Accessible Holidays for Guests Living with Dementia in the New Forest
At Our Bench, we welcome guests with a wide range of needs. Having personal experience of supporting family members and guests living with dementia, we understand that taking a break can feel daunting. We have gathered useful information and made small but thoughtful adjustments to our holiday cottages and local guidance to help families feel more confident, settled and supported during their stay.
- Ground-floor, step-free cottages: All accommodation is on one level, helping reduce confusion, fatigue and the risk of falls.
- Familiar, consistent layouts: Each cottage has a clear and simple layout. We’re very happy to talk through the space before arrival so guests know what to expect.
- Calm, quiet surroundings: Our location offers a peaceful environment away from busy roads and nightlife, which many guests find reassuring.
- Option of door alarms: Discreet door alarms can be provided to offer additional reassurance, particularly overnight.
- Self-catering flexibility: Preparing familiar meals and keeping to known routines can help guests feel more settled and relaxed.
- Advance conversations encouraged: We’re always happy to talk through concerns before booking so you can decide if Our Bench feels like the right fit.
Dementia awareness and understanding
As well as being recognised as Dementia Friends, Matt and Helen have also worked alongside Hartwood House Care Home in Lyndhurst to take part in specialist dementia awareness training, including the Dementia Bus.
The Dementia Bus is a touring training experience that offers insight into the world of someone living with moderate dementia. It helps participants better understand how changes in vision, hearing, dexterity and perception can make everyday activities far more challenging.
This experience gave us valuable insight into why familiar tasks can become difficult, why frustration or short temper can arise, and why someone may stop doing things they have always done. It has helped shape how we think about space, routine, communication and reassurance within our holiday cottages.
Safety, reassurance and planning ahead
For many families, worries centre around unfamiliar surroundings, night-time wandering, or someone becoming disorientated. While Our Bench is not a care setting, we aim to offer a calm and manageable environment and to be open and honest about what we can provide.
We encourage families to be aware of the Herbert Protocol, a UK-wide scheme designed to help protect vulnerable people who may be at risk of going missing.
The protocol allows carers to record helpful information in advance, such as medical needs, communication preferences and recent photographs. If ever needed, this information can be shared quickly with the police to help them act faster.
Exploring the local area
- The New Forest offers a number of gentle, predictable outings that work well for guests living with dementia. We’re happy to suggest quieter locations and calmer times of day.
- Many wheelchair-accessible attractions also benefit guests with cognitive impairments, offering level access, wider spaces and clearer layouts. You may find our explore section helpful.
- Short, familiar-feeling walks and simple routines can often be more enjoyable than busy attractions. Our team can help suggest suitable options based on your needs.
If you have specific questions or would like to talk through what would help you feel comfortable during your stay, we’re always happy to chat before you arrive. You can contact us online or just give us a call.
A gentle reminder
Living with dementia does not mean holidays have to stop, but they often need to change. Our aim is not to provide care, but to offer a calm, accessible place where families can spend time together, rest, and enjoy a change of scenery in a way that feels manageable.
If you’re unsure whether Our Bench is right for your situation, please get in touch. We’ll always be honest, supportive and happy to help you think it through.
More Information about finding Support for Dementia
Colten Care, are a local care home provider and in Lymington they have a specialist Dementia care facility - there is always the opportunity to pop in and meet the team, they run weekly craft sessions that are open to the community, and other events. We have continued our awareness by attending some of their community and business events. They have produced a useful guide - "Shine a light on Dementia" and you are welcome to download a copy, and it is a helpful place to start if you are looking for more information.