More choice for Christchurch elderly needing specialist care

More choice for Christchurch elderly needing specialist care

Facilities for older people in Christchurch have been given a boost thanks to the development by Bupa in local care home, Cashmere View in Cashmere. The much needed dementia bed conversion has been strongly supported by psychiatric services for the elderly.

The recently renovated and extended care home has seen the conversion of 20 existing hospital beds to specialist dementia beds. Bupa is the largest provider of Specialised Dementia services in Christchurch with over 80 beds in the region. Providing dementia beds at Cashmere View gives Christchurch residents more choice in the Southern area of the city that they didn’t have before. In the past some long term residents who needed this specialised care had to be moved to other Bupa care homes that offered dementia services. These residents will be given priority if they choose to transfer back to the new wing at Cashmere View.

The addition of dementia services at Cashmere View compliments the rest home level and hospital care as well as respite care which is currently available.

The development of Cashmere View has been welcomed by residents, their families and staff. Jo Powell, Operations Manager for the Southern Region, said: “We’re really pleased with the results of the refurbishment; these are much needed beds for the Canterbury region. We are also planning to develop the gardens into sensory spaces to further add to the dementia care offering”

In addition to the Cashmere View development Bupa are also investing in their care services in Parklands which will see an additional 11 standard care beds plus 34 retirement village apartments. This development is due for completion in early 2013.

ENDS

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