Ten 'Centres of Excellence' for dementia care backed by Devon County Council

Devon councillors have announced their support for the development of ten ‘Centres of Excellence’, which will specialise in looking after the needs of dementia sufferers, as part of an £11.2m investment.

Altogether the new Centres will be registered for around 300 patients and will contribute towards a recognised shortfall in the county for those with conditions like Alzheimer’s, with the council estimating that another 300 places are needed to meet a rising demand.

The council currently oversees care in 23 residential facilities, though so far no firm decisions have been taken as to which care homes will become the focus of redevelopment. Those that are selected can expect to be completely redecorated and refurbished to include en-suite bedrooms.

Councillor Stuart Barker pledged that residents and their families will be fully consulted throughout any renovation: ‘There’s a lot of work to be done before we reach that point, but all that will be required will be done in an orderly , managed and phased way so that disruption within homes is kept to a minimum.’

Mr Barker also spoke of the many benefits the council hope will result from the new project:

‘So many people are already experiencing care difficulties associated with dementia, and demand for support is growing. That’s why the investment we are announcing today to redevelop some of our homes as Centres of Excellence for dementia, and refurbish others, is critical in meeting people’s needs.

‘We are investing in the future to make sure there is provision when it is needed. Our intention is for the Centres of Excellence to be more than just residential homes. We would want them to include other non-residential services for people with dementia and their carers, who may still be living in their own homes.’

Image: Cllr Stuart Barker