Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard have been saved from closure thanks to a successful takeover bid by family-owned care provider, 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 identify a suitable alternative provider who could offer continuity of care and quality of service to the residents, their families and the staff.
Agincare, who have been delivering care and support across the country for over thirty-seven years, have now exchanged contracts with Somerset Care and aim to complete the transfer soon. Agincare currently operate 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 commitment to finding a positive solution, and we are delighted to welcome Agincare as a new partner in providing high-quality care and support to our residents. This outcome means that the residents can stay in their homes, the staff can keep their jobs, and the local communities can benefit from having these valuable assets preserved.”
An Agincare spokesperson said:
We are thrilled to have exchanged contracts with Somerset Care regarding Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard, and our team are excited by the prospect of welcoming them into the existing network of 29 care and nursing homes.”
“We are a family-owned, independent care provider with strong values and over 37 years of experience delivering high-quality care and support across the country. Our wide range of care services covers not only care homes but live-in care, home care, and supported living.”
“Agincare’s success is built on strong partnerships, and our positive track record over many years is evidence of the successful transfer and management of care homes and other community services from local authorities, charities and other such organisations.”
“We look forward to working with Somerset Council to manage, invest in and develop Critchill Court and Sunnymeade care homes, ensuring their long-term future, safeguarding jobs and providing local people with the peace of mind of having a home in their own community.”
A Somerset Care spokesperson 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, privately-operated, not-for-profit care provider without any shareholders, it is sadly 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 view these plans as a positive opportunity for Critchill Court and Sunnymeade, and all those who live and work 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 progress to completion.”
