The Methodist Homes Association (MHA) which owns Woodlands, on Bridge Lane, Penrith, has announced the home is to be sold, leaving residents anxious about their future.
MHA has confirmed to the Herald that it is selling the assisted living centre and also withdrawing from providing care there, as part of a strategic review of its homes nationally. The company has sought to reassure residents that care will continue until a new provider is in place.
Woodlands residents were told on Wednesday morning that the sale was on the cards, at what was described by one of those present as a “challenging” meeting. One person present at the meeting told the Herald there was “real concern” among residents about the future. It is understood that the care team at Woodlands have been put on notice, while new care arrangements are put in place.
MHA chief executive Sam Monaghan confirmed the move is part of the organisation’s decision to place 14 of its retirement living schemes on the market, and to withdraw care services in six of these, following a restructuring review.
“Our decision to sell these retirement living schemes will help bring clarity in relation to the types of services we will offer going forward and make sure MHA remains in a financially robust and sustainable position,” he said.
“As part of our review, we looked at the types of housing we currently offer, alongside the future needs and aspirations of older people, and the role that we can best play in that respect to enable people to live later life well. We also examined the different types of leases and rental arrangements in place across our schemes, where we would like to create a more consistent approach in the future.
“The decision to remove care from the schemes is based on financial viability. The services are not sustainable and we are unable to continue operating them at a loss.”
MHA, a registered charity and also a company limited by guarantee, manages a range of care homes, retirement living properties and community groups nationally. Half of the flats at Woodlands are rented and the other half owned on a leasehold basis.
Mr Monaghan added: “Affected residents and colleagues have been told about the removal of this service and we will work with residents to find a new care provider. We will not remove care from the service until all residents have a new provider in place.
“If no buyer comes forward, however, people can be safe in the knowledge we will not be closing any scheme, and no-one will lose their home. Our residents and colleagues will be the first to know of developments in this process. We are committed to continuing to deliver the level of service we now offer while we explore alternative care options for those affected and the marketing and sales process is ongoing. As we go through the process we will talk with residents about their options and rights, including the opportunity, where relevant, to acquire the freehold of the scheme.”
In 2023 MHA announced plans to sell 10 of its care homes and withdraw its services in Scotland.
