A long-term partnership between Powys County Council and Shaw Healthcare has been confirmed in a move set to shape older people’s care services across the county for the next 15 years.

The new contract covers 12 care homes and a reablement facility and follows what the council described as an “extensive competitive tender process”.

Officials said the agreement marks the start of a “transformational journey” aimed at modernising accommodation and services for older residents, including those with increasingly complex needs such as dementia.

The council has confirmed there will be no disruption to residents or staff when the contract takes effect on June 1. Shaw Healthcare is already the existing provider across the services.

Under the new partnership, Shaw Healthcare will work with the council to deliver a substantial programme of care home modernisation over the next decade. The aim is to create what they describe as “high-quality, future-proofed environments” that support modern models of care and help improve recruitment and retention in the sector.

The council and Shaw Healthcare will also work closely with residents, families, staff and community stakeholders to shape services that meet the needs and expectations of Powys’ communities.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, said: “Securing a long-term strategic partnership of this scale is a key step in delivering a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys and ensuring our residential care services are sustainable for the future.

“We are planning ahead to make sure our accommodation and services are fit for the decades to come by moving towards modern, high‑quality environments that support excellent care practice, strengthen recruitment and retention, and provide residents with the dignity and comfort they deserve.

“This contract marks the start of a transformational journey. By working closely with Shaw Healthcare and Powys residents, we will design services that truly reflect the needs of our communities and help us meet the increasingly complex needs of older people, including those living with dementia.”

Shaw Healthcare chief executive Russell Brown said the new agreement was a significant endorsement of staff across the organisation and said they were “proud” to continue the partnership.

“The award of a new 15-year contract is a significant endorsement of our teams across Powys,” he said.

“As an employee-owned organisation, our people are central to our success, and this award reflects the quality, professionalism and dedication they demonstrate every day.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Powys County Council and are excited to be assisting the council with achieving their future vision for care delivery across the county. We remain focused on delivering the quality of care we would want for our own loved ones.”

The 12 older people’s care homes covered by the agreement are Greenhill, Crickhowell; The Grove, Ystradgynlais; Trenewydd, Llanfaes, Brecon; Prestmede, Presteigne; Cartref Dyfi, Machynlleth; Cartref, Hay-on-Wye; Wylesfield, Llandrindod Wells; Brynhyfryd, Builth Wells; Llwyn Teg, Llanfyllin; Maes-y-Wennol, Llanidloes; Plas Cae Crwn, Newtown; and Llys Hafren, Welshpool. The reablement facility is at Glan Irfon Health and Care Centre in Builth Wells.