Available to residents of Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, The Beacon Day Support Centre in Northfleet is a warm and friendly place where people with dementia – with or without a carer – can feel supported, connected and valued.
At The Beacon, our goal is simple: to make each day better for people with dementia and their carers. We offer a warm welcome and a friendly environment where staff take the time to get to know what matters to everyone who visits. We tailor our care to each individual’s needs, interests and preferences – always with respect and compassion.
We offer a wide range of enjoyable, meaningful activities that can be tailored to all interests and energy levels, including:
• Reminiscence sessions
• Gentle exercise
• Arts and crafts
• Music, singing and dancing
• Themed days and seasonal celebrations
• Smaller, calm sessions for those who enjoy a more peaceful setting.
If needed, we offer support with personal care, including going to the toilet. Our trained staff provide discreet, dignified assistance so all visitors can feel comfortable and confident throughout the day. We can also help with medication, ensuring that it’s administered safely, following a personal care plan and always respecting privacy and consent.
We offer a freshly prepared, two-course lunch each day – with all dietary needs catered for.
To find out what’s on the menu this week, click here. Link to this week’s menu.
For those who need a lift, we offer escorted transport across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
Our beautiful sensory garden is always available, rain or shine. Carefully designed with safety in mind, it features raised flower beds, smooth pathways and secure boundaries. It is a peaceful, vibrant outdoor space that helps visitor feel calm, connected and well throughout the year by:
The scent of lavender and rosemary, the feel of textured surfaces and the gentle sound of birdsong all help to awaken the senses. This kind of gentle stimulation can trigger memories, evoke positive emotions and support cognitive function.
The garden provides a calm retreat from the indoor environment. Many members no longer have access to a personal garden, so this space offers the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and safety.
With smooth, accessible paths, the garden encourages walking and light activity. This supports physical health, boosts mood, and can contribute to better sleep and appetite.
Familiar sights, smells and sounds in the garden often bring back fond memories and emotions. These moments of reminiscence can help support identity and foster conversation.
The garden provides a relaxed setting to spend time alongside others, engage in conversation or take part in small group activities like tending plants or observing nature.
Simple tasks such as watering or planting can offer a sense of routine, achievement, and independence. It helps members feel involved and purposeful during their day.
The Beacon is a paid-for service offering an affordable alternative to full-time care, delivering excellent support without the higher costs of residential settings. It gives carers time to recharge, knowing that the person with dementia is in safe, caring hands during the day. To find more about options, pricing and the potential for funding or financial support, or to register interest, click here.
