A newly transformed care home in Blackwater has opened its doors to the public for the first time, ahead of welcoming its first residents in the coming weeks.
Lake View Care Home has undergone a £2.5million renovation over the past 7 months, following its £2million purchase by English Oak Care Homes. Around 40 builders worked on the project, with local firms including Plenty Construction and Lifeline Fire & Security playing key roles.
The grand opening earlier today (Tuesday) saw members of the community and local organisations gather to explore the new facilities. Outside, Wight Ices served ice creams to guests attending the event.
At 12:00, the ribbon was officially cut by Nigel Hartley MBE, the Isle of Wight’s new High Sheriff, on just his second day in the role.
Addressing those in attendance, Nigel said:
“What I’ve seen this morning is not only the already incredible facilities, but the great attitude, behaviour and values of the people – without which nothing will work.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the values grow and look forward to returning when residents arrive.”
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Liam Geach, CEO of English Oak Care Homes, said investment into Lake View will continue as residents’ needs evolve and technology advances.
The home provides 55 beds across 54 bedrooms, including a couple’s room overlooking the lake. The first residents are expected to move in from next month, subject to a Care Quality Commission inspection due later this week.
Around 55 staff are expected to be employed once the home is fully operational.
Jessica McGoven has been appointed as registered manager, bringing significant experience to the role.
The site was formerly known as Blackwater Mill Care Home, but has now been fully redeveloped and rebranded as Lake View, signalling a fresh start under new ownership.
Let’s hope the residents are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, lots of money spent on the refurbishment let’s hope the staff get paid excellent money??
More than likely minimum wage. Having worked in care homes like these, the residents will probably have poor to no quality of life, low staff levels spread across 55 residents means it’s basically just constant personal care/pad changes. No one to one time or anything. It’s just the bare minimum. Not many people know that unless they’ve worked in these big homes
Let’s hope the care given is as good.
Personally I would rather see good care than good
furniture.
Let’s hope the care is as Good the restoration because it is the care that counts you can be living in a Palace but if you’re unhappy it doesn’t mean a thing
The proof of how good it will turn out is in the pudding.
or rather the quality of the food. The owners of these places go for the cheapest and therefore the lowest quality food possible which in most cases does not have any benefit or enjoyment for residents. Want another biscuit, no, you have had your “ration today”.
I do hope that is not the case but no doubt I, as others, will soon find out when we visit there very soon, hopefully not as a resident.
Obviously a mainland company? An Island company would have thought about the name and called it Mill House? Mill Pond?
Anything but Lake which sort of implies it is between Sandown and Shanklin.
Good luck.
I am so disappointed in such negative comments, This family run business is providing a well needed beautiful care home for the elderly people on the island. The owners put their heart and sole into caring for residents, there will be no under staffing, staff are fully trained and well paid, the food is cooked fresh every day, entertainment and anything else the residents wish for. The care is fantastic and is the top priority, the residents come first, giving them a safe and happy home to be in. Just give them a chance and they will prove they are nothing like the care homes that have been described below.