Dementia centre of excellence completed

Work to redevelop a Devon County Council residential care home in Newton Abbot into a modern, state-of-the-art centre of excellence for people with dementia has finished two weeks ahead of schedule.

Mapleton was developed in partnership with the University of Stirling Dementia Centre, which is nationally recognised for setting the standards for dementia-friendly buildings. Devon-based Midas was in charge of the construction and building work.

The £1.5 million project, which started in July 2013, included major alterations and an extension to the care home, parts of which hadn’t been updated since the 1960s. One of the major challenges was minimising disruption for the 17 residents who lived in the building throughout.

Work included structural alterations; adding en-suite bathrooms to all bedrooms; changing the boilers from oil to more economical gas; new electrics throughout; extending the dining room and creating a day centre; changes to the living areas to make them feel more homely; full refurbishment of the commercial kitchens and remodelling and landscaping the outdoor areas.

State-of-the-art biodynamic lighting was added throughout the building, which changes colour throughout the day thanks to mood control and was chosen specifically for its beneficial effects for people with dementia.

Councillor Stuart Barker, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, would like to thank everyone involved for their cooperation over the past year and said: “I am delighted to see this work completed within the time scale, and that the residents and their families will benefit from the warm and welcoming environment the Centre provides. With its specialism for supporting people with dementia, the wider community can now also enjoy the new day centre.

“The Centre complements the Passmore Edwards Centre for people with learning disabilities, and adds to the investment Devon County Council has been making in the Newton Abbot area.”

Councillor Eve Barisic, Devon County Councillor for Newton Abbot North said: “I am delighted that Mapleton Care Home will focus on the needs of those with dementia. I have seen first hand the devastating effects of this illness. We all have a duty to look out for our elderly neighbours. We can help those with dementia to feel less isolated and maintain a happy and healthy life in their own home for as long as possible.

“When this is no longer possible, homes like Mapleton are an invaluable asset for vulnerable residents.  Well done to everyone who has been involved with the project.”