Devon nursing home calls for national rollout of Blue Zone living and proactive dementia care
By The Editor
Queen’s Nurse returns from London awards finals as Mount Olivet’s pioneering approach to healthier, happier ageing earns national recognition.
A Devon nursing home is calling for a nationwide rethink of dementia care after its pioneering Blue Zone-inspired approach to healthier ageing earned two prestigious national award shortlistings – and attracted the support of its local MP.Steve Darling,
MP for Torbay, recently visited Mount Olivet Nursing Home in Paignton, where he saw first-hand how its proactive approach to dementia prevention and brain health is helping residents focus on living healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.
He has praised the home’s work and backed calls for its approach to be shared more widely across the country.
Mount Olivet Nursing Home in Paignton had been shortlisted for Care Home of the Year at the 2026 National Care Awards, while its Registered Manager, Jodie Nelder, was also shortlisted for Care Registered Nurse of the Year at the London National Care Awards finals.
The double recognition comes alongside Jodie’s prestigious Queen’s Nurse award – celebrating a nursing approach that places prevention, purpose, independence and quality of life at the heart of later life.
Now Jodie wants other care homes across the country to embrace Mount Olivet’s proactive, Blue Zone-inspired approach to dementia prevention and brain health.
The home has pioneered a rolling 12-month Dementia and Brain Health Prevention Programme, helping residents and staff focus on exercise, nutrition, hydration, hearing and eye health, blood pressure monitoring, mental wellbeing, social connection and cognitive stimulation.
Jodie believes the principles could transform care nationwide – helping people live better for longer, rather than simply responding when problems arise.
She said: “Being shortlisted for two National Care Awards is an incredible honour, particularly alongside the Queen’s Nurse recognition.
“It has been an incredible team effort. We are one big, close-knit family and community.
“I passionately believe we should be asking how every care home can give people more opportunities to stay active, connected, fulfilled and mentally stimulated.
“Proactive dementia and brain health care should become a much bigger part of the national conversation – and I would love to see these principles adopted across the country.”
The Editor
Local MP Steve Darling, who recently visited Mount Olivet, said “Mount Olivet is delivering a quite extraordinary standard of care. Its proactive dementia and brain health programme is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that deserves to be shared nationally.
“Two prestigious national award shortlistings are thoroughly deserved recognition for Jodie and her fantastic team. They are putting our constituency on the map for all the right reasons.”
Mount Olivet is developing a Blue Zone-style approach to later life, inspired by communities around the world associated with healthier, happier longevity.
At the 24-bed nursing home, that means residents are encouraged to continue living life on their own terms – whether enjoying trips to favourite pubs, beaches, football matches and theatres, welcoming family dogs, celebrating birthdays with personalised cakes or simply enjoying a conversation over a meal.
Families are welcomed without restrictive visiting times and can share meals and celebrations.
Residents personalise their bedrooms with treasured possessions, while the communal garden hosts singers, entertainers and live music.
The home has also introduced a sensory and wellness bathroom using light, sound and scent, a travelling library and new learning through a partnership with Plymouth University around nutrition.
Its philosophy is simple: exceptional nursing care should help people continue to live meaningful lives, not merely meet their clinical needs.
Owner Peter Angelides said: “I am immensely proud that Mount Olivet was shortlisted for two National Care Awards. It is wonderful recognition of a team whose passion, compassion and commitment continually amaze me.
“Jodie and her colleagues have embraced a Blue Zone-style approach that puts residents’ independence, relationships, nutrition, activity and sense of belonging at the centre of everything.
“They take the time to understand each person – their history, family, interests and what matters to them – and then make things happen.
“Outstanding care is about helping people live the lives they want, with dignity, warmth, purpose and genuine human connection.”
The home’s commitment to personal care extends beyond everyday activities.
Five members of staff attended the funeral of one much-loved resident, helping carry the coffin – a reflection of the relationships built between residents and those caring for them.
Mount Olivet currently holds a 9.8 review score on carehome.co.uk, based on more than 100 reviews.
The National Care Awards recognise excellence across the UK care sector.
For more information visit mountolivet.co.uk or call Jodie on 01803 522148.
