Care homes in Somerset have been saved from closure after the intervention of a family business

Two care homes in Somerset have been saved from closure thanks to the intervention of a family business.

Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard have been saved from closure thanks to a successful takeover bid by Agincare.

The homes were at risk of closure following a consultation launched by Somerset Care in February 2024.

However, as part of the consultation, Somerset Council and Somerset Care worked together to find a suitable alternative provider who could provide continuity of care and quality of service to the residents, their families and staff.

Agincare, which has been providing care and support across the country for over thirty-seven years, has now exchanged contracts with Somerset Care and aims to complete the transfer soon.

Agincare currently operates one care home in Somerset, so this will expand their presence and expertise in the county.

Mel Lock, executive director for adult social care at Somerset Council, said: “This is fantastic news for everyone involved. We are very grateful to Somerset Care for their hard work and dedication to finding a positive solution, and we are delighted to welcome Agincare as a new partner in delivering high quality care and support to our residents.

“This outcome means that residents can remain in their homes, staff can keep their jobs and local communities can benefit from these valuable assets being preserved.”

A spokesperson for Agincare said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Somerset Care in relation to Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard, and our team is excited about the prospect of welcoming them to the existing network of 29 care and nursing homes.”

“We are an independent, family-owned healthcare provider with strong values ​​and more than 37 years of experience in delivering high-quality care and support across the country. Our wide range of care services includes not only care homes, but also live-in care, home care and assisted living.”

A spokesperson for Somerset Care said: “Somerset Care can confirm the exchange of contracts to transfer ownership of our Critchill Court Care Home in Frome and Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard to Agincare (Somerset) Limited.

“As an independent, regional, private, not-for-profit healthcare provider with no shareholders, it is unfortunately no longer financially viable or environmentally sustainable for Somerset Care to continue to deliver high-quality care in these two care homes. We therefore believe that transferring ownership of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade to Agincare is the right and responsible thing to do.

“We see these plans as a positive opportunity for Critchill Court and Sunnymeade, and everyone who lives and works there.

“It remains business as usual at Critchill Court and Sunnymeade, and we will continue to share updates with our team members, residents and their families as plans come to completion.”