People are enjoying fuller and longer lives than ever before. As a result the population in the UK is ageing rapidly. A 120% increase in the number of people over 85 and a 160% increase in the number of people over 90 is expected in the UK by 2040. On current trends one in five will need care and one in five will suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The addition of dementia services to our current service provision in Mansfield Road, Nottingham will ensure: - a safe, secure, friendly ‘home from home’; - care for people for the rest of their lives, including any time when additional support is called for, especially with increasing frailty or confusion; - older people gain a renewed lease of life through support and care that values each individual, promotes independence and helps maintain an active life as part of the community; - we tackle the loneliness so common in old age through participation in the local community and the companionship of other older people and Abbeyfield volunteers; - we offer a full range of care on one site, so that each older person can choose whatever support is appropriate for them; - we build on the current care provision from the site which is rated as excellent. In the summer of 2009, an existing building on the site, St Martin’s House, was closed and will be refurbished in 2010 to meet the growing local need for the provision of dementia care. The development – which is being managed by the local development group made up of staff and volunteers - will see the creation of 12 new residents’ rooms each with ensuite facilities which are designed to be disabled and wheelchair friendly. The first stage of the development will see a complete refurbishment of the mechanical and electrical installation. The front of the building is currently enclosed and will be opened up with an atrium to create a light and welcoming space. As well as new staff facilities and a new eco-lift, there will also be an assisted bathroom for those residents who need extra help with bathing. The addition of tele-monitoring equipment will help to increase security and feelings of privacy for the residents. The plans will offer residents a choice of various communal areas including a lounge, dining area and conservatory. A Snozelen (sensory) room on the first floor will provide a soothing and safe environment which stimulates primary senses with music, lighting effects and gentle vibrations. The first floor will also have a further open plan meeting space where residents will be able to sit and relax. One of the most important aspects for the development will be the themed secure garden for everyone to enjoy. There will be access to the garden from several areas around the development and we are planning a wander path which will take residents through sensory, ‘cottage’, ‘seaside’ areas and an allotment. Residents will be encouraged to take part in the gardening and growing of vegetables if they would like to. Whilst all the meals for the residents will be prepared and delivered from the larger kitchen in the adjoining Sycamore House, the current small kitchen in St Martin’s will be moved to the former garage area so that there is access from the dining room. By moving the kitchen area to the new position off the dining room, residents will be able to cook for themselves under supervision – this will not only encourage social interaction but will also help to maintain feelings of independence and will contribute to the activities offered in the home. As we are planning to expand the services currently offered at the Firs Nursing home – which is also based on the site - the existing kitchen and current laundry facilities at Sycamore House will be upgraded to cater for the extra number of residents and day centre visitors. There is already a professional staffing team based on site providing 24-hour care and this has already been assessed as providing excellent outcomes for residents, which gives peace of mind to residents and their families. There are other funding opportunities for this development but a donation of £5000 will provide much needed funds towards the project - in particular the Sensory Room and the garden.