Wokingham Borough Council invests in another care home

Building on the success of Bluebell House Care Home – bought last year and now thriving – Wokingham Borough Council has invested in another home, The Hollies Care Home.

The 58-bedroom care home in Burghfield Common will be run by the council’s own social care provider Optalis. 

Wokingham Borough has an aging population and demand for high quality residential and nursing care is growing. By purchasing the care home, the council will increase the availability of high quality, affordable care within the local area. 

Wokingham Borough Council and Optalis will work with residents and their families, as well as care home staff, to ensure a smooth transition for all. The council will continue to work closely with colleagues from West Berkshire Council and expects all current residents will remain at The Hollies.

Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, said: “We’re really excited with this move, which will allow us to provide more great quality care for local people. Bluebell House has shown we can do this successfully in partnership with Optalis.

“By running care homes with Optalis, we are helping meet the demand for care, as well as reduce our own costs by providing local homes for local people and ensure they still receive high quality care. We desperately need more specialist care for our residents as the number of people needing this type of support is increasing.

“The council is fully committed to the Social Care Future vision that everyone should live in a place they call home and in a community that looks out for them. That is what we will be providing at The Hollies.”

Helen Woodland, Optalis Chief Executive Officer, added: “Optalis is delighted to welcome The Hollies into our growing family of care and nursing homes. 

"Initially, our focus will be to ensure stability and continuity for residents, their families and the current care team during this period of transition. We are committed to providing a high standard of service for the people we support and look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place at the care home.”