One of the twelve values that guide care at West Heanton — across our residential home, day centre and home care services.
Innovation at West Heanton is practical, meaningful and rooted in improving people's lives. We invest in modern technology, sustainable systems and creative dementia-friendly design to ensure our services remain forward-thinking and effective.
Our 25kW solar array, battery storage and AI-driven load management system help us reduce energy waste, lower costs and maintain stable power for essential equipment. Our biomass boiler provides renewable heating, and our well supplies around 80% of the water used for toilets, washing machines and garden irrigation. These systems reduce our environmental impact and strengthen our resilience.
Innovation also shapes our dementia-friendly environments. Our garden includes a bus stop, garden bus and sheltered smoking area designed to look like a traditional waiting point — familiar spaces that help people who walk with purpose feel calm and reassured. Our Paths with Purpose layout ensures safe, continuous walking routes with no dead ends.
We were featured on BBC Devon for our heatwave preparedness, showcasing our air-conditioned rooms, hydration activities and even our Mr Whippy ice cream machine — a fun and effective way to keep people cool.
Innovation is not about being modern for the sake of it — it is about finding better ways to care.
Examples from daily life at West Heanton — our environments, equipment, team and community connections.
West Heanton is powered by a 25kW solar array, battery storage and an AI-driven load management system. This technology reduces energy waste, lowers costs and ensures stable power for essential equipment. It is a practical example of innovation improving both sustainability and care quality.
Our biomass boiler provides renewable heating, and our well supplies around 80% of the water used for toilets, washing machines and garden irrigation. These systems reduce our environmental impact, strengthen resilience and allow us to reinvest savings into better care.
Our garden includes a bus stop, garden bus and sheltered smoking area designed to look like a traditional waiting point. These familiar features help people who walk with purpose feel calm, reassured and connected to everyday life. It is a unique, creative approach to dementia-friendly design.
West Heanton was featured on BBC Devon for our heatwave preparedness. We use air-conditioned rooms, hydration activities, cold drinks and our Mr Whippy ice cream machine to keep people cool, comfortable and safe during extreme weather. This public recognition highlights our innovative approach to wellbeing.
Our residential home includes ceiling hoist tracks, modern moving and handling equipment and high-quality care technology. These investments ensure safe, dignified support and demonstrate our commitment to innovation in everyday care.
