefits that were “too small” for the investment to be worth it.

What that indicates is that even if the drugs were to be offered on the NHS, they would only have a minor effect in slowing down the increase in dementia. It might mean, for instance, some people do not need to enter care homes until a little later. It would not mean they don’t have to do so at all.

If you have just been diagnosed or a loved one has, your situation will be far from uncommon. Find out today what sort of care we can provide.

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Our level of physical fitness is largely a result of our daily eating and exercise habits – which becomes more important as we get older, of course 

This is good news, because it proves that simple habits can and do make a difference to our lives. Here are some habits that are easy to practice every day, and can help to improve your mental and emotional health and wellbeing, while becoming more resilient.

Practicing active constructive responding

You have probably heard about active listening, which is the art of paying attention to the speaker’s words and non-verbal communication, and encouraging them with your own body language and verbal cues. It involves making a good effort to comprehend, remember, and respond appropriately to what they say. 

Active constructive responding (ACR) specifically involves responding well to someone who has related some good news. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is easy to handle it badly, especially if we are feeling tired, distracted, can spot a problem, or even feel threatened or jealous of their achievements.  

Responding to good news in a lukewarm, dismissive, or critical way can make a person feel undermined and damage their feelings of trust and closeness to you. Using ACR techniques involves listening, understanding and being interested and enthusiastic. It could even be a cause for an impromptu celebration.

Learning how to look forward to something

If you are not a natural born optimist, it can be more difficult to look to the future with hope and positivity. However, this is a mindset that can be learnt, with a little practice. Start small, by writing down two or three things you are looking forward to over the next week. This could simply be meeting a friend for coffee, or spending an hour in the garden.

Spend a few minutes each evening anticipating the enjoyment of these events, without dwelling on any potential problems. Learn to savour the warm and strong rays of hope and positivity! Once you have mastered the small stuff, think bigger. Visualise your best self, where everything has gone well in your life.

Play to your strengths

We tend to feel at our most happy and fulfilled when we are doing something we are good at. We all have different strengths, which we could and should make the most of, and use to help us make a contribution to the world. Write down your five best strengths, and look for ways you make these a priority.

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