Construction work is getting underway on a £1 million specialist dementia care unit in Liverpool.

Diggers will start work on Thursday 19 July on the purpose-built facility which is being constructed as an extension to Sedgemoor Care Home in Norris Green.

It 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 which can be fitted at home to help them stay safe - such as sensors and warning alarms.

The centre will also be used for respite and include a sensory room, hobby space where people can take part in arts and crafts and a mini-cinema which will be used to show old film reels to help with cognitive therapy.

It 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.

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Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for adult social care, Roz Gladden, said: "This is going to be a superb facility which will offer state-of-the-art support and care for people 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 facility to help assist those who have dementia.

"This is a significant investment in a new kind of care facility which will completely change the way in which we deliver services.

"We are moving to a system where we are focused on meeting people's individual needs, rather than having to choose from a fixed menu of social care services."

Outside there will be 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 in a safe space.

The centre is being specially designed so that each area flows in to another so there are no dead ends allowing people to wander freely which means they will not get frustrated by feeling trapped.

The ranges of colours and textures used in the building have been specifically chosen to stimulate the senses and memory.

There are more than 4,000 older people with dementia in Liverpool today and it is estimated the figure will grow to around 5,300 by 2025.

(CD/GK)