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Cary Brook

Cary Brook is a specialist dementia care home with many years’ experience in providing care to older people living with complex dementia.

Overview

Cary Brook is located in the popular, Dementia Friendly, market town of Castle Cary, close to shops and local amenities.

Our home provides a warm and friendly environment, especially adapted to ensure the safety and security of all our residents. Our spacious en-suite rooms are furnished to a high standard, and we invite residents to bring personal items and even furniture to help their room feel like their own. Each floor of our home offers communal areas and lounges, and ground floor rooms benefit from patio doors providing direct access to our landscaped gardens. With sun-drenched, flat and accessible patio areas with raised flower beds, along with a quiet and calm grassed garden area, there are plenty of inside and outside spaces for our residents to enjoy.

Cary Brook is equipped and staffed to be able to provide all the care you need to live the life you choose, providing specialist support for those living with dementia. As a dedicated dementia care home, Cary Brook provides a safe and secure environment for our residents to live as independently as possible, whilst our varied activities programme provides enrichment, stimulation and the opportunity to retain and pursue treasured hobbies and interests.

We are proud that Cary Brook has also been awarded Platinum status in the Gold Standards Framework for the support we provide to people nearing the end of their life. The award is presented to care homes who work alongside the individual and their loved ones to offer high-quality, reliable and consistent support at a time when it is most needed.

Services and care provided

  • Dementia Care
  • Respite Care
  • Residential Care

Visiting information

Your family and friends are welcome at any time with your permission, although we ask that you inform staff of any visits after 6pm. We encourage you to invite your loved ones to actively participate in recreational activities, outings, Carer’s Reviews and Residents’ Meetings at the home.

Facilities

All of our care homes are fully equipped with everything you need to feel at home.We know that it's often the smaller details that can help you to feel comfortable and settled, so if you have any questions about the facilities available at any of our homes, or would like to ask about something which is not listed here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

  • Full activities programme
  • Regular chiropodist visits
  • Variety of en-suite bedrooms
  • Wifi throughout the home
  • Close to town
  • Speak to us about bringing your pet
  • On bus route
  • Open door policy on visiting
  • On-site salon
  • Dining area
  • Varied menus
  • Lounge
  • Lifts
  • TV streaming apps & services (e.g. Sky/Netflix)
  • Premium rooms available
  • Laundry service
  • Local amenities
  • Specialist dementia care
  • Can accommodate couples
  • Communal gardens
 

Millbrook Gardens,Castle Cary,Somerset,BA7 7EEGet directions

A quick word from our Interim Care Home Manager, Chris Hayes

Being Interim Manager of Cary Brook is such a rewarding and interesting role, and it truly is a privilege to care for and get to know our residents who are living with dementia. Listening to the residents’ life stories is both amazing and surprising – it is unbelievable how much some of them have done in their lives and they are a real inspiration to me. I love it when the residents come and sit in the office with me to have a chat.

Cary Brook is a homely and friendly place, filled with laughter, singing and smiles. My close-knit team support each other and go the extra mile for those in our care. It is so rewarding to know that our residents feel at home here, and to receive feedback from their loved ones to say how happy they are at Cary Brook.

I am a very approachable person and always happy to have a chat, so if you would like to find out about how Cary Brook can support you or a loved one, please get in touch.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Food

Our talented chefs create delicious and inspirational menus using quality ingredients sourced from suppliers whose food ethos matches our own.

Locally-sourced and seasonal wherever possible, we choose ingredients that deliver maximum taste and nutritional benefit whilst minimising environmental impact. We actively work with suppliers who meet strict global standards for food safety and also hold additional accolades for higher welfare standards, soil health and product traceability as applicable. The result is a varied, satisfying and frequently refreshed menu of seasonal dishes which are a feast for both body and soul.

We are very happy to accommodate dietary requirements and preferences, and will not compromise on flavour or presentation to ensure all of your meals meet your needs.

