T Dewi Sant care home has been transformed into a dementia-friendly space.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's residential services team have been working closely with the University of Worcester's Association for Dementia Studies to transform T Dewi Sant and Southway residential homes.

Around £430,000 was spent adapting the homes, which have emerged as improved, more dementia-friendly spaces.

A letter from the university's Associate Specialist praised staff at Southway and T Dewi Sant for their "understanding of the needs of the residents, and [their] dedication to the projects, which has enabled them to be completed to a high standard within budget."

As part of the transformation, walls have been re-decorated with a calming, neutral-coloured palate. Specially commissioned photographs of the local area now hang, their frames colour co-ordinated, "producing an uncluttered, clean and modern look."

Corridors have also been colour coded with fire-retardant door covers, as well as matching handrails. Toilet doors are painted a uniform yellow, making them easily identifiable to dementia sufferers.

The buildings' contemporary look is complemented by new, modern and mobility-friendly flooring.

The improvements have increased residents' independence and activity, "as well as changing the whole feeling of the building."

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The homes have been granted further funding, allowing more projects to enter the pipeline.

T Dewi Sant hopes to upgrade lighting, kitchen areas, toilets, and ventilation this year. Whilst Southway plans to improve residents' bedrooms, as well as installing an outdoor gazebo and weather-appropriate flooring.

Cabinet member for Social Care and Health, Ben Gray said: "The renovation has been such a positive change for the homes and their residents.

"I'm glad to see the Vale's residential services reaching their potential in terms of creating a dementia-friendly space, thereby supporting the independence and well-being of the people in their care."