Specialist care provider Choice Care Group is celebrating a record start to 2010 with its highest-ever occupancy rates and fewest staff vacancies in its history.

The Reading-based company operates residential care homes for adults with learning disabilities, mental health disorders and other complex needs at 39 homes across Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Gloucestershire.

The Choice Care Group comprises three companies – CHOICE, founded in 1992, and Truecare Group and Orchard End which have both been in operation since 1994.

Out of a total of 303 beds at the company, there are currently just seven vacancies, while the group’s continued growth means there are plans to develop a further four services this year – two new homes and two annex-style environments within the grounds of existing homes.

The company also has 19 staff vacancies out of a total payroll of about 800 people, despite the traditionally-high turnover rates in the industry and the fact that the company does not use agency staff.

Director of Referrals Tracy Bridgman said: “To have an occupancy rate of around 97% is a great achievement, and a testament to the hard work of everyone here at Choice to provide the right services for our service users at all times.

“Similarly, many parts of our industry suffer from a high staff turnover and large staff vacancies and they rely on agency workers to fill the gaps, which is both expensive and leads to less continuity of care for our clients.

“I’m proud that we are now virtually fully-staffed and we have done it using our own team, without resorting to agency staff.”