THE number of Herefordshire residents with dementia is set to increase by almost 100 per cent in the next 15 years, it has been suggested.

The figures were reported by those behind plans for an extension at Hazelhurst Nursing Home in Ross-on-Wye to cope with the expected increase in demand.

Newchurch Properties wants to build the 13-bed extension to the existing nursing home, off the B4234, and a 25-bed EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) care unit on the same site.

In planning documents submitted to Herefordshire Council with its application, the applicants say the country’s ageing population is resulting in a significant rise in the number of people requiring more specialist care.

“It has become increasingly clear, both locally and nationally, that dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing the health and social care economy,” said agent Graham Clark, on behalf of Newchurch Properties.

“With the number of people living with dementia expected to rise substantially over the next 25 years, dementia has to be a key local priority. It is predicted that the number of older people with dementia in Herefordshire will rise from 2,821 to 5,572 in 2030 – an increase of 92 per cent.

“Dementia also affects people under 65; an estimated 54 people under-65 will have young onset dementia [by 2030].”

The report went on to highlight the problems the applicants feel Herefordshire faces because of its isolated location.

“Often, especially in rural locations such as those within Herefordshire and the surrounding counties, the provision of domiciliary care to the elderly and confused has become increasingly expensive or even impossible to provide,” Mr Clark added.