In the heart of Sandford, North Somerset, an exceptional retirement care community is taking shape and, by its side, a groundbreaking care home for people living with dementia.

Built on the site of Sandford Old Station, this innovative sheltered housing facility, incorporates many historic features and offers the very best in independent living and accommodation.

Sandford Station is the fourth retirement development from award-winning local charity, the St Monica Trust, a pioneer of high quality care, support and accommodation for older people for 85 years. Employing more than 650 people, it is committed to creating an environment of enrichment and independence for the 600 elderly people that live in the three retirement communities developed and managed by the Trust today. Sandford Station delivers all the features that have made St Monica Trust retirement accommodation so popular - a range of high quality properties, extensive amenities and the peace of mind that comes from dedicated, on-site support and care.

And just next door, it has something very special... a purpose-built living environment designed to improve the quality of care for people living with dementia.

Opened to its first residents in 2009, The Russets is a very different type of care facility, the first of its kind from the Trust in the UK. Combining innovative building design and a focussed support structure, it offers a stress-free, enabling and fulfilling environment for up to 70 people living with all stages of dementia. Although on separate sites and with its own gardens, the Russets is easily accessible for residents of the retirement village, to visit and share time with a partner or friend.