Croydon Council has entered a new contract with care provider, Eleanor Healthcare Group, who will run three of the borough’s older people’s care homes. The improved contract will focus on preparing for the future, supporting residents to live independently for longer and meeting the changing needs of an ageing population.
The contract covers Heavers Court, Addington Heights and Langley Oaks, which together provide 150 residential and nursing care beds across Selhurst, New Addington and Selsdon.
After listening to feedback from residents and carers and working closely with partners, the contract was redesigned to focus on future needs and priorities set out in the Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Strategy. The new approach will strengthen support for residents to maintain their independence, while ensuring high-quality care is available when it is needed.
Service developments include how care is shifted to meet the needs of residents, for example having the right number of beds for people with dementia and expanding intermediate bedded care provision from eight to 20 beds. This will allow more residents to access rehabilitation through therapy and reablement in a supportive environment before returning home, helping to ease pressure on local NHS services, social services and providing an improved experience for residents.
The Adult Social Care and Health Strategy aims to support residents to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, however, when residential care is needed, residents will benefit from accommodation designed to provide privacy, dignity and a homely environment.
Eleanor Healthcare Group was selected following a competitive process due to its strong track record of delivering high-quality care in safe, comfortable settings, with a focus on residents’ wellbeing, quality of life and ensuring that residents feel part of their community.
One carer who was part of the selection panel said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the panel as we reviewed the submissions for the new care provider in Croydon. I have not done anything like this before and, as my mum is a resident at Heavers Court, I was keen to be involved and have a say in who the successor provider would be.”
Care UK has provided care in these homes for the past ten years. The council worked closely with Care UK and Eleanor Healthcare Group to help ensure a smooth transition, alongside engagement sessions for residents, carers, staff and partners to provide information, reassurance and answer questions about the new service.
Katie Wordley, Chief Operating Officer at Eleanor Heathcare added: “Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition for residents, families and staff, while building on the strengths already in place within each home. We will be introducing a more streamlined approach to systems and processes and at the same time, we will continue to focus on creating warm, welcoming environments and strengthening our connections with the local community.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “This new contract with Eleanor Healthcare is about preparing Croydon for the future and ensuring we have the right care and support in place for our residents as their needs change over time.”
“By helping people maintain their independence for longer, expanding services such as intermediate care and planning ahead for growing demand, we are improving outcomes for residents while building a care system that is fit for the future.”
“Residents and carers have played an important role in shaping this service, helping us to focus on what matters most to the people who use it. I would also like to thank Care UK for their valued service and commitment to residents over the past decade.”
