A purpose-built, £1 million dementia unit has opened in Allostock, Knutsford offering specialised dementia care.
The 5,400 square foot 10-bedroom unit, Scowcroft House, has been built in the grounds of Mount Pleasant Nursing Home.
The single storey building has been built by SLE Services Ltd of Weaverham. As well as 10 spacious personalised bedrooms, the unit has two sitting rooms (one quiet and the other a television room), a brightly coloured dining room and a beautiful sensory garden complete with water feature, raised beds, colourful planting and delicious smelling herbs.
Finishing touches, ideal for people living with the dementia, include ‘reminiscence’ posters on the walls, brightly coloured table linen to encourage eating and rummage boxes to provide stimulation. In the garden, residents will be provided with gardening tools and those that are able to will be encouraged to get busy.
Mount Pleasant Nursing Home now employs 60 staff with the new dementia unit having created ten new jobs.
Speaking about the demand for dementia care in the local area, Kate Bradley, Unit Lead at Scowcroft House said,
“Mount Pleasant has built an enviable reputation for nursing care but we have seen a growing need for specialist dementia care in the area.
“Dementia diagnosis is on the increase, people are living longer and families are often not on hand, or capable, of coping with the needs of a person living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
“Our new unit has been designed as a home from home with spacious bedrooms, lovely day rooms and a dining room overlooking the most colourful of gardens. Add to that views over neighbouring farmland; I don’t think it could be a lovelier setting.”
Family and friends of clients at the new unit will be encouraged to visit when they like.
For information about the new dementia unit, contact Scowcroft House on 01565 723012 or for general nursing care enquiries, contact Mount Pleasant Nursing Home on 01565 722918.