Exemplar Health Care, a leading provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with complex and high acuity needs, has marked the official opening of Wheldale Heights, its new £4.3m care home in Castleford, West Yorkshire.
The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Josie Pritchard. The mayor expressed her appreciation for Exemplar Health Care’s commitment to meeting the need for specialised care in the area, with Wheldale Heights being the fourth home by the care provider within the region. This expansion demonstrated the growing demand for specialised care across West Yorkshire.
Wheldale Heights specialises in supporting adults living with complex mental health needs and neuro-disabilities, including Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Without Wheldale Heights, residents – who have complex and challenging care needs – would otherwise have a pro-longed stay in hospital, away from their family and friends.
Following the extensive refurbishment, the home is now split into two, twelve-bed communities – as small group living provides a more homely, supportive, and responsive care environment – and each of the 24 bedrooms has its own ensuite wet room. The home also features communal dining and living spaces, sensory bathrooms and a garden for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The home has created 80 new healthcare jobs in the local area, and unlike many local care homes, will feature a multi-disciplinary healthcare team, which includes an in-home Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist. The home has already recruited a mix of care, nursing and therapeutic specialists – with recruitment currently ongoing for a few remaining Care Assistant roles.
Through this multi-disciplinary, specialist team, people living at Wheldale Heights will be able to access the full range of clinical and holistic care they need, with the home particularly adapt at supporting individuals that have exceptionally complex care needs or who display behaviours that challenge, which many other nursing and care providers are unable to meet. The new staff team also prides itself on providing person-centred care, empowering residents to maximise their independence, providing the support they need to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives.
Clare Heaton, Home Manager at Wheldale Heights, said:
“I am delighted to officially open Wheldale Heights and welcome our first residents from the local area. Our mission is to make every day better for our residents by providing person-centred care that focuses on maximising independence, building everyday living skills, and empowering people to live as fulfilled lives as possible.”
“Our dedicated and compassionate team forms the foundation of the exceptional care we provide. However, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond our immediate care home. Our next priority is to foster close collaboration with local health and social care professionals, as well as our valued residents, their families, and the broader community.
“Through these partnerships, we strive to create an integrated support network that ensures individuals in our locality receive unparalleled specialist care. By meeting their complex needs within the familiar comfort of their own community, we aim to promote holistic well-being and enhance the overall quality of life for those we serve.”
Katie Capes, Commissioning Manager at Exemplar Health Care, said:
“We are thrilled to officially open Wheldale Heights, the latest addition to our community of state-of-the-art complex needs care homes across England. We are committed to expanding our services across the country, ensuring that more individuals have access to specialised nursing care right within their own community.”
“At Wheldale Heights, we have spared no effort in meticulously designing every aspect of our home to cater to the unique needs and well-being of our residents with complex care requirements. Our goal is to create a home where their quality of life is significantly improved, while also facilitating meaningful connections with their loved ones. With a dedicated team of compassionate health and care professionals, we are confident that this remarkable facility will have a profound and positive impact on the lives of numerous individuals in the local area.”
