Construction begins on specialist dementia care home in Grantham

Building on a new state-of-the-art care home in Grantham is underway and is due for completion in 2014.

The plans include a 48-bed specialist dementia unit which will promote reminiscence as therapy, accompanied by a 16-bed short and intermediate stay care unit. The project will see Lincolnshire County Council working with The Orders of St John Care Trust and will be constructed by Rugby based firm Stepnall.

Speaking about the development, The Orders of St John Care Trust chairman Peter Loyd said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council on this, the first of three specialist dementia care facilities to be developed in line with the Council’s care strategy.”

Mr Lloyd continued: “It will provide a vital new facility to meet the growing specialised care needs of older people in Grantham and the surrounding area.”

The modern facilities will include en-suite bathrooms in every room, Sky and digital TV, wi-fi and a 24-hour nurse call facility. There will be a fully landscaped sensory garden in the grounds, raised planters, water features and vegetable patches.

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council said: “Modern care homes such as this are vital if we are to meet the expectations of our older residents, as well as the needs of future generations. I am sure this new centre will be of great benefit to the local community for years to come.”

The care home aims to bring relief to people suffering from dementia, as well as providing support for their families. The beginning of the project was marked by local people coming to witness councillor Martin Hill ceremoniously “break ground”.