A specialist dementia floor has been officially opened at Stratton Court care home in Cirencester by The Countess Bathurst.
The ceremony was also attended by Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP, Cllr and Mayor of Cirencester Patrick Coleman, other Cllr’s and medical professionals.
The award winning care home is run by Aura Care Living and has an initial 20 beds open to the county with more to come by the end of the year. The specialist Dementia floor has been specifically designed incorporating many of the Sterling Design Principles for dementia care with a special murals and cognitive themes created throughout the floor called ‘Memory Lane’, a succession of pictures from the past including bright colourful images of old shops, running all the way through its main corridor and access area.
“21% of people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with living with dementia while the overall figures for the Cotswolds showing that 25.2% are living with a dementia diagnosis.
The move comes as reports and analysis from Age UK, circulated in the national press say indicates about 30% of areas now have no residential care beds.
“We believe we are doing something truly different and innovative,” said Home manager Anne Duffy. “There is a lack of understanding about those living with dementia and by providing a specialist service we are able to get to know all of our residents and understand their needs as everyone is different.
“We have worked with various experts while all staff, from nurses to chefs to laundry personnel, has had special training”.
