A borough where everyone can thrive. Established in 2011, Optalis was created to do things differently, to focus every pound on the people, not the shareholders that many commercial homes and services answer to. It is 100% Council owned so any financial surplus generated through their operations is returned to the Council for further investment in local services. Being an arm’s length Council organisation, it can apply for some funding not open to the Council.
With local knowledge and an understanding of community expectations, Optalis provides a wide range of support services including older people’s residential and nursing care, Reablement, Independent Living, Day Opportunities, Short Breaks, Extra Care, and a nationally recognised Supported Employment service—ranked number one in England. As seen Optalis is a care provider with a primary focus on the people it serves, delivering high-quality services through knowledgeable and dedicated staff. The aim is not just to meet needs, but to help people live in a place called home, with the people and things they love, doing what matters most.
The impact of this approach is best expressed in the words of the people it touches every day:
“I am happy here, it feels like home. I am really enjoying it.”
“I would not have been able to get to this point and remain employed without your help.”
“Grandad had his 93rd birthday last week and the home accommodated our large family so we could celebrate with him and made it so special with entertainment too.”
“When I moved into my supported flat, I didn’t just get a home — I got my confidence back.”
“Support worker E clearly knows (our son), understands his needs, and positively and actively cares for him and promotes his quality of life.”
“The team went out of their way to help me towards achieving my dreams especially to join in family walks and cycling again.”
This feedback highlights the core values that guide Optalis, providing person-centred support with a practical, commercially aware approach grounded in public sector principles.
Working in close partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, Optalis plays a valued role in responding to the evolving care and support needs of the local community. Over the past 13 years, its services have expanded and diversified, shaped by community needs and based on a commitment to high quality, sustainable support. This approach prioritises long-term investment in people, not short-term savings, and continues to align naturally with the Council’s vision for inclusive and thriving communities.
Most recently Optalis have started providing nursing care to residents in two newly acquired nursing homes, an area of care that was new to Optalis. Both homes were transferred to the Council requiring varying degrees of repair and financial investment. The quality of care also required significant investment in the staff and core teams. Whilst this takes time to embed and establish change, we are on that journey making huge strides to improve the quality of care for people living in these homes. Visiting Bluebell House over the past 18 months I have seen the improvement in the fabric of the building, but also, more importantly, a great improvement in the care provided.
Through close collaboration and partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, Optalis has become a trusted partner in delivering care that helps people live well in their own communities, with dignity, independence, and purpose.
By Cllr David Hare
