A multi-million pound housing scheme featuring hi-tech safety devices will enable dementia patients to lead independent lives.

The Clayton Housing with Extra Care Scheme will improve the quality of life for 46 vulnerable elderly people across the district.

The £6 million development, which is being spearheaded by social landlord Methodist Homes, was spurred by what the charity said was a shortage of care facilities for people suffering from dementia, which affects one in five people over the age of 80.

Each apartment on the former Greenacres site on Baldwin Lane boasts a call system, connected to an advice line and the police, and detectors in case of floods, fire hazards and accidents.

A social services team will be on call 24 hours a day, removing the need to put people in residential or nursing homes.

And Methodist Homes eventually hopes to roll out the call system facility to elderly residents across the district.

Group director Jane Barker said: "It will provide a feeling of safety and security - there will be someone to call if something happens. It allows people to live in their own homes and promotes independence for longer."

Ten flats will be tailored for old people with specific physical and sensory needs, ten for dementia patients and 26 flats for those in need of housing care and support needs.

The mixed scheme, including flats for leasehold sale, shared ownership and social rent, should be completed by February 2007.

Mrs Barker said: "There is a growing elderly population and a great need for more accommodation and care services for elderly people. There is a real shortage of dementia services.

"With an ageing population, incidents of dementia are higher and there are a limited number of organisations providing care."

A day centre and community facilities will include a large communal lounge, cafe, beauty salon and health centre.

Members of the Bradford South and West Live At Home scheme based in Clayton will be told of the plans at a meeting today.

This is a branch of Methodist Homes which organises social activities such as coffee mornings and luncheon clubs to encourage independent living.

Manager Anne McCarthy said: "A scheme like this would keep people independent in a safe environment and allow couples to stay together."

The scheme attracted £2.8 million in funding from the Department of Health.