Rowcroft Hospice urges government to back groundbreaking dementia care initiative in South Devon

Rowcroft Hospice CEO Mark Hawkins has written to newly appointed Health Secretary Wes Streeting, calling for government support for a pioneering dementia care facility that could become a national model for future care.

The proposed Lavender Square development in Torbay and South Devon is being hailed as a transformative solution to the UK’s growing dementia care crisis which is particularly urgent in Devon, one of the regions with the highest proportion of people over 85. Planning permission has already been secured for the project, which is expected to create over 100 direct jobs and significantly reduce long-term costs to the NHS and local authorities.

“Devon’s ageing population means we’re seeing a significant and growing need for specialist dementia care,” said Mr Hawkins. “With a 69% rise in over-85s expected in Torbay and South Devon by 2043, we’re calling for urgent investment in long-term solutions that will enable people with dementia to live with dignity, purpose and independence. If we don’t act now, the pressure on families, local services and the NHS will become unsustainable.”

Lavender Square is set to feature a 60-bed, state-of-the-art dementia and complex nursing care facility, inspired by the renowned De Hogeweyk model from the Netherlands. This internationally acclaimed approach focuses on community, independence, and quality of life for people living with dementia.

Unique features of the site will include shared community spaces such as a gym, cinema, library, and restaurant, and an onsite children’s nursery to encourage meaningful intergenerational engagement.

At the heart of the project is an AI-enabled care model developed in collaboration with Life Sentinel AI, Amazon Web Services, Edge Impulse, and partners including local care professionals, the NHS, and the University of Plymouth. The system is designed to enhance - not replace - human care. For example, smart door systems will allow safe and secure movement for residents, while AI-powered hydration monitoring will help carers detect early signs of dehydration without needing wearable devices or modified cups.

“Lavender Square is not just a care home,” Mr Hawkins added. “It’s a vision for the future combining compassion, innovation and sustainability. But we can’t make it happen alone. We need government support to unlock its potential.”

Rowcroft has requested funding through the Community Regeneration Partnership scheme, which could help the project open within two years. Once operational, all profits from Lavender Square will be reinvested into further dementia and palliative care services across Devon.

This proposed development aligns closely with Rowcroft Hospice’s long-standing mission. Founded to support people with life-limiting illnesses, Rowcroft currently helps around 2,500 people annually across South Devon, from Dartmouth to Dawlish and Dartmoor, offering care in patients’ homes, through its Hospice at Home service, and in its 12-bed inpatient unit in Torquay. Around 80% of care is delivered in the community by a dedicated team of nurses, therapists, social workers, and volunteers.

An independent charity, Rowcroft receives approximately 75% of its funding from public donations. As demand for its services continues to rise, the hospice is calling on both local and national leaders to support innovative, long-term solutions like Lavender Square that meet the complex needs of an ageing population.