Official opening of Harmony Lane

Colonel Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, has officially opened a new 15-bed household called Harmony Lane at our Cedar Grange home in Launceston.

The new facility specialises in looking after people with advanced, often complex dementia and represents a major step forward in state-of-the-art dementia provision in Cornwall.

Each part of Harmony Lane has been carefully designed with residents’ comfort and safety in mind. The dining room, for example, has been decorated in bright colours to stimulate appetite and engagement with food and drink, whilst the living room has pale green walls to provide a more relaxing atmosphere.

There is a cosy snug, a library area with far-reaching views and a greenhouse. Every bedroom has a unique front door, the scenery shown through virtual windows is of local landmarks and the furniture and en-suite bathrooms are all dementia-friendly.

Thanks to a unique partnership with the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), specially trained Cedar Grange staff work shifts in the hospital to get to know a new resident before they move to their new home. Hospital staff will also spend time working at Cedar Grange. 

“It’s important for people coming here to feel happy and relaxed,” said Philip Rees, Chair of Trustees. “Previously it’s been necessary to travel out of county to get the level of care we now offer here – something that has often meant long trips for family and friends wanting to spend as much time as possible with loved ones.

“This is the first redevelopment project Cornwall Care has undertaken to modernise and upgrade its sixteen homes in response to growing need. We believe we are setting standards that people living in Cornwall should expect from social care provision and are committed to a rolling programme of continued improvement and development across our estate.”

Cornwall Care Chief Executive Officer Anne Thomas was one of those giving guided tours at the opening.

“We were delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and other VIP guests from across the county,” she said. “The high standard of specialist care offered at Harmony Lane is second to none and we are already getting some excellent feedback on the difference it is making to the residents living there.”

Councillor Rob Rotchell, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for adults, cut a cake in honour of the occasion.

Bottom right: Cornwall Care's Chairman, Philip Rees with Councillor Rob Rotchell, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for adults.