Local people have reacted with delight to the announcement that a new dementia care home is to open in Yeovil after months of campaigning.

The home, to be known as Chestnut Lodge, is expected to open in January and will initially offer nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia, with more rooms becoming available later in the year.

Located on Hendford Hill, the property was purpose-built as a care home in 2010 and is currently undergoing a comprehensive re-fit by award-winning dementia care specialists Camelot Care.

The new manager is Graham Oakes, a well-known local figure - Yeovil born and bred - who is currently serving as leader of the town council.

Graham originally trained as a nurse at Yeovil Hospital and spent 10 years with the NHS, largely in geriatric care, before changing track to become a care home manager in 1994, motivated by a desire to deliver ongoing care to the vulnerable people he was supporting.

He has since worked in a variety of roles in different parts of the country within both the home care and the care home sector.

He comes to Chestnut Lodge from a care home in Bridport, Dorset, which was rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC under his management, and he has also worked as a regional care director for a major healthcare group, as well as being involved in turnaround work.

Graham Oakes said: “We know Chestnut Lodge will be filling a significant gap in care provision for the people of Yeovil, and have already received a high level of interest.

“Dementia is a condition that affects so many families and when the decision is taken that residential care is the best way forward for a loved one, families want to know they will be supported to live their best life – which is exactly what we intend to do.

“We are recruiting a brand-new top-notch team to deliver the best quality care to the people we’ll be supporting, and are keen to hear from individuals who might like to join us.

“Depending on the role, experience in the care sector is sometimes less important than the character and motivation of the applicant so anyone who thinks they might enjoy working as part of our team should feel free to contact me and find out more.”

It was a County Councillor for the area who first broke the news on Facebook, receiving a 100% positive response, with comments including: “Brilliant news and much needed for health and social care,” from Claire Mcandrew Tailby; “Fantastic news, at long last, being used for the purpose it was built for,” from Keith Goad; “Great news, it’s the right choice for the community and the potential new residents,” from Andrew Beamish; and “This is brilliant news. A care home is so needed,” from Rose Shire.

Anyone with an interest in employment at Chestnut Lodge should contact Lorna on chestnutlodge@camelotcare.co.uk   

Further information about Camelot Care can be found at www.camelotcare.co.uk