Dementia-friendly care village plans examined

An artist's impression of how the village might look

A new £19m dementia-friendly care village which looks to change the way services are delivered in the Borders is being opened up to public scrutiny.

Planning approval was granted last month for Tweedbank Care Village on the Lowwood Estate.

It will mark a change in the way care will be delivered by supporting small-group living and promoting social inclusion in a safe and non-institutional environment for residents and staff.

A drop-in session is being planned for Tweedbank on Friday from 11:00 to 13:00 in the Inspire Academy building adjacent to the railway station.

The event will provide an opportunity to explore the newly-approved plans, get a preview of the proposed colour scheme and experience some of the innovative technology that will be used to deliver care.

The new care village, the main construction of which is earmarked to start in January next year, will provide 60 bedrooms and is targeted to open in June 2027.

The facilities will support small-group living in flats of six or less residents, each with their own living, dining and kitchen areas.

The buildings will be set within an secure external environment which provides residents with space for socialising, exercise and connection with nature to promote a healthy and active lifestyle

David Parker, Scottish Borders Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "It's extremely encouraging to hear about the strong progress that is being made at Tweedbank, and I would like to commend the project team for their ongoing hard work.

"I look forward to the drop-in session on Friday and would encourage anyone looking to find out more about the development to come along and join us."

Reporting by Local Democracy Reporter Paul Kelly