Our new care home – Friends Place – opens in Calcot, Reading

Alina Gutu. Mark Wilson & Jennifer Griffiths at the opening of Friends Place care home in Reading.At Friends of the Elderly, we are delighted to announce the opening of our brand-new residential care home, Friends Place, in Calcot, Reading.

The opening of our new home reflects our long-standing commitment to providing high-quality care. Friends Place has been thoughtfully and carefully designed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where residents feel valued, secure, and supported.

“This is an exciting milestone for Friends of the Elderly,” said Mark Wilson, Interim Co-Chief Executive. “We’re proud to offer a warm, modern home where every detail has been designed with residents’ wellbeing in mind. Friends Place brings high-quality care and 30 new jobs to the local area – and we’re thrilled to now be part of the Calcot community.”

The cinema room at Friends Place care home in Reading.Friends Place offers  residential, dementia, and respite care and is also home to a day care service. All care is delivered by a compassionate and experienced care team. Alina Gutu, the General Manager, has worked for the charity for several years, previously running The Lawn in Alton, which is rated ‘Good’ by The Care Quality Commission.

Friends Place includes a range of high-quality facilities such as a cinema, beauty salon, bar, garden room, landscaped grounds and multiple comfortable communal spaces.

“Friends Place is a home in every sense of the word,” said Alina, “We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming environment where people will feel safe, valued and connected.”

A CGI rendition of the front exterior of Friends Place care home in Reading.Residents can enjoy a busy calendar of activities, from garden parties and exercise classes to live entertainment and crafts, while dining is a highlight, with freshly prepared meals served in beautifully designed restaurant-style spaces.

“Friends Place is more than just a care home, it’s a place to belong,” continued Alina. “Our goal is to provide a warm, homely environment where residents feel safe, supported and part of the community.”

“With over 120 years of experience, Friends of the Elderly is proud to continue its mission of providing personalised, compassionate care that supports older people to live full and dignified lives,” added Mark.

To enquire about Friends Place please email Friendsplace@fote.org.uk or call 0118 207 8512.