Friars Lodge
Friars Lodge is a residential care home in Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire (LU5 4HR). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Friars Lodge
Friars Lodge is a residential care home in Dunstable in Central Bedfordshire. We provide a home for older people who need support with daily living, including people living with dementia, and we offer respite stays for those needing care for a short spell. Coming to live in a care home is a significant thing to do, and the first weeks matter more than any account of the building. We spend them learning about the person rather than settling them into our routine. What they did for a living, what they cannot be doing with, what time they have always had their breakfast, whether they would rather be in company or left in peace with the radio on. Dementia care rests on patience and a recognisable day. We avoid springing things on people, we keep routines familiar, and when somebody is distressed we go looking for the cause rather than simply trying to settle them. Relatives very often know exactly what helps, and we would far rather be told at the beginning than work it out across six months. The rest of the day belongs to the people living it, and we take the practical side seriously too: food worth looking forward to, medication handled carefully, quick response when somebody is unwell, and plain conversations with families when things change. At our most recent inspection the Care Quality Commission rated us good overall, and we keep asking residents and relatives where we still fall short.
Care provided at Friars Lodge
- Older person care
- Dementia care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 21 March 2020
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
Common questions about Friars Lodge
Where is Friars Lodge located?
Friars Lodge is a residential care home in Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire, LU5 4HR. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Friars Lodge provide?
Friars Lodge is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Older person care, Dementia care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Friars Lodge's CQC rating?
Friars Lodge is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 21 March 2020. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Friars Lodge provide dementia care?
Yes. Friars Lodge supports people living with dementia. We recommend contacting the home directly to discuss your individual situation.
Does Friars Lodge offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Friars Lodge offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Friars Lodge
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
Yes. Friars Lodge is registered for dementia care, so someone whose needs increase can usually stay rather than move.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. Friars Lodge is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Friars Lodge offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
No. Friars Lodge is registered for older people. Younger adults are not listed.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the East
Friars Lodge has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,000 to £1,350 per week per person, typical range
- Dementia care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the East, not a quote from Friars Lodge. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
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