News
Hartford Care to develop Hampshire new build
Hartford Care is partnering with Highwood Group to develop a state-of-the-art residential care home in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Construction on the 70-bed home will commence in the autumn subject to planning, with the home scheduled to open in 2027. The new home will offer dementia care, residential care, nursing care, respite breaks, and end of life care. It will be rated BREEAM Excellent, with significant renewable energy elements including solar panels, heat pumps, and smart energy systems.
The scheme is the latest for the continuing partnership between the two companies, which already has two new homes currently under construction in Alton and Southampton – both due to open to residents in May – and the acquisition of a care home in Fordingbridge, New Forest, with construction due to begin this summer. Kevin Shaw, chief executive of Hartford Care, said: “Fundamental to our growth
strategy is the high quality of care we offer and the ways in which we enhance the lives of our residents. Our ongoing partnership with Highwood strongly supports this commitment through the delivery of exceptional, future-proof buildings and facilities. The new home in Eastleigh enables us to extend our expert specialist care and ‘home from home’ environment to even more people.” Highwood Homes MD Phil Prosser commented: “We’re delighted to add another home to the Hartford Care and Highwood partnership which spans over a decade. The delivery of a new care home in Eastleigh will build on the recent successes at Alton Place and Moorhill [Southampton], both now close to build completion, and the recent acquisition of a care home in Fordingbridge. These new homes form a growing portfolio of best-in-class facilities for Hartford Care, with several more already in the pipeline.”
Milton Keynes home celebrates grand opening
The Applewood in Milton Keynes has officially opened its doors and welcomed its first residents. HC-One’s new 78-bed home was opened by the Madam Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Marie Bradburn, and local MP for Milton Keynes North, Chris Curtis, who met with members of the care team before enjoying a tour of the new home. Guests attended tours of The
Applewood’s facilities – which include a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, and a private dining area for family celebrations – and enjoyed a refreshments menu specially prepared for the opening by The Applewood’s catering and hospitality team. Ana-Maria Cormos, home manager at The Applewood, said: “I am beyond proud that we have officially opened the doors of The Applewood. The journey to this moment has been
incredible, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, passion, and hard work of our amazing team. “From day one, this incredible group of professionals has shown unwavering commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, and caring environment for our new residents.”
North Yorkshire home celebrates veteran friendly status
Sycamore Hall Care Home in Ripon, North Yorkshire has been awarded Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status. The VFF initiative was launched in 2023 with the aim of tackling loneliness and isolation and delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England. It is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. To achieve VFF status, care homes are
required to meet eight standards. These include: noting Armed Forces status within care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting to support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch, and other
April 2025
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charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans. At Sycamore Hall, staff, residents, family members, charity representatives, veterans, and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the care home receiving VFF status. Jill Scaife, activities coordinator and
veteran champion, said: “Being a VFF care home means there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Sycamore Hall. “As a champion I love hearing our veterans sharing stories of their times in the armed forces. The VFF has given our veterans the stepping stone to re-connect to the veterans’ community and the opportunity to participate and feel part of the comradeship that they lost when they left the armed forces.” Ewelina Sosnowska, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, said: “We are
incredibly proud to have been recognised as a veteran friendly care home. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to honouring and supporting those who have served in the armed forces. “At Sycamore Hall we strive to create a
welcoming environment where veterans feel valued and understood, tailoring our care to their unique needs and experiences. This recognition is not just an achievement, but a reminder of the vital role veterans play in our community, and we remain dedicated to ensuring they receive the respect and care they truly deserve.”
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