Korsakoff’s Syndrome Care

What is Korsakoff’s Syndrome?

Korsakoff’s syndrome is a chronic memory disorder most commonly caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, usually as a result of alcohol misuse. People living with the condition often experience significant short-term memory loss and may find it difficult to form new memories, while thinking, skills and abilities learned in the past can sometimes remain relatively well preserved.

At Vane Hill, our care focuses on creating structure, consistency and practical support that helps residents navigate everyday life with greater confidence. We use personalised memory aids, visual prompts, labelled storage and clear routines to support daily activities, while our team uses gentle communication techniques that reduce frustration and preserve self-esteem. Alongside rehabilitation and life-skills work, we provide ongoing nursing oversight to support physical health and wellbeing.

Life at Vane Hill ARBD Care Home

Life at Vane Hill in Torquay is designed to be calm, predictable and meaningful, helping residents feel secure while encouraging independence wherever possible. Comfortable bedrooms provide private spaces that feel familiar and reassuring, while communal lounges, home-cooked dining, therapeutic activities, private gardens, a games room and regular outings offer opportunities for connection, enjoyment and routine.

Consistent support, respectful relationships and carefully structured environments help reduce anxiety and make daily life more manageable. Families are welcomed as valued partners in care, ensuring that residents receive the support they need to live well, maintain their identity and enjoy a sense of purpose and belonging within the home.

Explore our Home

two people laughing together while knitting and looking at a laptop

What You Will Find at Vane Hill ARBD Care Home

GP Appointments

Dental Appointments

Optician Appointments

Free Wifi

Minibus

Newspapers & Magazines

Korsakoff Syndrome is the chronic condition that can develop if Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is not treated promptly. While Wernicke’s causes acute neurological symptoms, Korsakoff causes lasting memory impairments due to brain damage.

The most noticeable symptom of Korsakoff Syndrome is severe short-term memory loss, which makes it difficult for individuals to remember recent events or learn new information.

Other cognitive functions such as thinking, mood, social skills and personality are less affected compared to dementia.

Vane Hill Care Home offers personalised, specialist care through rehabilitation programmes and multidisciplinary support. Our experienced team focuses on building life skills, supporting memory and providing a safe, stimulating environment to promote independence and quality of life.

Specialist Alcohol Related Brain Damage Care

Here at Vane Hill ARBD Care Home in Torquay, Devon, we provide expert care for adults who require support to re-enable independence following alcohol-related brain injuries. We recognise that every person’s journey with ARBD (Alcohol Related Brain Damage) is unique, which is why every resident has a tailored care and support plan to ensure individual goals and milestones are set out and worked towards.

With over 30 years of experience in the field of alcohol related brain damage care, we have combined our knowledge and expertise to develop a way forward with our 3 Step Enablement Programme. The programme helps individuals take back control of their lives and regain skills to live independently and alcohol free.

Life at Vane Hill ARBD Care Home

Life at Vane Hill ARBD Care Home in Devon is centred around comfort, safety and re-establishing independence for our residents. We create a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages socialising. Residents enjoy our games room with a pool table, books, magazines and computers with internet access. Outside, the gardens and patio are regularly enjoyed throughout the year and provide a quiet, relaxing environment and an ideal space to enjoy popular summer barbecues.