FOOTBALL legend Harry Redknapp has opened a new dementia unit at a Bournemouth care home, created in response to a sharp rise in demand.

The Lindsay care home in Branksome has seen its fifth floor transformed, with the new Sandbanks Suite unit featuring eight en-suite bedrooms, a communal lounge and dining area.

Harry was asked to open the new dementia floor after he visited a lifelong West Ham fan receiving end of life care at Bupa’s Queensmount care home, near Queen’s Park.

Having cut the ribbon on the new unit, Harry thanked staff and toured the facilities, as well as enjoying champagne and canapés with residents in the home’s garden.

The former AFC Bournemouth manager said: “I’m a local man so it’s great to meet the people making a difference to the community. The team here have been doing such an important job, especially over the last year.

“They’ve made me feel so welcome, it’s a lovely place to be.”

Tamzin Yaser, care home manager, said: “With growing demand for dementia care it was essential to create a dedicated unit whereby residents could receive the specialist care they need. Having Harry cut the ribbon made it even more special.

“With Harry’s strong ties to the area, he made the obvious choice for a guest of honour. Residents loved meeting him and we’re incredibly grateful for him dropping by.”

The care home already provided dementia care for 15 residents and, through this new unit, has increased its capacity for specialist dementia care by over 50%.

It is estimated that there are currently over 6,600 older people living with dementia in Bournemouth. The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that this could leap to 9,070 by 2030 - nearly a 40 per cent increase in a decade.

Located on Lindsay Road in Branksome, the care home is currently accepting new residents. For more information, visit www.bupa.co.uk/care-services