Up to 130 jobs have been created at a new nursing home in Seaford, which opened this month. 

Abundant Grace in Firle Road is built on the site of a former children’s home and will specialise in caring for people with dementia.

The South Coast Nursing Homes Ltd home will also provide support for older people who require nursing but don’t need to be in a hospital.

It will be creating accommodation for 67 elderly residents and includes community spaces, wide corridors, a small cinema and hydrotherapy bathrooms. There is also a purpose-built kitchenette that enables residents to experiment with cooking as part of a range of activities available.

The Worthing-based company runs seven other homes across Sussex but this is only the second to open in East Sussex.

Director Sarah Hazell said: “Because we are a Sussex business we always want to recruit locally and so we have been looking particularly to the Seaford and Newhaven areas.

“The jobs vary from nurses and healthcare assistants to catering staff, caretaker and admin.

“The new home is a purpose-built building and we believe it will fill much-needed demand in the area. We are very much looking forward to being part of the community.”

Sussex has a high number of elderly people living in the county and the number of people with dementia is expected to rise by more than a quarter over the next ten years.

Alzheimer’s Society figures show there are currently almost 27,000 people with dementia in the county, which is due to increase to more than 33,700.

The actual figure is believed to be higher because not everyone with the condition has been given a formal diagnosis.

The rise in numbers will lead to increased pressure and demand on NHS and social services and the need for more nursing and care home places.

The opening of the home follows another jobs boost for the county. Last week digital games company Mediatonic announced it was creating 50 jobs by expanding into Brighton.