A FORMER residential care home has been transformed into a special centre to deliver support to people with dementia.

Abbots House Centre of Excellence, in Abbey Hulton, officially opened yesterday after a £1.3million revamp by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The facility delivers integrated services by council social care staff and health service professionals such as community psychiatric nurses and occupational therapists.

The centre also boasts a day assessment unit for older people with mental health problems, a consultant psychiatrist's outpatients clinic and an Alzheimer's support worker.

The centre aims to give people with dementia independence, self confidence and stimulation.

Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Jean Bowers officially opened the centre, in front of more than 50 dignitaries, residents and their families.

Abbots House has 29 beds; 14 for permanent residents, 10 for an assessment and therapy unit with a rehabilitative focus, and five for a short break or carer relief facility.

Councillor Clive Brian, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: "We want to ensure residents are able to take advantage of preventative and rehabilitative care, instead of dependency and institutionalisation."