A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of a £6 million care home in Telford was performed by the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council.
Councillor Andrew Eade used a commemorative spade to celebrate the start of work on the Lightmoor View care home for older people in Telford.
When it opens early next year, Lightmoor View will employ 100 staff and have 75 en-suite bedrooms to support older people who have special needs arising from dementia.
The care home is being built by Coverage Care in Telford by Castleoak.
Councillor Eade said: “Lightmoor View represents a major investment in additional care services in Telford & Wrekin and the name Lightmoor View is well chosen, being in Lightmoor and having a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.”
Set in its own grounds on the site of the old brickworks at Lightmoor, the new care will have facilities over three levels.
The rooms will be located in six units, providing specialised nursing care for patients with differing needs. Each room will have internet access and a television.
Councillor Jacqui Seymour, cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said: “By 2026, the number of people aged over 65 in the borough is forecast to rise by over two thirds to 37,000.
“With such a dramatic increase, the council and its partners are planning ahead and there are many exciting developments such as Lightmoor View on the horizon.”
Chief executive of Coverage Care, David Coull said: “Dementia is becoming a major issue for many older people and with our new purpose designed care homes like Lightmoor View, we will be able provide the best possible caring environment for older people with dementia.
“Our staff are trained in dementia care mapping and the best practice methods of caring for the special needs of those with dementia, all of which will make Lightmoor View a centre of excellence when it opens next year.”
PICTURED: Marking the start of construction of Lightmoor View are, from left to right; Steve Wellings, Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Andrew Eade, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, David Coull, Chief Executive of Coverage Care, Councillor Jacqui Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adult and Consumer Care with Telford & Wrekin Council and Kenneth Bean, Chairman of Coverage Care.