Two companies which provide care at home for elderly and vulnerable people across Cornwall have failed, leading Cornwall Council to step in and take over.

Four Seasons Community Care in Torpoint and Penwith Care in Hayle are the companies affected.

Following their difficulties Cornwall Council, through its company Corserv Care, has taken on the operations provided by the companies to deliver domiciliary care for elderly and vulnerable people.

Four Seasons Care is said to have gone into administration whilst Penwith Care has been “experiencing some difficulties” which led to the council intervention. The council has said that all people who were receiving care and support from the two businesses will continue to receive that service.

In a statement on Four Seasons Care Cornwall Council said: “Corserv are currently providing leadership support to Four Seasons Community Care. Cornwall Council is working in partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide stability and security for people receiving care and support from the company. 

“Wherever possible, people will still have the same person providing their care. Corserv aim to formally take over the business in January 2023 and all staff will be offered the opportunity to stay on in their roles with Corserv as their new employer.”

On Penwith Care the council said: “Corserv will take on the running of care provider Penwith Care Ltd after the company experienced difficulties. Cornwall Council is working in partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide stability and security for people receiving care and support from the company.

“Wherever possible, people will still have the same person providing their care. All staff will be offered the opportunity to stay on in their roles with Corserv as their new employer. The change will formally take place from midnight on 15 December 2022.”

The council said that anyone affected by the changes or anyone seeking advice or information should contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 100 or email [email protected]

This year has seen a number of care homes close in Cornwall and there have been issues with being able to recruit and retain staff working in care settings.

There have also been problems in discharging people from hospital in Cornwall due to a lack of care packages being available for them when they return home.