A new care home for adults with complex needs has opened two new units at Exemplar Health Care’s Woolston House on Long Barn Lane in October 2023. The care home, which supports adults with complex mental health needs, dementia, neuro-disabilities, and physical disabilities, has almost reached full capacity within its first year.
The home initially opened with 26 bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms split across two small, purpose-built units. The two new units have added a further 14 beds to accommodate more residents. This small group living model has proven to provide a more supportive environment that is responsive to the residents’ needs.
In addition to the bedrooms, the care home also features communal dining and living spaces, an activities hub, a beauty salon, multi-faith room, sensory room, therapy kitchen, visitor’s suite, and a large accessible garden. Around 40 new jobs have been created, and the home is still looking to fill a few more positions for dedicated and compassionate colleagues, including registered nurses, care assistants, and other support roles.
Exemplar Health Care has been expanding rapidly, with 15 homes opened between 2023 and 2024. The company now employs over 4,500 people and supports more than 1,000 individuals. This growth is part of an ambitious plan to provide complex nursing care services in more locations across England.
Des Loo, the home manager at Woolston House, expressed excitement about the new units and expanding the impact of Exemplar Health Care in the community. He emphasized the team’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere focused on improving the lives of the individuals they care for.
Lindsay Holcroft, the commissioning manager at Exemplar Health Care, praised the dedication to offering excellent nursing care to adults with complex needs. She is confident that Des and his team will make a significant difference in the lives of the residents. The care home allows people in the region who require complex care to live closer to their support systems and community.
Overall, the expansion of Woolston House signifies a commitment to providing high-quality care to adults with complex needs and creating a supportive environment that enhances their quality of life. With the addition of the new units, more individuals can benefit from the comprehensive services and dedicated team at Exemplar Health Care.