Lorraine Haining has been appointed Head of Dementia Services at The Lodge, the state-of-the-art dementia care facility which is due to open in Chorley next month (May).

Part of the £45 million Buckshaw Retirement Village, The Lodge will provide next-generation care for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It is set to become the most advanced facility of its type in Europe.

In her new role, Lorraine will establish the care facilities and services at The Lodge and will also bring dementia care operations on stream at further retirement villages which will be developed by Oakbridge Retirement Villages LLP.

Lorraine said: "The Lodge is cutting edge and will mark a new era in dementia care. As each resident has their own apartment it means that couples are able to remain together rather than separating at this crucial stage in their lives.

"The apartments are designed to provide a sense of security and comfort, whilst maintaining residents' identity, privacy and dignity. The apartments are all equipped with state-of-the-art assistive technology that enables the residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible."

"The Market Square, which will be the centre of activities at The Lodge, has been created to provide activities for all of the residents that is personally meaningful. These activities, which will be shaped by the residents' life stories, will stimulate the senses and unlock their memories to provide enjoyment, a sense of achievement and most of all good fun," she added.

In the Market Square residents will be able to visit the tea shop, village pub, corner shop and bakery, and there will also be a hair and beauty salon, cinema and pet store.

Lorraine has 14 years' experience in dementia care, having worked with a Midlands-based provider of retirement villages, the North Cumbria Mental Health Trust and the Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care Trust.

She was heavily involved in implementing a dementia research project with the internationally-renowned Bradford Dementia Group at Bradford University, and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Dementia Studies, specialising in staff training.

She has worked extensively in dementia care training and on projects to develop best practice guidelines.

• Buckshaw Retirement Village also comprises two other distinct communities. The Court, which is due to open in August, is for residents who are active and independent but like the idea of home ownership in a village community, and The Grange, scheduled to open in October, is for residents who need some support but don't want to give up their independence and move into a care home.