Service upgrade for the elderly

The money is being invested in creating 14 flats at Rosemary Court, in Fenby Avenue, as well as refurbishing 28 others.

Developers will revamp the existing flats, which were built in the 1970s, bringing them into line with modern care standards.

Four flats will be used for intermediate care, allowing elderly people to leave hospital as soon as they are well enough to receive treatment and care at home.

A ground floor communal area will be created for residents and, above, 14 flats for people with dementia.

A joint bid between Darlington Borough Council and the local primary care trust secured the cash for the scheme.

Officials said modern-day thinking on care of the elderly aimed to keep hospital stays to a minimum, with research showing that patients are happier and respond better to treatment at home.

Health and social care bosses in Darlington identified a gap with older patients who did not require hospital care, but did need extra support in sheltered accommodation.

Residents in the new-look development will be able to live independently, with support from social services, care staff and district nurses.

The borough council's cabinet member for adult services, Eleanor Lister, said: "We want to be able to provide support which enables people to live independently within their own homes for as long as possible.

"This scheme is a huge step forward and will provide residents at Rosemary Court with the type of support that will give them peace of mind, a better quality of life and greater independence."

Darlington care trust's assistant director of health improvement, Paul Davison, said: "This is fantastic news for Darlington. We have recognised for some time the need to develop support accommodation for older people, particularly those with mental health needs.

"This goes a considerable way to meet this need and the staff involved in making the successful bid are to be congratulated."

Work will start on the scheme later this year.