A specialist dementia care unit has opened after Bolton was given £1 million of government funding to improve care in the town.

The Bakewells Care Home’s new eight-bed unit was unveiled by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Martin Donaghy.

It includes an activities and sensory room, which will help residents interact and communicate with their families and care staff, and a refurbished garden with a water feature.

Andy Morgan, managing director of the home, said: “Our aim is to improve the care facilities available in Bolton for people with dementia as we believe presently a facility of this type and size is only available out-of-borough.

“Our driving force at the home is the health and wellbeing of our residents and their families.”

The home, in Junction Road, Deane, was awarded £249,210 by the Department for Health as one of three care homes in Bolton to receive a slice of £1 million in government funding.

The Bolton Council-run Laburnum Lodge, in Breightmet Fold Lane, received £499,811 from the same pot and is set to re-open to residents next month after being fitted with “dementia-friendly” fittings.

These include sensory and reminiscence rooms with IT facilities and entertainment for the residents.

Blackrod House Care Home is spending £249,210 on developing its loft space, so more bedrooms, an activities lounge and a beauty salon can be put into the home in Chorley Road.

Cllr Christopher Peacock, cabinet member for adult social care, said he welcomed investment into dementia services in Bolton.

He added: “The Bakewells is one of three care homes in Bolton to benefit from a slice of funding from the government, designated for improving dementia care.

“They were part of a funding process which we, as the local authority, led to secure overall investment for such an important aspect of care.

“We hope the new dementia unit will help to improve independence for residents and their families and that they enjoy the new garden area. Dementia care is a specialised area and the right environment and atmosphere can make such a difference. ”