Elizabeth Finn Homes, part of the anti-poverty charity group Turn2us, is marking 75 years since its inception in 1948.
The Elizabeth Finn Homes group grew from the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association (DGAA) which was founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Finn. At the age of 72, Ms Finn decided that something had to be done about the silent suffering of people in her circle of society, and so focused the efforts of the Association on raising and distributing funds to those who has fallen on hard times and had nowhere to turn.
In January 1948, the Victorian house known as Merlewood in Virginia Water, Surrey, became the first care home purchased by the Association. A further two homes were purchased the following year. In recognition of the legacy left by Elizabeth, DGAA was renamed the Elizabeth Finn Trust in January 1999.
Over the years, Elizabeth Finn Homes has provided care for over 12,000 residents and today employs a staff of 750 across nine homes, each of which will be holding celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary.
Dr Oliva Curno, CEO of Elizabeth Finn Homes, said: “This is a huge milestone in our history and one of which we are immensely proud. Elizabeth Finn was a champion of kindness and dignity for those facing hard times. Her vision continues to guide us. The care home sector has had a very tough time in recent years and we have taken a leaf out of Elizabeth’s book and worked even harder to maintain our position as a leader in quality care.
“Elizabeth Finn Homes invests first in our homes and staff to ensure a best-in-class experience for residents and families, but being part of the charity Turn2us, we are also driven by a bigger social purpose. Any remaining funds go to support those facing financial insecurity across the UK.”
