EXTRA care housing for people with dementia could be increased under plans being pursued by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The authority is looking to attract the interest of care providers in building extra care developments on three sites in the borough.

The councils cabinet has agreed that efforts should be made to boost interest in providing dementia care as part of the developments.

Figures provided to the cabinet showed that the number of people with dementia in the borough could increase by 66% to more than 3,000 in the next 20 years.

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, cabinet member for health and social well-being, said she did not want to see single dementia care developments and that they should be part of multi-purpose care facilities.

She said: Extra care is an alternative to residential care. In some cases it can delay a move into residential care.

We have to be prepared for the increasing number of people with dementia.

Loftus councillor Mary Lanigan said: In East Cleveland we also need more respite care. Dementia carers have a very difficult job and respite care through the council or the private sector is desperately needed so relatives can have a break.

The cabinet agreed:

:: To look to develop a dementia extra care facility to rent on the former Wheatacres site in Redcar;

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Hope for more patient care for dementia sufferers