Types of Care

Residential

You know what it’s like when, one day, you suddenly realise that mum or dad isn’t coping any more. To be honest, mum or dad probably realise it too, but no-one’s willing to admit it. We’re here to help.

Moving into a care home simply means you’ve recognised that the time has come when a little help with everyday life wouldn’t go amiss.

What is Residential Care?

Also known as personal care or assisted living, residential care is a perfect solution for residents who need some assistance with daily activities but don’t require intensive nursing or rehabilitation care.

Respite

Respite care is a temporary stay in a care home. Respite care can help you to get back on your feet after you’ve had a spell in hospital or you’re recovering from an illness. It’s also a good option when the carer goes on holiday or needs a short break from caring.

Sometimes taking a break from the usual routine can make a huge difference, both for carers at home and for those who are being cared for.

For carers, it’s important to know that your loved one is in a safe, comfortable, homely environment so that you can truly enjoy the break you so much deserve.

Complex

Complex Care at Heanton Nursing Home

Heanton Nursing Home often supports individuals whose needs have not been successfully met in other health and social care settings. Many of the people who come to us have experienced multiple placements and/or placement breakdowns elsewhere in the Southwest and from other parts of the UK, often due to the complexity of their behaviours, cognitive conditions, or personal histories.

Our team is skilled and experienced in providing the kind of consistent, specialist support needed to create an environment and lived experience that fosters a safe and relaxed environment without such conspicuous compromises and restrictions.

They are also trained to help support those who are distressed, maintain trust and offer continuity for individuals whose care has previously been labelled challenging or difficult to sustain.

Located in North Devon, Heanton specialises in caring for people with neurocognitive disorders, behaviours that challenge and forensic backgrounds. Our approach is designed for those with high levels of behavioural complexity, individuals who require bespoke, skilled and consistent support.

What Makes Heanton Different?

Within Heanton there are four smaller houses, each designed to reduce overstimulation and promote emotional safety. These environments allow us to tailor routines, match people to one another, limit distress triggers and enable residents, who we fondly refer to as family members, to live as independently and meaningfully as possible.

• Exmoor House – For males with high behavioural complexity
• Saunton House – Low-stimulus setting with high supervision and private areas
• Williamson House – Supporting individuals with dementia and behavioural symptoms
• Watersmeet House – For individuals in later stages of dementia

Each house functions as its own therapeutic community, with a consistent and specialist team trained to manage complex presentations through non-pharmacological, trauma-informed strategies. This small-group living model is particularly effective for individuals with expressive behaviours, long-term psychiatric or forensic histories, or previous care placement breakdowns.

A Home for Life – Even as Needs Change

At Heanton, we provide a home for life. We understand that individuals’ needs can change, sometimes quite significantly and our unique internal structure allows us to respond flexibly. Family members may transition between houses as their physical, emotional, or behavioural needs evolve. These moves are always carefully managed in partnership with families, funders and a multidisciplinary team to ensure safety, dignity and continuity of care.

Who We Support

Heanton welcomes referrals for individuals who may need a more tailored and understanding environment, including those who:

• Have experienced multiple placement breakdowns due to complexity
• Exhibit behaviours that challenge including aggression, disinhibition or forensic risk
• Require high staffing ratios or bespoke environments
• Have a dementia, brain injury, Korsakoff’s syndrome, or other cognitive impairments
• Need clinical oversight but do not require ongoing invasive nursing interventions

Our Approach to Complex Behaviour

We don’t view behaviours as problems to be managed, they are communication. Our team is trained in the Evolve Model of Care, which focuses on emotional safety, attunement, and meeting unmet needs. We use Positive Behaviour Support planning, trauma-informed care and meaningful activity to create stability.

Ongoing clinical oversight includes:

• Specialist assessments
• Regular reviews with GPs, SALT, physiotherapists and mental health professionals
• Data-led behavioural analysis and risk reviews

We’re committed to making support as least restrictive as possible, while always prioritising safety and dignity. At Heanton, we believe everyone deserves the chance to continue living with meaning, connection, and respect – no matter their history, diagnosis, or level of need.