Continuing to care through coronavirus

Anchor care homes remain open to new residents.

As we move out of the pandemic, we’re delighted that the restrictions put on care homes are starting to be lifted. And while some things have changed slightly, we’re doing everything we can to provide a safe, secure and friendly welcome to new residents.

We have a proud history of caring for those in later life, putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

You can rest assured for that we’re here to support you and your loved one every step of the way.

Making an enquiry

To start your enquiry, simply search for an Anchor care home near you and use the make an enquiry options or call on 0800 731 2020.

We’ll provide you with full details of the home or homes that you’re interested in, along with any other information you’d like, such as sample menus and activity schedules.

Taking a tour

Whether you’re looking to stay with us permanently, or for a short break, we’re delighted that we can now invite you to take a show round of the home in person, subject to testing and safety guidelines. Simply book a tour with the home manager once you’ve made your enquiry.

We can also provide a virtual show round if you’d prefer. Either way, we’re keen to show you what daily life is like here and for you to meet our friendly team.

If you decide following your visit that you or your loved one would like to move into the home we’ll organise an assessment either face to face – with PPE and socially distanced – or conducted virtually to make sure we can meet all of your care needs.

Welcoming new residents safely

Ensuring residents’ safety and wellbeing is our absolute priority. Before move-in we’ll put together a comprehensive settling-in plan, designed entirely around you or your loved-one’s needs.

Recent changes to government guidance mean that if you or your loved one are moving in from the community (for example, your home) and are fully vaccinated, you won’t need to self-isolate on arrival, subject to meeting certain criteria. If you're moving in from hospital or another care setting, you’ll receive a dedicated package of one-to-one activities and support, alongside regular visits from family and friends, during any period of self-isolation required following an individual review.

Our friendly team will discuss every area of moving-in with you in detail to make sure you and your loved-one know exactly what to expect and feel confident, safe and welcomed when coming to live with us.

Visiting your loved one

We understand how important visits are for everyone and are pleased that government restrictions on nominated visitors have been removed and we can welcome regular visits from family and friends, supported by PPE and testing, including during the settling-in period. 

We’re delighted that people living in our homes are able to have more regular, sustained and meaningful contact with loved ones. Residents can also nominate an Essential Care Giver who is able to visit more frequently and for longer, while following the same testing and PPE safety measures as our care teams.

In addition, our homes continue to offer visits to other friends or family members with arrangements such as inside visiting spaces with a screen and outdoor or window visits. We will always permit visits in exceptional circumstances. We’ve also invested significantly in technology – such as Skype and FaceTime – so you can stay in regular touch. 

Of course, visiting remains subject to changes in government guidance and local health protection restrictions in response to transmissions rates and variants of concern.

Each of our homes is different and you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly to the Manager of the care home you’re interested in.

Coronavirus testing

Our homes were among the first in the country to take part in the government’s care home testing programme in Summer 2020 – and we’ve been regularly testing colleagues and residents since.

• All care home colleagues are routinely tested twice every week
• All residents are tested on admission to the home and then routinely every 28 days 

With residents’ safety and wellbeing our absolute priority, we want to assure you that we’re doing everything possible to prevent coronavirus entering our homes.

COVID-19 vaccinations

Vaccinations have been offered to all residents and colleagues.

Where required, all new residents are prioritised for a vaccination on move-in.

Experts in infection control

We are well equipped and have good stocks of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) which complies with government requirements.

Our in-house team are highly-trained and experienced in ensuring a clean and safe environment and committed to protecting everyone living and working in our home through the consistent use of infection-control measures. These measures include regular hand washing, social distancing, putting on clean uniforms upon arrival and the proper use of appropriate PPE.

As members of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), we take cleaning and cleanliness extremely seriously. We use the highest-quality products and are following an enhanced programme of cleaning.

Continuing to love later life 

During this difficult time, we’re keeping life as normal as possible so residents feel safe, secure, and happy.

Which means your loved one can expect great fresh food, a wealth of activities and friendly company.
Residents continue to enjoy delicious, freshly-made meals every day, with a choice of menu daily, prepared by our expert catering teams.

Our creative activity programmes, developed by our in-house team of wellness coordinators, aims to keep residents as active and healthy as possible, should they wish to take part, ranging from person-centred activities to home-wide events.