Dementia care innovations aplenty at Liverpool's new support centre

Located in Norris Green, Sedgemoor Dementia Support Centre is a purpose-built £1.2m facility with a unique design and build, incorporating advanced dementia care research.

Constructed by Bullock, the Centre is tailored to the challenges of memory loss. Specialist additions include access to a telecare suite, which offers visitors an insight into technology such as sensors and warning alarms that can help them feel more secure.

There is even an interative 4D theatre that works to stimulate cognitive ability through sights, sounds and smells of the past, making the most of nostalgic footage and photographs.

Regional director at Bullock, Duncan Williams, comments: “This centre has been a really important development for Bullock. It’s a superb facility which will offer state-of-the-art support and care for those with dementia and their families.

“Many of the design and build features, particularly making it all open plan, we believe is unique in its own right. We’re very excited to see how this type of design impacts positively on the users of the facility and how Bullock could replicate this as a best practice design element on similar such schemes.

“We are delighted that, working in partnership, we have helped deliver such an innovative facility which will bring support and care to individuals, their families and carers.”

Sedgemoor has a circular design and draws upon pioneering dementia research to help visitors sense routes around the building, using colour-coding and objects of interest that scientists have found ideal for adults with memory loss.

Council-run and part of a ‘Transformation Plan’ to establish six Health and Wellbeing hubs across the city, the construction has received positive responses from visitors.

Councillor Roz Gladden commented: “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by dementia. It is a cruel and upsetting condition which can cause much distress for those affected.

“I am really proud that we have been able to make a significant investment in a new kind of care facility which will completely change the way in which we provide support to people.”

Up to 30 visitors will be able to use the facility every day, who will also have the chance to practice arts and crafts and horticultural skills.