Work starts on state-of-the-art complex needs care home In Failsworth

Exemplar Health Care, one of the country’s leading nursing care providers for adults living with complex needs, has started work on transforming a closed care home on Guido Street in Failsworth into a brand-new complex care service.

The former 83-bed Acorn Lodge Nursing Home, which closed in July of this year, will now undergo a transformative renovation led by contractor Walter Thompson.

Once the renovation and refit has been completed, the new home will be called Walton Grove.

Walton Grove will support adults living with complex needs arising from brain injuries, dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities, providing long-term community care for adults who would otherwise have a pro-longed stay in hospital or other inappropriate setting.

Due to open in July 2025, the new home will feature 40 spacious ensuite bedrooms, split across four communities, with Exemplar Health Care’s model of small group living providing a more homely, supportive, and responsive care environment.

The home will feature communal dining and living spaces, sensory bathrooms, an activities hub, a therapy room, and a beauty salon. These amenities are designed to enhance the overall well-being of residents and foster a sense of community within the care home.

Like all Exemplar Health Care homes, the design of the new home encompasses input from Exemplar Health Care’s Service User Council, a group of residents living at existing homes, who ensure the plans will meet the real-world needs of future residents with a broad range of health conditions.

The home will have its own multi-disciplinary team including an in-house Physiotherapist, an Occupational Therapist, Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants offering a holistic approach to care and support.

Once open, Walton Grove will be Exemplar Health Care’s seventh care home in Greater Manchester, with the organisation already operating homes in Ashton, Rochdale, Stockport, Warrington and Wigan. 

Later this year, Exemplar Health Care will be recruiting a diverse range of positions inclusive of care, nursing, management, administrative and care home support.

Prior to the first residents moving into the home, successful candidates will start by completing a comprehensive induction, training and team building programme.

Full details on all the available jobs, as well as how to apply, can be found on the Exemplar Health Care careers website: www.exemplarhc.com/careers

Sarah McKee, Commissioning Manager, said: “This exciting development will see the current site transformed into a state-of-the-art complex needs care home.

“We have designed this new home with the needs and comfort of future residents in mind.

"It will feature spacious bedrooms, common areas with plenty of natural light, and innovative features – such as kitchen equipment that can change height to support wheelchair users – to promote resident engagement and well-being.

“This project marks a significant investment in the local community, and we look forward to welcoming the first residents to Walton Grove at the end of this year.”

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