dementia unit opens in Malvern (From Malvern Gazette)

dementia unit opens in Malvern

9:30am Thursday 18th October 2007

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A NEW dementia unit has been opened in Malvern to offer respite for carers and sufferers.

The six-bed site at the Howbury House Home for Older people provides day care for people needing specialist dementia care.

It has been designed and launched by Worcestershire County Council at a cost of £225,000.

Eddie Clarke, the authority's head of health and social care, said: "Providing for dementia, costs councils and the NHS more money than cancer, heart disease and strokes put together. We have identified the need for high quality dementia respite and day services in accommodation that is specially designed and built in order to meet the growing demand for such care.

"The provision of a service like this will benefit those caring for older people with dementia and provide them with a well-earned break. If the unit is successful, there may be an opportunity to add these respite units to other homes for older people across the county."

The home has been designed to provide an environment for residents that mirror their surroundings at home. It is the first specialist dementia care unit in the County Council's portfolio and will reduce the need to purchase this provision from the private sector.

By providing day care respite, carers of those with dementia also have the chance of a break from their duties.

Centre manager, Pat Bradley, said: "We're very excited about the new service. We have been really pleased with the outcome, ensuring the environment we provide promotes the well being of service users."

The chairman of the Mental Health Trust, John Calvert, added: "The test for me, and everyone who has parents needing this facility is: would you feel happy sending your mum here? The answer is yes, and I see that this facility should be set as the benchmark for this provision and not the exception."

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