An Anglesey care home has unveiled four self-contained assisted living apartments after a £500,000 investment supported by Barclays.
The Glan Rhos Nursing Home at Brynsiencyn, has diversified into self-assisted living in addition to the existing 52-bed nursing home, which currently employs 72 people, run by sisters Kim and Helen Ombler.
The home was originally opened by their mother, Eirlys Ombler, who was working as a director of nursing at the time and came up with the idea of converting their family home for the purpose.
Kim, who is a director and the home’s registered manager, said: “The planned new four assisted living flats is a major investment, during a difficult time for the care sector.
"The units will be used for people who just need that little bit of help so they can retain their independence but have help on hand if and when they need it.”
Kim, who sits on the board of Care Forum Wales, added: “We know there is a need for this type of accommodation here on Anglesey and my mum would be so proud to see her original concept growing and evolving into the business it is today.
“We are dual registered as both a nursing and residential care home.”
Sister Helen, who is a director and the home’s responsible individual, said: “Glan Rhos is built on the land of the farm belonging to our grandparents, Richard and Catherine Evans.
“Mum had a dream of running a nursing home. She came home one day and suggested the idea to our dad, Don, who was a builder. The next day he had architects drawing up plans.
“Initially, we had 23 beds, then 37 and after a further extension we now have 52. Our brother David is also a director but doesn’t work on site.”
Helen added: “Mum believed there were no nursing homes in the south of Anglesey and there was a need for one.
“We have some residents who have lived in this area all their lives and would have had to move elsewhere had we not been here.
“We have made this significant investment to support the care home sector.
“Our ambition is to provide high-quality residential and nursing care and a ‘best life’ care experience to all residents in the home.
“The current Covid pandemic has demonstrated just how important quality care, great staff and a resilient business model are to operating a successful care home.
“Since the pandemic, we have not had a single Covid case, which is testament to our stringent hygiene and Covid protocols.
“With the changes in the UK’s care strategy, traditional local authority care homes are increasingly under pressure to meet changing regulations and care standards, which is why the private sector must embrace these challenges, investing and improving the standards of care.”
Michelle Clark, Barclays Business Relationship Manager, said: “Barclays is committed to using our industry expertise within the healthcare sector to support such propositions, which are vital to a prosperous economy. By really understanding the care sector, Barclays has been able to provide debt finance to support the business.
“The management team have a real passion for quality care and service delivery and hands on approach will ensure the highest standards of care and securing long term employment for the local staff.”
