Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead People who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia will have access to even more local care places in the Royal Borough, thanks to a council agreement with the operators of the new Larchfield nursing home in Maidenhead.

The home, operated by European Care on the site of the former Larchfield residential unit for older people, has 77 beds, 20 of which have now been purchased by the council for use by its care service users. Two of the places will be for respite care – a welcome addition to the five already used by the council at Clara Court, also in Maidenhead.

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for Maidenhead adult services, said this was very good news for older people and their carers.

She said: "The borough's growing population of older people means we have an increasing pressure to provide quality care beds, particularly for those with complex needs. We are working hard to create new opportunities for care and these additional beds at Larchfield are an important step forward.

"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to secure two more beds for respite care. Carers, many of them elderly themselves and often providing 24-hour care, need to have time to recharge their batteries so we must do everything we can to increase access to respite beds. We are already fortunate to have been able to purchase five places at Clara Court and these additional beds will enable even more people to benefit from this much-needed service."

Further information about beds is available from Ann Dunne, mental health team manager, on 01628 683771.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead