A unique specialist dementia support centre opens in Liverpool on Thursday, 16 May 2013).
The purpose-built £1.2 million council-run Sedgemoor Dementia Support Centre is in Norris Green.
It has been specially designed for people with dementia and will provide assessment and respite facilities, with naturally lit spaces. It is open plan to provide a calming atmosphere.
It features a hi-tech, interactive 4D theatre, where people will be able to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and even smells of the past through old videos, cine footage, photographs and relevant scents. It will help with cognitive therapy.
Other features include:
- A circular design which is easy to navigate and with large windows
- The use of objects of interest to help with ‘sensing’ a route
- Extensive use of the colour red as it is stimulating for people with dementia
- Peaceful, secure and safe garden area where activities will take place
The centre will be used by up to 30 people per day and include a ‘Telecare’ suite where staff will be able to fully assess people and identify the most suitable types of technology such as sensors and warning alarms to help them stay safe.
The centre will also be used for respite and include a hobby space where people can take part in arts and crafts.
Outside there is a fully enclosed sensory garden including allotments and raised beds where people who are interested in gardening will be able to practice their horticulture skills safely.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for adult social care, Councillor Roz Gladden, said: “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by dementia. It is a cruel and upsetting condition which can cause much distress for those affected.
“This is a superb facility which will offer state-of-the-art support and care for those with dementia and their families.
“We have an ageing population in Liverpool and all of the evidence shows there is going to be an increased need for this type of care facility.
“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.”
The project is being backed by Alzheimer’s Society Liverpool, which works to support people affected by dementia.
Also at the event, singer/songwriter Jess Beatson will perform a song she has written called ‘So If You Forget Me’ inspired by her father, who has Alzheimer’s. It is available for download at itunes, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The building has been constructed by Bullock. Regional Director Duncan Williams said: “This has been a really important development for Bullock as we continue to build and consolidate our reputation within the healthcare sector.
“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.”
The opening of Sedgemoor is part of the council’s ‘Transformation’ plan for day care services which is seeing six Health and Wellbeing ‘hubs’ created across the city to provide help and support for people.
Liverpool is running a year long Year of Dementia awareness campaign in 2013 as part of the Decade of Health and Wellbeing. It aims to develop an understanding and awareness of Dementia and to start working towards creating Dementia Friendly environments in work places, public areas and communities.
