Living well: Care and support services in Devon

Care and support services in Devon are designed to help people live well, stay independent, and access the right help when they need it. Whether someone is living with a disability, managing a long-term health condition, recovering after illness, or simply finding daily tasks more difficult due to age, a wide range of support is available to meet different needs and circumstances.

Services across Devon are shaped around person-centred care, meaning support is tailored to each individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This can include help at home with personal care, meal preparation, medication support, or household tasks, as well as access to community-based services, day opportunities, and specialist care where required. Respite services are also available to give family carers a break and ensure they are supported in their caring roles.

A strong focus is placed on helping people remain connected to their local communities, including those in towns, villages, and more remote rural areas. Preventative support and early intervention are also key priorities, helping to reduce crisis situations and promote long-term wellbeing. Working in partnership with local organisations and carers, care and support in Devon aims to provide safe, respectful, and flexible services that help people maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Devon is home to one of the oldest populations in England, with almost a quarter of residents aged 65 or over. As people live longer, more families across our communities are facing the realities of dementia and the impact it can have on everyday life.

For many families a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, bringing emotional strain and leaving them unsure about the best way forward. On the positive side, sharing a diagnosis can help families plan ahead together, discussing changing needs and exploring how support at home may help maintain independence and quality of life for longer.

Independent evidence shows that with the right support in place, living at home can bring real benefits. Familiar surroundings and routines such as a known kitchen, a favourite chair, a much-loved pet, or the sounds of the local neighbourhood can help reduce confusion and anxiety. These everyday anchors can help people feel more secure and at ease.

Home Instead’s Care Professionals are specially trained to support people living with dementia, combining specialist knowledge with patience, understanding and companionship. By building trusted relationships and providing reassuring care at home, they help people maintain independence and stay connected to the routines and surroundings that matter most, while offering families guidance and peace of mind along the way.

For many families, compassionate dementia care is about helping a loved one feel safe, understood and connected to the life they know. Home Instead’s Care Professionals provide continuity of care, from sharing nutritious meals to spending unhurried time together. These familiar routines and moments of companionship can bring comfort and reassurance to clients and their families.

Families looking for advice or support for a loved one can contact the Outstanding-rated Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley team on 01822 258292, or Home Instead West Exeter and Teignbridge on 01626 864172, for a chat about the options available, or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk.

Step into Nuffield Health Hospitals in Exeter and Plymouth, where world-class medical care meets a calm, reassuring environment. Here, imaging and radiology go beyond clinical necessity—they deliver a patient-centred experience focused on clarity, confidence, and precision.

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning reveals the unseen through finely calibrated X-ray slices and advanced digital processing, producing clear cross-sectional images. From neurological and gastrointestinal concerns to musculoskeletal injuries, CT supports fast, accurate diagnoses.

X-ray technology remains a trusted diagnostic tool, ideal for detecting fractures, assessing lung health, spine alignment, and joint issues—helping patients move quickly from diagnosis to treatment.

MRI scanning provides detailed, radiation-free imaging of organs, soft tissue, bone, and the nervous system. For complex cases such as neurological or spinal conditions—and cardiac imaging (available in Exeter)—MRI delivers exceptional clarity.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images, supporting a wide range of examinations including abdominal, musculoskeletal, vascular, pelvic, and prenatal care.

Mammography plays a vital role in early detection. Services are delivered in a private, supportive setting, with eligible patients over 40 able to self-refer, supporting proactive breast health.

Why choose Nuffield Health Exeter & Plymouth Hospital:

At Nuffield Health Exeter and Plymouth, radiology is more than imaging—it’s an elevated, human-centred experience.

Nestled in the tranquil countryside just minutes from Tavistock, Venn House offers tranquility. We are a small, community-style home where every resident is known and cherished.

For families navigating the difficult decision of residential care, particularly for loved ones living with dementia or complex needs, finding the right setting matters enormously. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoying sweeping countryside views, our home provides a calm and personalised environment where dignity and compassion sit at the heart of everything we do.

Our experienced team delivers around-the-clock support rooted in patience and kindness. We understand the demands of dementia and elderly care and ensure consistent support tailored to each individual resident.

Residents enjoy spacious en-suite rooms which they are warmly invited to personalise, creating a space that is truly their own. Freshly prepared home-cooked food, holding a five-star food hygiene rating, is served daily, while a programme of life-enrichment activities encourages social connection and quiet moments of joy.

Families remain at the centre of our work. Regular updates, tailored care plans and a seamless admissions process, including a priority waiting list for self-funding families, ensure peace of mind from the very first enquiry through to every day thereafter.

If you are searching for specialist residential or dementia care in a tranquil West Devon setting, we would love to welcome you for a visit.

Contact Venn House today on 01822 612 322, visit www.venn.org.uk or email [email protected] to learn more about our home.

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