A new dedicated day care service for the elderly has opened in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.

The £1.8m facility, situated on the site of the former Leslie House care home in Merry Street, replaces the Airbles Road day hospital and will provide care and health services for those over the age of 65 and with complex needs.

The building offers social care and health services for older people with complex needs as well as respite for carers. People can use the unit on a short-term or regular basis depending on their individual needs, and enjoy meals and snacks prepared by staff in the modern onsite kitchen facilities.

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It will accommodate around 25 people each day, and on-site services include therapeutic supports such as medication reviews, physiotherapy, exercise

groups, speech and language support and memory clinics. Social activities including games, arts and crafts, plus the use of a landscaped garden area for mental stimulation and recreation, will also be available.

Councillor Sam Love, Convener of Housing and Social Work Services said: "This facility will provide a quality care service for those most at need. Integrated day care services are vital to support older people who want to live independently and avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital and care homes.

"They will receive specialist care from health and social work professionals, including individual assessments and treatment to meet their individual needs. People will get a first class service and the unit will be a great resource for the people of Motherwell and beyond."

(JP/CD)