Trustees Adopt Independent Living & Care Needs Policy

30th July 2026

Following a period of consultation with residents, Southampton City Council, NHS partners and other stakeholders, the Board of Trustees of Thorner's Homes formally adopted the Independent Living & Care Needs Policy at its meeting on 25 June 2026.

The policy has been developed to provide greater clarity about the Charity's role as an almshouse provider of independent living and to support residents, families and professionals in understanding the services we provide.

Like many housing providers, Thorner's Homes has seen increasing numbers of residents returning from hospital with significantly higher care needs than those for which our almshouse communities were designed. The new policy explains how we will work positively with residents, health and social care professionals to help residents remain independent wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, while recognising that there may come a point where alternative accommodation or care is needed.

The policy also clarifies:

• the support residents can expect from Thorner's Homes;
• the respective roles of health and social care services;
• how decisions will be made where care needs change;
• our commitment to partnership working and early planning;
• our approach to dignity, fairness and individual circumstances.

Before adopting the policy, the Trustees carried out a public consultation with residents and sought feedback from Southampton City Council, NHS colleagues and other interested organisations. The comments received helped shape the final document.

To make the policy easier to understand, a Plain English Resident Summary has also been produced.

Both documents are available to download from the Documents & Policies section of our website.

The Trustees believe the policy will help ensure that residents, families and professionals have a shared understanding of how Thorner's Homes supports independent living while continuing to meet its charitable objectives and regulatory responsibilities.