The Healthcare Management Trust (HMT) care home, in Climping, West Sussex, that specialises in caring for patients suffering from dementia, currently under construction, is set to open in Summer 2023. The care home is a pioneering innovation within the care industry, both in terms of its design and the care it offers, designed to provide a homely environment for residents.

The care home has 64 generous ensuite bedrooms, communal areas and terraces overlooking the landscaped and secure, purpose-designed grounds, as well as additional well-being facilities including a hair salon, a café, a shop and a tearoom.

Construction, to the value of £10 million, is currently being undertaken by the Highwood Group, in partnership with Hunters architects and developer Brackley Investments.

32 ECLISSE Classic Single Pocket Door Systems with increased horizontal passageway openings of 926mm wide by 2040mm high have been installed to offer residents enhanced access and convenient movement around the care home – this is especially practical for wheelchair users who need greater clearance through doorways.

Every system was also fitted with an ECLISSE BIAS-DS to make the doors safer for residents. The BIAS accessory is a true anti-slam device that decelerates the motion of the door as it is returned to the closed position. It works perfectly with all types of doors - up to a weight of 40kg - including fully tempered glazed doors. The BIAS DS is also bi-directional thus performing not only soft-closing, but also soft-opening – perfect for a care home situation.

Tony Barrett, Chief Executive at HMT said: “We provide care that gives back. Surplus funds generated through our work are reinvested in scientific research to serve the ageing population. As a result, HMT offers pioneering, research-led care to our residents.”

James Wallace, Director at Hunters architects, said: “The development has been created using the well-established ‘household design principle’ which uses the best practice principles set out by the University of Stirling to suit the specific needs of residents with dementia.”

Client: Highwood Construction.

Project: Specialist dementia care home.

Architect: Hunters architects.

Location: Climping, Littlehampton, West Sussex.

Images courtesy of Hunters architects.