
FAQs
Got a question for us?
When we speak to people about the Sage House Model for dementia care, they usually have plenty of questions about how it all works.
If you need specific information, you may well find some of the answers in our most frequently asked questions. If not, please feel free to drop us a line by filling out our online contact form or email: nationalambitions@dementiasupport.org.uk
Frequently asked questions
Dementia care should always be centred around the individual who is living with dementia and tailored to their specific needs. By replicating the Sage House Model for dementia care and bringing services into one place, you could significantly improve the quality of life and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their carers while saving as much as £1,722 per person, per year.
This will be considered when you carry out a feasibility study which our team will be able to support you with. The feasibility study will look at the population of people living with dementia in your area and take into account the future prevalence rates, as well as speaking to local people and organisations to identify what services are already there and what gaps exist.
The original Sage House in Tangmere cost £1.7 million to open, this included building refurbishment costs and a 6-month operating budget. However, costs can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the population and size of the building in which it is to be housed. When you carry out your feasibility study, this will help inform you better about what’s required.
The three essential parts of the Sage House Model which must be included in any replication are Wayfinding services, Day Breaks respite care and integration with the NHS Memory Assessment Service. Other key factors of the model are activity sessions, support groups, personal care, such as bathing, hairdressing and therapies, and a community café which is the heart of the hub.
By having the NHS Memory Assessment Service in-house, we can ensure that a comprehensive range of dementia services are accessible under one roof, making the whole dementia journey process much more comfortable for people affected by dementia. For this reason, it is a vital part of the Sage House Model and must be included.
Yes, in order to replicate the Sage House Model for dementia care you will need to have your own charity number and the ability to fundraise to support the running of the building and provision of services. Dementia Support will provide support in getting the charity started and will act as the umbrella organisation, providing expertise, support and quality assurance.