Dementia care specialist Camelot Care is officially opening new home Chestnut Lodge in Yeovil, Somerset later this month.

The former Acacia Lodge was purpose-built as a care home in 2010 but has been empty for a number of years. It has been extensively re-fitted by Camelot Care.

Yeovil’s Mayor, Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, will officially open the care home on Wednesday 12 April.

Chestnut Lodge manager Graham Oakes, currently serving as leader of the town council, said: “We’ve already welcomed our first few residents, and are operating a limited admissions process in the early stages so that the team can give every new lady or gent all the individual time and attention they deserve. That way we can get to know them and their loved ones really well, which means they will settle more quickly and confidently.”

Chestnut Lodge is initially offering nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia, with more single en-suite rooms due to become available later in the year. The home will be running a varied programme of activities, starting off with some Greek dancing and with regular features such as quizzes, bingo, chair exercises, music therapy and gardening in the home’s secure courtyard area.

Chestnut Lodge aims to support carers in the community, and will also offer respite care. It has already launched a monthly community coffee morning to enable carers to chat and meet new people over drinks and cake.

“Now we have our staff team in place, we’d love to hear from local people who’d like to volunteer with us to help our residents live their best lives, either by engaging with small groups of residents or spending time with a sole resident,” said Oakes.