HC-One care homes get over 200 minibuses enabling residents to go on more trips and outings

Over 200 minibuses have been converted and delivered to 241 HC-One care homes enabling its residents to go on more trips and outings.

Debbie Carling, HC-One procurement liaison manager, said: “For HC-One the delivery of over 200 minibuses is both a significant and a necessary investment in order to provide the kindest care to all of our residents.

“The well-being of our residents is our top priority. Providing these minibuses reflects our commitment to enabling our residents to enjoy, and engage with, their local communities.”

The minibuses are able to be used by up to eight residents or eight residents/carers and three wheelchair users to make trips and outings a part of residents daily life.

Wilker UK has been converting the minibuses for HC-One in partnership with .

Donnacha Hurley, chief executive of Wilker Group said: “There’s a lot of time and talk and thought gone into these minibuses. For example, HC-One wanted them to be wipe-clean and they didn’t want clinical white, so we’ve all worked closely together and we’ve given them muted colours where the floor, the lower part of the wall, the top part of the wall and the roof all blend in, with the seats and their external coverings too. So all these minibuses have a nice colour scheme and the finish is very good. We’re very happy with them.”

Ms Carling said: ““Overall, the minibuses have helped residents live a fuller life by better integrating the care homes with the local communities that they serve. Residents are now able to enjoy a greater variety of day trips and excursions and so far the feedback from residents and staff has been great.”

“The Christmas period was a great testament to that, with residents able to use the minibuses to go Christmas shopping, see the turning on of Christmas lights and go for Christmas meals.

“As the minibuses had been especially altered to fit residents’ needs, it meant all these activities were very inclusive and all of our residents were able to enjoy everything the festive period had to offer.

HC-One’s initial order for 200 minibuses is due to be completed by mid-February, after which the plan is to invest in more.

Ms Carling added: “We will be delivering a minibus to each of our homes, so we will be following up until all homes are covered.”

click here for more details or to contact HC-One