£100m to be spent on dementia centres across Staffordshire

Patients will not have to continually move and care will be provided in the specialist centres. There will be seven Centres of Excellence across the county. Council chiefs will seek a partner from the private or voluntary sector to help offer the services. It comes as bosses say the number of people aged over 85 across Staffordshire is set to double by 2025.

In addition to this, the number of people diagnosed with dementia is expected to rise over the next few years.

Bosses will now launch a consultation to ask people their thoughts about the proposals.

The exact locations of the centres have not yet been decided.

The aim of the centres is to reduce the need to be transferred from residential care to specialist units as a patient's condition deteriorates – something which can be disruptive and distressing for patients.

County Councillor Matthew Ellis, member for adult wellbeing, said: "Dementia is the biggest challenge facing the whole country and it is crucial that this issue is tackled head on to ensure we're providing effective care and support.

Quality

"These centres of excellence will be the best in the UK, putting Staffordshire well ahead of most areas in the country.

"They will provide quality services and catering for all the different stages of dementia.

"Ultimately, they will offer people a better quality of life and dignity as their condition changes.

"They will have additional space, facilities and staff to bring out the best in their residents, and will place them at the centre of choosing their own care."

He added: "These centres will offer those with dementia the best care possible at whatever stage of their condition, helping them live as full a life as possible."

For more information on the consultation visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/excellence or call 0300 111 8000.