CARE for eight older people living with dementia will be provided at a new dedicated facility in York.

The new Poppyfields unit at Haxby Hall has been specially designed to enable the residents to live together in a small group, with easy access to a large secure garden.

There will also be two respite rooms to provide short term breaks for people living in their own homes, giving their regular carers the opportunity to have a holiday.

The centre is at one of City of York Council’s Older People’s Homes as part of the authority's plans to modernise accommodation for older people and address the needs of the city's ageing population.

It is hoped that this additional specialist dementia support will help meet the current need, helping people to maintain their living skills by keeping occupied with simple daily tasks, such as baking, arts and crafts, quizzes and games, as well as meaningful occupations such as washing their dishes, all of which can reduce anxiety and agitation.

The design of Poppyfields aims to provide a pleasant environment for the residents, using natural lighting, contrasting and stimulating use of colours for the floor and walls, and effective use of textures.

Jo Bell, head of service (Operations) at the council, said: “Our approach to developing the new facility has been based on current best practice and research nationally. Residents and their families have also been involved in developing Poppyfields and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months.”

Councillor Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “Dementia touches so many people’s lives, whether they themselves live with the disease, or are close to someone who does. With the number of people living with dementia in York set to rise significantly over the next few years this new facility will provide a home-from-home environment in which to provide specialist care and support.”

The new facility forms part of the council’s plans to modernise accommodation for older people in the city, addressing the needs of York’s ageing population and giving older people more choice about the care and support they receive. In the longer term the facility at Haxby Hall could transfer to new, purpose-built accommodation.