A business that specialises in dementia care for the elderly has approached the government expressing an interest in building a residential complex in the Isle of Man.

Minister for Health and Social Care Kate Beecroft has discussed the possibility of a dementia village with the non-profit organisation, Belong.

She said: ’I have spoken about my ambition for a dementia village in the Isle of Man on numerous occasions and a UK organisation - Belong - picked up on local media coverage and made contact with the department.

’There are a number of issues I am determined to progress while Minister for Health and Social Care - such as a 24/7 stroke thrombolysis service.

’There are also a number of initiatives on my "wish-list" and a dementia village for the Isle of Man is one of these - something I would like to see developed but an area where I realise there are obstacles to overcome.’

She said discussions that had taken place so far were at a very early stage and there was no guarantee they would come to anything.

Belong is looking at Douglas, Onchan or Braddan.

’Belong has expressed an interest in establishing a dementia village in the Isle of Man, which they would build and run themselves,’ she said.

’The department is exploring ways it may be able to support such initiatives, in compliance with the relevant financial regulations and procurement policy.’

Mrs Beecroft said she was intending to visit the Belong village in Wigan in September during a private trip she has planned to make to England.

Belong is a non profit-making organisation with six existing establishments around the north west of England in Atherton, Didsbury, Crewe, Warrington, Macclesfield and Wigan. Further complexes at Newcastle Under Lyme and Chester are scheduled to open in 2018 and 2019.

According to Belong, dementia villages are designed entirely around residents’ needs to offer support as well as a sense of community.

It is understood the organisation is considering possible sites around the Douglas area with the former Park Road School site being one possibility. It has been suggested such an old people’s complex could employ as many as 140 people.

Park Road School closed in July 2012 and the land was transferred from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Social Care. The old building was demolished in 2013 and, despite various proposals to build public sector housing or accommodation for old people on the site, it has remained derelict ever since.

According to Belong’s website: ’Every Belong village offers a number of households for customers that need more advanced support with daily living activities. Moving to a Belong household can offer you the helping hand that you need to exert choice over more areas of life than might otherwise be possible, and enjoy our community in safety.’

It says residents are housed in a family type community of about 12, each with bedrooms, en suite bathrooms along with lounge and kitchen areas.

Staff are on duty round the clock and have specialist knowledge in dementia care.

Belong accommodation also includes access to an outdoor area, such as a secure balcony or garden so residents can enjoy the outdoors and the organisation ideally looks at sites of around two acres to build on. Some sites also have sensory gardens.