View our sample menu

Dietary requirements

Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, and we will make sure all of your meals meet your needs.

Credentials

Cary Brook has been awarded the highest rating for food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety.

Our Head Chef, Louise, has worked at Cary Brook for 10 years and has a passion for producing good, wholesome meals from fresh produce and high quality ingredients.

Food and meals are an important part of our residents’ days, and a way of celebrating special occasions. Our residents love having a traditional fish and chip support on a Friday, and are particular fans of the desserts created by Louise and the team, such as rice pudding and sticky toffee pudding (also a favourite of our manager, Nicky!).

Birthdays and celebrations wouldn’t be complete without cake, and we like to spoil our residents with a homemade birthday cake and candles to mark their special day.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Wellbeing

Our activity team – Mandy, Nicola and Kirsty.

Our activity team create a varied and enriching schedule of activities to enable our residents to pursue their hobbies and interests, and continue doing the things they love. Mandy is technically minded, Nicola is arty, Kirsty is our singer and they each play to their strengths to create a schedule which includes something for everyone.

We like to organise trips out of the home for our residents, taking the local minibus to visit garden centres, enjoy a trip to the seaside for ice creams or take them on a magical mystery tour around the local area. We are also lucky to be near some lovely walks for our residents who like to stretch their legs and go out into nature.

View activity planner

Weekly events, activities and entertainment

All of our activities are inspired by the interests and preferences of our residents, and we always welcome suggestions for things they would like to do, and places they would like to visit.

Technology in our homes

Key to the wellbeing of our residents is the ability for them to live rich, fulfilling lives and remain in contact with their loved ones. All of our care homes are fully equipped with free wifi throughout (including in bedrooms, communal areas and garden spaces) to help people stay connected and access on-demand entertainment such as catch-up TV should they choose.

Supported by a central IT Team, Somerset Care’s dedicated Care Technologist can support with setting up and troubleshooting personal smart devices that residents may choose to bring with them into the home, such as mobile phones, tablets, smart speakers and smart TVs. The home’s care team can assist with video calling, virtual attendance at family events and special occasions (e.g. weddings and celebrations) where attendance in person is not possible, and enabling access to digital care plans. Please visit our FAQs page for more information about care home technology and support.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Reviews

At Somerset Care we want to hear about what matters to you. That’s why we proactively invite feedback on all of our care settings and services.

Independent reviews

You can read all of the latest, independently-verified reviews for our care homes on a dedicated reviews platform called carehome.co.uk. As this platform sits entirely outside of Somerset Care, you can be confident that reviews reflect the genuine experiences of our residents, customers and their loved ones.

Regulated services

All of our care settings and services are registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They periodically carry out unannounced inspections to monitor and assess the services which we provide, and we work with them to implement any recommendations they may make to continuously improve our service.

Your feedback

Your feedback matters to us – it helps us to understand where we are doing things well, and how we could do things better. If you would like to share any reflections on your experience with Somerset Care, please visit our Feedback page for details of how to submit your feedback, and what you can expect from us.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Pricing

Cary Brook fees are adjusted to individual care requirements.

Your care home fees are based upon a weekly structure which combines a fixed accommodation cost with your individually-assessed care needs cost.

The fixed weekly accommodation cost at Cary Brook includes everything you need to live comfortably and feel at home in your fully-furnished accommodation. You are also able to bring your own belongings to personalise your space if you wish.

Please scroll down for further information and FAQs, or download our care home fees guide for a full breakdown of costs.

Premium features available

Cary Brook also offers premium features such as access to a private garden area, a ground floor room or room with a garden view, subject to availability and additional cost.

How are my residential care need costs determined?

Pre-assessments are completed for all new residents by a member of our Senior Care Team. This is so that we can accurately determine your individual care needs and make sure we can safely support you within our care home.

This assessment is used to determine the care element of your weekly fees, which generally range from £280 - 810 per week, dependent upon your individual requirements.

What if my residential care needs change?

