Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Care Homes in the South of England
Colten Care was founded in 1981 with a vision to set the highest standards in care. We operate 21 care homes across the South of England, specialising in residential, nursing, and dementia care. Seven homes hold CQC Outstanding ratings, with the remainder rated Good. Our 40+ years of experience ensure families find peace of mind through exceptional, person-centred care. We employ nurses 24/7 in every home, prioritising safety and comfort. Our purpose-built homes feature luxurious interiors and gardens, designed to create homely environments.We focus on individual needs, supporting residents to live meaningful lives through tailored activities and nutritious meals. Our leadership team combines family values with professional expertise, ensuring high standards across operations. Sustainability initiatives include solar energy and plastic reduction programmes. We remain family-owned, committed to being the care provider of choice in the South.
Services
Residential Care
Nursing Care
Dementia Care
Respite Care
End of Life Care
Nutritious Catering
Activity Programmes
Gardening Services
Housekeeping
Transport Services
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialist experience in elderly care
- 24/7 on-site nursing in all 21 care homes
- Seven CQC Outstanding-rated homes across the South
- Personalised care plans tailored to individual needs
- Sustainable, purpose-built facilities with luxury amenities
Associations and certifications
- Care Quality Commission (CQC)
What people say
Outstanding CQC ratings
24/7 nursing support
Personalised care plans
Beautiful gardens
Engaging activities
Services
Nursing Care
Our nursing care provides round-the-clock medical support for complex health needs. Trained professionals deliver tailored care plans, ensuring residents receive immediate assistance while maintaining dignity in a homely environment. This service supports long-term conditions and changing care requirements.
Dementia Care
Specialist dementia communities offer person-centred support through familiar environments and structured routines. Staff receive specific training to address cognitive needs, promoting independence while ensuring safety through secure, themed living spaces and gardens designed for sensory engagement.
Residential Care
Comfort-focused residential care includes daily assistance with personal care, meals, and housekeeping. Residents enjoy social activities and private spaces within purpose-built homes that balance independence with professional support for enhanced quality of life.
End of Life Care
Dignified end-of-life care prioritises comfort and family involvement. Our compassionate teams create peaceful environments where residents' preferences guide care decisions, supported by pain management expertise and emotional support for loved ones.
Respite Care
Flexible respite care offers temporary support for recovery or caregiver relief. Residents experience the same high standards as permanent residents, with tailored activities and medical oversight in welcoming environments that ease transition to long-term care if needed.
People
John Colwell
Co-Founder
Founded Colten Care in 1981 with Adrian Otten, establishing a family legacy focused on quality care. Continues active leadership, ensuring homes maintain high standards through regular visits and strategic oversight.
Rick Otten
Co-Chairman
Joined in 2001, Rick preserves the family ethos while expanding services. Oversees operational growth and staff development, ensuring modern care practices align with traditional values of compassion and community integration.
Elaine Farrer
Chief Operating Officer
A qualified nurse with 40 years' healthcare experience, Elaine leads operational compliance. Focuses on resident-centred care delivery, quality assurance, and maintaining CQC standards across all homes through continuous improvement programmes.
George Colwell
Co-Chairman
Oversees construction and maintenance of care homes. Combines architectural expertise with operational needs, managing 2m annual investments to ensure facilities meet evolving care requirements while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.
Mark Aitchison
CEO & Finance Director
Leads strategic direction and financial management. As CQC Responsible Individual, ensures regulatory compliance while driving the 'One Team' philosophy to balance care excellence with sustainable business practices across 21 locations.
Questions
What types of care do you offer?
We provide residential, nursing, dementia, respite, and end-of-life care across 21 homes in southern England, with tailored support plans for individual needs.
How do you personalise care plans?
Our 'All About Me' philosophy involves detailed assessments to create individualised plans covering medical needs, lifestyle preferences, and personal goals, reviewed regularly for evolving requirements.
Are your care homes CQC registered?
All homes are CQC-registered, with seven rated Outstanding and others rated Good, reflecting our commitment to exceeding regulatory standards for safety and quality.
Can residents bring personal items?
Yes, we encourage personalising living spaces with belongings to create familiar environments that support emotional wellbeing and individual identity.
How do you support sustainability?
We implement solar energy systems, reduce plastic usage by 500,000 items annually, use peat-free compost, and recycle 90% of operational waste across our care homes.
What activities are available?
Daily programmes include gardening, music therapy, minibus trips, arts and crafts, and intergenerational projects, designed to stimulate physical, cognitive, and social engagement for all abilities.
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