A WESTON-SUPER-MARE care home has been saved from closure – and 40 jobs protected – after it was taken over.

Independent care firm Agincare has announced it has signed a long-term agreement to run Dewdown House Care Home, safeguarding residents and workers.

The company said the home, in Beach Road, will now see substantial investment for extensive refurbishment to “restore it to its former glory at the heart of the community”, a spokesperson said.

Dewdown House has space for 40 residents, and offers specialist support for people living with dementia.

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Agincare group chief executive, Raina Summerson, said: “Agincare is proud and excited to breathe new life into this wonderful home and the vital services it provides in Weston-super-Mare.

“We look forward to meeting new and existing residents, their families, and team members, who can all be assured that Agincare will provide stability for the home’s future.

“With almost 40 years of experience delivering high-quality care in the community, we understand the concerns that can arise during times of change and can address these having successfully managed many transfers from local authorities, charities, and independent providers.”

Contracts have been exchanged with the home’s current owners, The Salvation Army, with completion set to take place in the coming weeks.

Dewdown House was formerly run by the Salvation Army. Picture: Agincare

Salvation Army director of older people’s services, Glenda Roberts, said: “Dewdown House is a place of great love and care and so we are pleased that this can continue under new management.

“In our discussions with Agincare, we were keen to explore their values and ethics.

“We wanted to transfer the service to an organisation that plans to continue the work we have started in providing care that is rooted in love while ensuring resident’s spiritual needs are met.”

In Somerset, Agincare also runs Beaufort Park Retirement Village in Burnham-on-Sea, Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard, and Critchill Court Care Home in Frome – all once threatened with closure.

Founded in 1986 with a single care home in Weymouth, Dorset, by current chair Derek Luckhurst, Agincare remains a family-owned operation.

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