With dementia diagnoses expected to continue rising in the coming years, Avonbourne, a dementia-specialist care home run in Old Sarum by the not-for-profit care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), is taking bold steps to enhance its care for men living with the condition.

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions impacting memory, thinking, communication and behaviour, including Alzheimer’s disease. While dementia affects both men and women, it can cause more significant damage to the frontal part of the brain in men, which is the area associated with social skills. Emerging research also suggests that the experience, progression, and impact of the condition can differ between genders.

In response, Avonbourne care home has introduced a household for men only and a tailored programme of activities to better support male residents’ experience of living with dementia.

"We’re seeing a need for more gender-aware dementia care,” explains Les Johnson, Home Manager at Avonbourne. "While memory loss and confusion are often core symptoms for men and women, the way men cope, communicate, and respond to the disease, as well as the support they need, is different. For example, men from previous generations may be less used to sharing their feelings, which can sometimes lead to behaviours like withdrawal or agitation being misunderstood.”

To support this approach, Avonbourne also organises activities grounded in purpose—such as maintenance tasks, tool use, structured hobbies or sports—to support cognitive engagement and emotional wellbeing for male residents.

"We incorporate activities like gardening and sports-themed groups," continues Les. "These help male residents maintain a sense of independence, familiarity and purpose, which can ease behavioural symptoms and reduce anxiety associated with dementia."

"It’s not about stereotypes,” adds Les, “but about recognising the different ways individuals experience dementia and providing care that feels respectful and relevant to them."

This initiative is supported by OSJCT’s team of Admiral Nurses and Dementia Leads who guide residents, their families and friends through the complexities of dementia care.

OSJCT is one of only ten care providers in the UK with a dedicated team of Admiral Nurses, employing five of the seventeen specialists working in this field. These dementia specialist nurses, backed by the charity Dementia UK, offer expert advice, emotional support and lead staff training. 

"Dementia is different for everyone," says Les. "A better understanding of the condition, and a personalised approach, leads to better care—for everyone."

In support of Dementia Action Week (19–25 May), Avonbourne is encouraging conversation about dementia and inviting the community to learn about its dementia-friendly environment. To arrange a tour or find out more, visit Avonbourne Care Centre | Care Home in Old Sarum | OSJCT or call 0800 988 8133.