The unit, to be built in the grounds of the West View Hospital, Tenterden, will also provide social care.

It will have places for 20 older people being cared for in the hospital and also 35 people from a nearby residential home, a spokesman said.

Bed blocking is when elderly people are kept in hospital because of a shortage of beds available in care homes.

Occupational therapy

The centre, funded by the government's private finance initiative, will have 60 residential and nursing places.

There will also be a day centre for up to 20 people and physio and occupational therapy sessions by appointment.

A spokesman said the people due to move from the hospital to the centre were currently receiving intermediate care following treatment for acute problems - such as broken hips.

She said the centre would help to free hospital beds because elderly patients could be sent to the new centre if care was needed.

Exhibition boards, showing plans for the site in Rolvenden Road, will displayed in the town hall on 13, 14 and 15 September.