Devon County Council backs plans for �11.2million investment in care homes.

Dementia sufferers in Devon could receive extra help as part of plans for a �11.2million investment.

Devon County Councillors have backed plans to develop up to 10 centres of excellence for people with dementia as part of the investment in its care homes.

According to figures the number of people in Devon aged over 65 with dementia is expected to rise from nearly 13,000 in 2011 to more than 23,000 in 2030.

The council says around 600 residential places, specifically to care for people with dementia, are needed, and its plans will provide about 300 places, meeting half of the currently unmet requirement.

Councillor Stuart Barker, the cabinet member responsible for social care, said: “So many people are already experiencing care difficulties associated with dementia, and demand for support is growing.

“That’s why the investment we are announcing to redevelop some of our homes as centres of excellence for dementia, and refurbish others, is critical in meeting people’s needs.

“We are investing in the future to make sure there is provision when it is needed.

“Our intention is for the centres of excellence to be more than just residential care homes. We would want them to include other non-residential services for people with dementia and their carers, who may still be living in their own homes.”

The council has yet to decide which of its 23 residential homes are to be developed and full consultations will take place.