The original Bethany
The original Bethany, situated in Ealing, West London, was an adapted, large house, which was opened as a residential home for elderly Christians in 1959.
New Regulations
In the 1980’s it became increasingly difficult to comply with new regulations regarding facilities in care homes within the constraints of an old building and the property was sold.
Charitable Trust Formation
After careful consideration and much prayer a group of believers, headed up by Mr Harold Hatt, formed a charitable trust which used the proceeds of the sale of the original Bethany, along with other generously donated funds, to provide a new, purpose built Nursing Home. The home was many years in planning and building, opening to it’s first residents in November of 1992. Since then it has been the last home on earth of some three hundred elderly Christians.
Bethany Care Expansion
In the ten years or so after opening, in a wonderful way, multiple small areas of land to the south of the main home became available for purchase by the Bethany Care Trust. This resulted in a sizeable plot of land suitable for the building of Bethany Oaks becoming the property of the Trust by the year 2000.
Development of 10
A development of 10, purpose built, care ready, independent care ready cottages were completed in 2006. Since there was increasing pressure from the authorities for the elderly to remain in their own homes, with domiciliary carers visiting. This allowed those in need of some support and particularly Christian company to benefit from the little care community while remaining more independent.
Emmaus Lounge
The care in the community initiative has resulted in residents being more highly dependent when they are admitted to Bethany. In addition there is a greater proportion of residents living with dementia in its various formsTo meet these changing needs an extension was completed and opened in the spring of 2012. This houses the ‘Emmaus Lounge’ specifically for those with memory problem. Above this lounge there is a Conference room which is able to be used for staff training as well as a variety of meetings and functions.
Charitable Trust
Bethany Care Trust is wound up as a Charitable Trust and replaced by Bethany Care Trust (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) The services provided and the manner in which the organisation is run remains unchanged.