Wolverhampton care home marks milestone anniversary

Wulfrun Rose, part of the Macc Care Group, first opened its doors on 4 March 2016, becoming the organisation’s first purpose-built home and setting the benchmark for its now well-known “Rose” model of care.

Built on the former site of Underhill House, the development was designed to bring high-quality nursing care to the Bushbury and Low Hill areas. As the group’s first purpose-built home, it was also the first to feature built-in individual wet rooms for residents, setting a new benchmark for comfort and privacy within the organisation. The home quickly proved a positive addition to the neighbourhood, creating jobs and establishing a new community hub.

Over the past decade, the home has grown from a brand-new facility into a well-established part of local life, supporting residents and families while adapting to changing needs across the care sector.

Since opening, Wulfrun Rose has achieved a number of notable milestones. In 2020, it was recognised as one of the Top 20 care homes in the West Midlands by carehome.co.uk, based on feedback from residents and their loved ones. More recently, in November 2025, Home Manager Louise Kearns received national recognition after winning the Executive Dementia Care Leader Award at the Social Care Leadership Awards.

The home has also become known for its fundraising and community initiatives. Last year, colleagues and residents took part in a 12-hour karaoke marathon for Breast Cancer Awareness and launched a monthly Dementia Disco to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Today, the home supports up to 67 residents in a modern setting designed to promote comfort, independence and wellbeing. Alongside clinical care, the team places strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment where residents feel part of an extended family, and regularly hosts open events to ensure connections with the local community.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Wulfrun Rose opened its doors on March 4 to members of the public for drinks, nibbles and entertainment. The celebrations attracted support from well-known figures, including a letter from the mayor and videos from Beverley Knight and Manny Kang, an ambassador for Dementia UK and former Pride of Britain nominee – highlighting the home’s strong reputation as a hub for the local community. Additionally, the home is welcoming children from nearby Berrybrook Primary School, who will be helping to plant a pink rose bush in honour of the ‘Rose’ name adopted by Macc Care Group homes.

The home is also recognising team members who have been part of the journey since the early days, with Housekeepers Karen Turner and Donna Harding, Senior Carer Helen Blackhurst and Carer Donna Jones among those marking a decade of service, reflecting the stability and commitment that have shaped the home’s culture.

Bhav Amlani, Director at Macc Care, said: “Celebrating 10 years of Wulfrun Rose is a proud milestone for everyone involved. We saw a need for a central community hub in Wolverhampton, and we strived to make Wulfrun Rose that place. As our first purpose-built home and the one that established the ‘Rose’ model, it holds a special place in our story. This anniversary is a testament to the dedication of our teams, the residents who make it such a vibrant community, and the local people who have supported the home from the beginning. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey, and we look forward to the next 10 years.”

Louise Kearns, Home Manager at Wulfrun Rose, said: “I’ve been part of Wulfrun Rose for nine years, and it’s a privilege to work alongside such a caring and committed team. There’s a real feeling of family here – it truly is home for both residents and staff. It’s exciting to be celebrating this milestone together, and I’m looking forward to seeing the home continue to grow and evolve in the future.”

Mavis Smith, an 80-year-old resident at the home, said: “I’ve been living at Wulfrun Rose for over a year, and I’m very happy here – I’ve made lots of friends. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate this milestone.”

The past decade has also been filled with memorable moments that brought residents, families and colleagues together. During the 2020 lockdown, the team created a “virtual cruise”, transforming the home overnight with themed decorations, passports and boarding passes. Over two weeks, residents “travelled” to destinations including Italy, Jamaica, Greece and the United States, enjoying themed food and entertainment along the way.

As it looks to the future, Wulfrun Rose continues to invest in new ways to enrich residents’ lives – with plans currently underway to enhance the home’s offerings. These include developing a dedicated music room, providing a space for sensory sessions and choir rehearsals, reconfiguring an underutilised cinema into a dedicated memory care suite, and creating a multi-faith room to offer further spiritual support for residents.

With strong foundations and a continued focus on community, inclusion and quality care, Wulfrun Rose is set to remain a supportive presence in Bushbury for many years to come.