A PLYMOUTH care home is planning to build a dementia nursing unit for 15 elderly residents in its grounds.

Managers of Torr Home in Hartley, one of the region's longest-established charitable care homes, say the new accommodation is needed to cope with the rising numbers of people with dementia in the local area.

Staff at the home say they hope that the sale of 18 completed retirement apartments will fund the new unit, which is yet to receive planning permission. Three of the flats, converted from disused farm buildings, have been sold and the remainder are now on the market.

Torr Home was established in 1860 as a charity caring for the visually-impaired but now offers residential and nursing care, respite, convalescence and day care.

Staff say they hope to open the new unit in the next two years.

Matron Suzanne Marsh said: "There are currently more than 700,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia, with over 66,000 in the South West.

"These numbers are projected to treble over the next 50 years.

"Official figures show that there is insufficient provision in the Plymouth area, so investing in a specialist dementia unit is a socially responsible and prudent way for Torr Home to expand its operation.

"The advantages of a new design-and- build is that we can draw upon collective knowledge to provide a top-class facility which will match the needs of individuals with dementia and their families.

"This means a safe and secure environment which is matched by maximising quality of life and including specially designed walkways, sensory areas and a music room."

The retirement apartments are designed for independent living but with access to services offered by Torr Home, including meals and a laundry service.