A MULTI-million pound dementia care home in Kenilworth welcomed a former health minister through its doors ahead of the official opening.
Norman Lamb MP was given a tour of Castle Brook which will be run by charity WCS Care, and which will welcome its first residents before the turn of the year.
The new state-of-the-art £10.5million home, accommodating up to 84 residents, will be one of a small number of care homes in the county offering double apartments for those wanting to live with their partner or to provide extra space for friends.
It will offer an on-site shop, a coffee shop, hair salon, spa, launderette and an in-house cinema.
There will also be a four-wheeled bicycle for two that will give residents, friends and family the opportunity to share and create memories together on a specially-designed cycle track.
Mr Lamb said: “Castle Brook provides a fantastic environment for its residents.
“I was particularly struck by the exemplary entertainment facilities and open spaces, as well as the friendliness of the staff.
“There has been a real effort to create a sense of community where people can stay active in mind and body – giving them a life rather than an existence, which is absolutely essential for people with dementia.”
Councillors John Whitehouse, Jerry Roodhouse and Richard Dickson accompanied Mr Lamb during his visit.
Christine Asbury, WCS Care’s chief executive, said: “Castle Brook is challenging many people’s ideas about what a care home is and the quality of life they can expect.
“It will be a vibrant, bustling environment led by the residents who live there – it’s about independence and ensuring people carry on doing the things they’ve always enjoyed doing while providing new opportunities they might not have considered.”
