Our latest round-up for Quarter 4 of 2022 is here. Sit back and get up to speed with a digestible collection of the latest acquisitions, investment news and trends from the social care sector.

Care investment round up

The UK’s largest specialist care investor, Civitas Investment Management (CIM), has added £200 million worth of care facilities to its growing portfolio — having acquired CareTech in 2022 for just over £1 billion. The purchase includes a series of specialist properties from CareTech in a sale-and-leaseback deal.

Civitas Group Director, Tom Pridmore said: “Despite the difficult economic backdrop this year, CIM has continued to invest across the specialist care sector, based on the strong fundamentals and long-term demand for high quality specialist care properties in the UK and Europe.”

Anchor, a not-for-profit provider of later-life housing and care, has added a further 11 properties to their portfolio, bringing their total to 125. The purpose-built residential care homes are located across the East Midlands and the South of England.

Anchor Chief Executive, Sarah Jones said: “The addition of these purpose-built homes – and the skilled teams who work in them and within the support functions – enable us to bring the Anchor brand of high-quality, person-centred care to a greater range of areas across England.”

The sale was advised by leading property consultants, Knight Frank.

Land with plans for an 85-bed care home in Aylesbury has been bought by social care operator, Only Care. The planned care home will be arranged over three floors and include almost 1.5 acres of land in Weston Turville, Aylesbury. The site will also benefit from an impressive array of communal spaces including a cinema, gym and salon.

Only Care Managing Director, Rishi Dhamecha said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of the site in Weston Turville and look forward to constructing and opening the luxury care home, to serve the wider Aylesbury community. It’s been a pleasure working with Mandip at Knight Frank and we look forward to future projects together.”

Going up

Amazon’s voice-activated device assistant, Alexa, now has a version specifically designed for older users and carers. Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living allows care providers, owners and managers to integrate mainstream technology into their facilities and enable residents to stay connected. Care home staff can also communicate effectively with residents via announcements and voice and video calls.

Martin Green, CEO of Care England said: “We in the care sector need to invest resources in innovation in order to provide the best possible experience for residents and to thrive in the current environment where our clients demand the best service possible.

“Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living reminds us all that it doesn’t matter what age you are, voice technology is a powerful, easy-to-use tool. There is so much potential to integrate Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living with property services, care planning and other care and operational systems that it could revolutionise how care providers provide best quality care.”

Movers and shakers

The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) has appointed a new chair. Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead, replaces the previous incumbent, Ben Allen, who departs after almost six years at the helm.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Jones spoke of the challenges he will face as chair and his predecessor’s successes: “I am delighted to be taking over as chairman as we work to champion the role of care workers and explore new ways to support those facing financial hardship. The social care sector is evolving and facing new challenges – against this backdrop the CWC plays an essential role which supports the recruitment and retention of care workers.

“The charity owes a debt of gratitude to Ben who has put his heart and soul into supporting the charity. In doing so he has made a significant contribution.”

Not-for-profit membership organisation, The National Care Forum (NCF) has added five new board members at its annual general meeting in December. The organisation welcomed to the board:

• Marianne Wanstall, CEO, The Brendoncare Foundation
• Rachel Jones, Director of Care Services, Jewish Care
• Rob Martin, Managing Director of Care Services, Anchor Hanover
• Sanjeet Bains, Managing Director, Bolton Cares
• Viv De La Fuente, CEO, Encompass Dorset.

NCF CEO, Vic Rayner said, “Our new board members will bring a greater breadth of knowledge and experience to the board, reflecting the wide range of services provided nationally by NCF members. In addition we were very pleased that Mette Le Jakobsen, Managing Director, Surrey Choices, and Maxine Espley, Executive Director of Care and Support, Green Square Accord, were re-elected for another term on the NCF board.”

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