Care home operators enter administration
FIVE care homes in the Elder Homes portfolio have entered into administration.
Elder Homes sites in Bradford, Bingley and Leeds, as well as two in Clacton-on-Sea and Burton-on-Trent were involved in the administration.
Around 300 people are users of Elder’s facilities.
Elder Homes Bingley runs St Ives Disabled Care Centre. In November 2015 it was deemed ‘inadequate’ across the board. The CQC identified 10 breaches in regulations, highlighting inadequate staffing levels. prior to the inspection local authorities had suspended placements at the home. The service remains in ‘special measures’ and is due for another inspection.
Duchess Gardens Care Centre is run by Elder Homes Bradford. At the time of its last Care Quality Commission inspection, in September 2015, it had 54 residents, but could house a maximum of 131.
In its last inspection, in February 2015, it was deemed ‘inadequate’ before the CQC upgraded its status to ‘needs improvement’ at its most recent review.
The Links Care Centre in Bradford, run by Elder Homes Leeds required improvement according to the CQC, but was overall well-run.
Last August, two other care homes in the Elder portfolio in Cotgrave and Selston in Nottinghamshire went into administration, citing reduced occupancy levels.
Joseph McLean and Daniel Smith, partners at Grant Thornton UK were appointed as joint administrators to the five homes.
Elder operates nursing and residential care supporting residents with dementia, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.
Joe McLean said: “Elder is a private sector care provider with five homes throughout the UK.
“During the administration trading will continue as normal while we seek new owners. A number of prospective purchasers have already shown interest in acquiring one or all of the homes.
“We are engaged in discussions with the care regulator, local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and other stakeholders regarding the administration process.
“All service users will continue to receive the highest level of care from Elder’s own team of managers, nurses and carers.
“The care and welfare of all service users remains the priority.
“We will continue to work closely with the Elder management and staff on operational and financial aspects of the care businesses to deliver a seamless continuation of service user care and strive to maintain and improve compliance and governance.”
