The brand-new, purpose built extension was recently opened by BBC Proms and radio presenter Katie Derham in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new dementia wing will accommodate a further 15 residents in addition to the 18 living there currently. The new development is unique to Horsted Keynes in it's ability to provide the specialised care that older people living with dementia need, and will also bring a host of new job opportunities.
Operations Manager, Jemma Thompson said “We decided to build the service so that we could provide a safe, tailor-made environment for residents living with dementia. It is small and friendly, and the rooms have been specifically designed to create a calming effect for residents. There will also be regular activities that are proven to help those living with Alzheimer's and dementia, and those working there are also specially trained to provide care for those living with dementia.”
Jemma continued “We are so thrilled to be opening this new service at Westall House. We have been waiting a long time to be able to provide a dementia friendly service to the local community. It has been an interesting year trying to build through a pandemic, but we were determined to get this service up and running.”
It will be great to be able to support and care for more residents here at Westall House. – Jemma Thompson, Operations Manager
The dementia wing is just one part of a comprehensive modernisation project for Westall House. In addition to a recently refurbished garden room for activities and spacious dining, the bungalows have been recently demolished to make way for 24 new, fully accessible one and two-bed independent living apartments, scheduled to open next year to coincide with the home’s 25th anniversary. They will allow for communal-based living arrangements with personalised extra care packages for those who require it, whilst also providing all the facilities necessary to enable as independent a lifestyle as possible for the residents.
To enquire about room availability in the care home, dementia-friendly service or new independent living development, please call 01825 791157 or email the house.