Tom is one of the founders of Anavo Group. He has worked in the care sector for over 16 years and has developed a formidable reputation in the industry for his ability to successfully lead and deliver radical transformational programmes and drive innovation to deliver outstanding quality care. With a number of board level posts across public, private and third sectors, Tom is well positioned to lead Anavo’s pioneering service proposition.
He shares his motivations to create a new way of caring for people in care homes.
How long have you been in the healthcare sector?
About 20 years. I’ve been lucky enough to work across many areas of healthcare, from pharmaceuticals to working for companies supporting people with learning disabilities, acquired brain injury, mental health diagnoses, forensic backgrounds and now, elderly care.
How is Anavo different to other care operators?
We want to do things differently for older people, do them better. One of our priorities is innovative architecture of the homes which includes clever design and technology to improve the experience for both residents and staff. That, combined with our collective skills and knowledge and our commitment that everyone will lead fulfilling, uplifting lives, means that we’re in a unique position to transform the traditional idea of care for the elderly.
What will the experience be for residents?
Moving to a care home is rarely an easy decision. We want people to carry on with activities that light them up, sustain their friendships and family bonds, and be proactive and energetic in their lives, with our staff providing the right support where needed.
We describe our homes as a ‘community of communities’. They will be vibrant, happy places where everyone feels involved, and intergenerational living and working is part of day-to-day life.
What will it be like to work for Anavo?
Our motto is ‘teamwork makes dreamwork.’ We have an open culture and approachable compassionate leaders who care about staff and our residents. Everyone has a voice, and their contribution is valued. We want to promote caring as a recognised career – you can make a difference every day and progress along a career pathway if that’s what you want to do.
We’re a growing organisation which creates opportunities for anyone who shares our values and wants to join us on the journey – whether with or without caring experience. We know everyone has lots to offer and the great thing with Anavo is that you can take your career in so many different directions.
What are your plans for the next six to 12 months?
To make our vision a reality. From a growth and operational perspective, we’re looking to take on existing homes which require intervention, TLC and where we can add value.
We’re always on the lookout for new sites too, where we can create the Anavo model from scratch – in fact, we have 4 new homes which have recently gone in for planning.
Long term it’s about developing sustainable homes which add to their local communities, and developing services which we can be proud of, and make a difference to people’s lives.
It’s important that our growth is at the right pace so we do things properly, we listen and we care.