Your support team will monitor your progress and wellbeing on a daily basis. If a significant change in your care needs is identified, a member of our Senior Care Team will re-assess you to ensure you are receiving the right level of support. We will consult with you and/or your representative about any subsequent changes to your tailored care plan, and any resulting fee increases or decreases. Re-assessments will occur whenever required to meet your changing needs, and any fee changes are separate to the annual fee review.

Am I entitled to any support with my care costs?

We always recommend that you make contact with your local Adult Social Care department in your local authority who will be able to organise a care needs and financial assessment, to determine if you are entitled to any support.

As a general rule, if you have over £23,250 in savings or assets, you are classed as self-funding.  If you have below this amount, you may be entitled to some support or fully funded care.

We recommend you contact the adult social care team regardless as there are a number of benefits that you may be entitled too, which can support you funding your care needs.

Your Local Authority (LA) can assess your financial status and advise if you are entitled to financial support to cover some or all of your care home costs. Please note that LA funding may need to be supplemented (either by yourself or a third party, as appropriate) to meet your full accommodation and care costs.

If you have been diagnosed with certain long-term complex health needs, you may qualify for NHS funding towards your care costs via the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) scheme. Your GP or other medical professional will be able to advise if you may be eligble. Our nursing homes are able to accept CHC funded clients.

The NHS pay a contribution to care homes that provide nursing care, called Funded Nursing Care (FNC). If applicable, the FNC contribution can cover part of your weekly care home fees. If FNC arrangements are not in place at the time of your admission, you will be charged the full weekly fee until this is in place. Once the backdated FNC has been received, the equivalent refund will be credited to your account.

What’s included?

  • Fully-furnished accommodation
  • Food and drink tailored to your dietary requirements
  • Full use of all communal areas, including lounges, dining rooms and gardens
  • Full use of the on-site recreational facilities
  • Comprehensive activities programme arranged by our in-house team
  • All utilities including central heating, electricity, lighting and hot water
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Laundry services, including ironing
  • Team on site 24/7 to support as needed
  • Grounds and buildings maintenance
  • Daily and weekly cleaning services, alongside regular deep cleaning as and when required
  • Insurance of the building and supplied furniture
  • Internet access
  • Concessionary TV Licence scheme (if applicable)

What’s not included?

  • Hairdressing (available in all homes)
  • Toiletries (purchasable from the in-house shop)
  • Clothing
  • Newspapers/Magazines
  • Dry cleaning
  • Care and maintenance of pets
  • Insurance for personal items
  • Private transport to access services and attend appointments (e.g. hospital, dentist, optician)
  • Private telephone lines

A member of your care team may be able to accompany you to appointments dependent on capacity and at a cost set by the home.

Interested to learn more? Still have questions?

Whatever stage of the process you are at, we’re here to help you with every step of the way. If you still have questions but would prefer not to speak to us just yet, you can always browse our FAQs.

Next Steps

We know that searching for the right care options can be overwhelming and daunting.

Whilst there are many questions you may have, we want you to know that no matter the enquiry, we will make the process as simple and stress free as possible. The first step once you’ve found the right care home is to book a tour. However, if you still have questions or would like to speak to someone, please feel free to contact us below or check out our FAQs section.

1

Visit us

We always recommend that you have a tour of the home/s you may be interested in. Experiencing the environment, interacting with residents and our staff will reassure you that you are making the right choice!

2

Assessment

Once you have chosen a home you like, we will book in an assessment with you or your loved one. The assessment is a chance for us to get to know one another, and to understand all the things that are needed to support you to live the life you choose, in our care.

3

Move in

Whether you are looking for a short term respite break, or a long term arrangement, the next step is to welcome you into your new home. We encourage everyone to personalise their rooms to their taste, which can mean bringing in furniture from home; anything from comfy chairs to your pictures and ornaments. Our teams will look forward to your arrival and get you settled in!

Feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start?

We’re here to help