ELDERLY people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's are being left without sufficient care in Darwen, a survey has revealed.

A recent study into the care of elderly people with the two conditions has revealed there is a shortage of residential and nursing places to cater for all those who need help.

Research was carried out in May this year on behalf of Astley House Residential Home -- one of only two private care homes in the town which specialises in care for people with the conditions.

It revealed that up to 200 people could currently be suffering from dementia in the Darwen area.

During the survey 14 local medical and care practitioners -- including doctors, social workers and specialists working in and around Darwen -- expressed the view that there were not enough facilities to care for those with dementia.

They also said that provision would need to increase in the future..

Families of elderly sufferers in Darwen were also questioned about whether they believed there was enough care for their loved ones and they said they were equally concerned.

A spokeswoman from Sue Butler Marketing, which carried out the survey, said: "Alzheimer's disease and dementia are very distressing for elderly people, their relatives and friends.

"The survey found that the local health professionals thought that existing facilities at Astley House were good."

Astley House residential home, in Whitehall, and nearby Oldfield House Home for the Elderly, in Hawkshaw Avenue, both cater for Alzheimer's and dementia sufferers but can only provide around 35 beds between them.

Stephen Sloss, director of social services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said there was a need to further develop and stimulate specialist services.