A SHORT-STAY unit for people with dementia has re-opened after undergoing a transformation to make it a "home from home".

Woodward Court, on Kirklees Road in Allerton, caters for up to 29 residents, and recently underwent some extensive refurbishments to make it more dementia-friendly and accessible for patients who use its services.

The unit also houses two day care centres - one linked to the NHS and one used as a base for the Free Spirit group, which caters for dementia in younger adults.

One of the new improvements is a dementia-friendly garden, complete with an old-fashioned bandstand, summer house and telephone box.

Colin Williams, the unit's activities co-ordinator, said: "We wanted somewhere that would help to evoke reminiscence and a sense of well-being."

The unit was officially re-opened by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons, alongside staff from the centre and visitors from the Alzheimers Society.