A NEW 54-bed care home, complete with salon, nail bar and coffee shop, has opened in Bromsgrove for people with dementia.

The Lodge was officially launched at a VIP event today (Tuesday) in Greenhill, next to Cinnamon Care's existing luxury care home Burcot Grange.

The home's first permanent, short-stay and respite residents, all of which are living with dementia, are set to move in before the New Year.

Home admissions adviser Sian Williams said: "We've had a lot of enquiries - they've actually doubled over the last few weeks since people found out about the opening.

"The home is divided into four quarters, with 13 beds in each, and each of those quarters has its own communal lifestyle kitchen, dining room and lounge, which are equipped to help residents live independently, but can also be secured for their safety.

"The lifestyle kitchens mean that, with support, residents can still make themselves a cup of tea or a piece of toast."

Bedrooms at The Lodge are fitted with their own wetroom bathroom, with some leading onto a garden terrace, while staff are all trained in dementia care.

Sian added: "We've had a brilliant reaction from visitors so far - most are just completely gobsmacked.

"One gentleman, who was going into hospital for an operation, was the carer of his wife who is living with dementia. He was really anxious about her coming to stay in a care home but, when he came to look around with his son, he said it had put his mind at rest and that he knew she'd be well-looked after here.

"He said it's so beautiful, it's like a five-star hotel, so that was just lovely to hear."

The Lodge's ground floor will also be opened to residents without dementia.

Anyone interested in visiting The Lodge, or arranging a tour, can contact Sian on 0121 655 0205.