Celebrating 45 Years of Caring: The BN Care Group Story

This year marks a truly special milestone for us — BN Care Group turns 45. What began in 1981 with a single care home has grown into a family of five homes across Devon and Dorset, each one built on the same foundation of kindness, dignity and unwavering commitment to our residents.

It all started with Hay House in Exeter. Back in 1981, Hay House opened its doors with a simple but powerful mission: to provide exceptional care for elderly people in a warm, homely environment. That mission hasn't changed in 45 years. If anything, it's only grown stronger.

From Humble Beginnings to a Family of Five

Over the decades, the group has expanded to include five distinctive homes, each with its own character and community, but all united by the same core values.

Hay House remains at the heart of our story — a specialist dementia care home in a central Exeter location, still welcoming residents and their families with the same warmth it has done since day one.

The Dales, also in Exeter, is housed in three beautiful Victorian townhouses on Howell Road, with bay windows overlooking the Exe Valley. Offering specialist nursing and dementia care across 31 rooms, it has become a much-loved part of the local community.

Barton Place, set in the tranquil surroundings of Barton, Exeter, specialises in nursing care for elderly people with dementia. Its peaceful setting and dedicated team have earned it a reputation for truly personalised, compassionate care.

Court House in Cullompton brings something different to the group — a charming residential care home set in about an acre of mature grounds in the heart of a friendly Devon market town. With 33 ensuite rooms and beautiful gardens, it offers residents space to thrive.

And then there's Bymead House in Charmouth, Dorset — a nursing and residential home nestled in a picturesque seaside village on the Jurassic Coast. With up to 30 residents, a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day, and the sea just moments away, it's a truly special place to call home.

The Values That Have Never Changed

Forty-five years is a long time, and a lot has changed in the world of care. Regulations have evolved, technology has advanced, and expectations have rightly grown. But through it all, the values at the heart of BN Care Group have remained exactly the same: kindness, independence, dignity, respect, privacy, choice and collaboration.

These aren't words on a poster — they are the principles our teams live by every single day, in every interaction, in every home. From the carer who remembers how a resident takes their tea, to the nurse on duty at three in the morning, our people are what make BN Care Group special.

A Team Dedicated to Care

None of this would be possible without the incredible staff across our five homes. Our team is led by Managing Director Wade Newmark, who brings decades of experience in healthcare investment and management, alongside Operations and Compliance Manager Lisa Wells, Care Quality Manager Sharon Payne, and Financial Director Gary Ridewood. Together, they have built a culture of initiative, continuous improvement and genuine passion for the people we care for.

But it's the carers, nurses, kitchen teams, housekeepers and activity coordinators on the ground who truly bring our values to life. Many of our staff have worked in care for decades — it's not just a job, it's a vocation.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 45 years, we're not standing still. We remain committed to constant improvement, ongoing training and investing in our homes to ensure our residents enjoy the very highest standards of care. Our focus has always been — and always will be — championing the quality of life for every single person who lives with us.

To everyone who has been part of the BN Care Group journey over the past 45 years — our residents, their families, our staff past and present, and the communities we serve — thank you. Here's to the next chapter.

If you'd like to find out more about any of our homes, or arrange a visit, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd love to welcome you.