Local community invited to name suites of Wantage’s newest care home

A new care home in Wantage is asking the community for help to name its suites – and the winner could receive a £250 prize.

Care UK, which is currently building a new care home, Charlton Lodge, Off Elder Way, is calling on history enthusiasts and Wantage natives to help name the four suites within the home.

Local people are being encouraged to share four suggestions based on Wantage’s history, local places, famous residents or another theme that will represent the community. Should their suggestions make the cut, the winner of the suite naming competition will receive a prize worth £250.

The purpose-built care home – which is expected to welcome the first residents in autumn 2024 – will provide full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 72 older people. 

Angela Zuraw, Regional Director at Care UK, said: “Here at Care UK, all of our care home suites are named after objects, events, people and places that are part of local history. The names reflect our desire to anchor ourselves in the local community, while giving future residents an opportunity to reminisce about the area.

“Wantage is rich in history and I’m sure locals have countless stories to tell. We’re excited to hear what the community thinks the suites of our new care home should be named, and the prize could be used to support a local initiative, group or charity. Whether you think the suites should be named after famous residents or local beauty spots, we can’t wait to hear your suggestions!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new Care UK home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.