A COMPLETELY refurbished care home offering a community's pensioners a range of services will be opened next week.

The Executive Care Group, has unveiled its development at The Beeches, formally a vicarage built in 1854, in picturesque grounds close to the village of Kelloe, near Durham.

Home manager Carol Lowe said: "The Beeches is now able to meet all the care needs of the older person.

"Offering luxurious, hotel standard accommodation of 21 residential and ten nursing beds, it meets the requirements of the New Care Standards, with the care being provided by our dedicated and fully-trained staff."

Ms Lowe said a reception area leads to lounges decorated with "furniture and personal touches which really do create the feeling of a home".

A conservatory enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

There are 21 ground floor and ten first-floor bedrooms with en suite facilities, TV and telephone points.

Ms Lowe said: "An holistic approach to our residents is paramount with the importance of a balanced diet, a wide spectrum of activities, spiritual observance, specialised services.

"Residents are able to enjoy visits to the hairdresser, aromatherapy treatments, coffee mornings and crafts or a gardening club. We can arrange visits from local GPs or if preferred, residents may choose their own GP."

She added, community nursing service, physiotherapist, occupational therapy, speech therapists, psychologist or psychiatrist would be accessed through the GP service, while a visiting professional to the home will provide dental and optical care.

Ms Lowe said: "The service is available for everyone. Where required, social services do meet the costs."

The opening will be conducted by Durham Mayor Councillor Mary Hawgood at 1.30pm on Tuesday next week.

For details, call 0191-377 3004.