£1m for Cumbrian care homes to improve dementia facilities

Private care homes in Cumbria are being offered £1 million to improve facilities for residents with dementia.

Cumbria County Council is providing free training and grants to upgrade lighting, decoration, signage and furniture to meet nationally-recognised standards.

The scheme is open to residential and nursing homes, and hospices.

Each can apply for up to £20,000 to meet up to half the cost of improvements.

Councillor James Airey, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “This is a major investment, which will benefit the county for many years.

“We hope as many independent residential care homes as possible apply for a grant.”

Around 7,000 people in Cumbria have been diagnosed with dementia. This figure is expected to almost double to 13,000 by 2030.

Mr Airey added: “We are facing the challenge of an ageing population and in increase in those diagnosed with dementia.

“We want to support people to remain in their own homes where appropriate and improve access to specialist care for those most in need.

“A safe, well-designed living environment, either at home or in residential care, is a key part of providing the best care for people with dementia.”

The £1m pot will provide free training courses and around 48 grants. The training is also available to homes not applying for grants.

The council says simple changes – such as different colours on walls and door frames, plain carpets similar in colour and texture, and clear signs on rooms and cupboards – can reduce anxiety levels for dementia patients.

They also reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

To qualify for funding, homes must attend a training day to learn about principles of good design for dementia-friendly environments.

For information on training course, or to apply for a grant, homes should email [email protected]