One of the UK’s leading and award-winning care groups is marking a hugely successful first 12 months in business.
Aria Healthcare Group officially launched just over a year ago and has since gone on to win the highly esteemed ‘Large Care Home Group’ at the National Care Awards and has been named as one of carehome.co.uk’s top 20 care home groups. There has also been recognition at team and individual levels, with CEO Caroline Roberts nominated for both a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and as an ‘Outstanding Leader’ among the highlights.
The group has achieved several benchmarks in staff retention and development, financial performance and hospitality, priding itself on being colleague-led, with feedback from its 2,700 colleagues providing the basis for its ever-evolving ethos, vision and values.
Over the past year, Aria Care has reduced its labour staff turnover rate by half and has increased wages, benefits and annual leave, showing its commitment to being a National Living Wage employer.
In addition, the company is committed to nurturing and developing its staff, launching its ‘Hearts of Gold’ and ‘Living Our Values Everyday’ colleague recognition programmes, as well as its ‘Inspiring Leaders’ development programme earlier this year.
Caroline Roberts, CEO of Aria Care Group, said: “It’s hard to believe that Aria launched just over a year ago. The past 12 months have seen a remarkable transformation for us and there is still so much more we want to achieve.
“We are incredibly proud of the positive impact we’ve already made on the lives of the people we care for and our colleagues. We are committed to building on this momentum and making Aria the leading choice for exceptional care and hospitality in the years to come.”
Providing “hospitality from the heart” has also been a key priority for Aria Care. Hospitality Director James Clear’s extensive knowledge and passion for providing the best care has resulted in not only a robust nutrition and hydration framework, but also a number of initiatives including Aria’s Chef Academy apprenticeship programme, as well as its Chef of the Year competition.
Over the past year, Aria has invested £18m in a revival project for its homes, with major refurbishments carried out in 12 care homes in 2023 and plans for more in 2024. A primary focus of the re-investment has been to create both indoor and outdoor spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional for both residents and colleagues.
Caroline said: “Ultimately our priority has and will always be the wellbeing of our residents and colleagues. We want everyone in our communities to feel safe, listened to, valued and, ultimately, happy that they are living the best version of their lives.”