Dementia Friendly Ceremony

We are incredibly proud and excited to share that Chestnut Lodge has officially been recognised as a Dementia Friendly Care Home.

After a great deal of hard work, learning, and commitment from our team, on Monday 11th May 2026 Chestnut Lodge were honoured to attend a special award ceremony hosted by Lesley at the Yarm School Auditorium, where we were presented with a certificate in celebration of this fantastic achievement.

The event was a truly inspiring experience. Alongside receiving our accreditation, we had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, hear powerful and moving stories from members of the local community, and connect with a wide range of organisations and businesses across the area — not just care homes — all working together to improve awareness, inclusion, and support for people living with dementia.

Becoming a dementia friendly home is something we are extremely passionate about at Chestnut Lodge. Throughout this journey, our staff have taken part in additional training, discussions, and learning opportunities focused on understanding dementia, recognising how differently it can affect each individual, and exploring ways to provide more person-centred support.

Dementia impacts so many individuals and families, and we believe that raising awareness and improving understanding is something everyone can play a part in. Small changes in communication, patience, environment, and understanding can make a huge difference to somebody living with dementia. To learn more about dementia, whether it is to learn, seek advice for yourself and for support in caring for a loved one, we would recommend going to the Alzheimer's Society and Age UK Teesside for further information.

This accreditation reflects our continued commitment to creating a safe, supportive, understanding, and inclusive environment where residents feel respected, valued, and truly at home.

We would like to thank Lesley for all of her support throughout this process and for organising such a wonderful event. We are so proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing to learn, improve, and support those living with dementia every day at Chestnut Lodge.