Amber Valley care home named National Dementia Care Awards 2024 finalist in two categories
Ashfields Care Home, Heanor, Derbyshire has been named finalist in the 14th National Dementia Care Awards 2024 in two categories. The Forget Me Not Team which runs the dementia suite at Ashfields Care Home is a finalist in the National Award for Dementia Care Team. Kerry-Ann Berrisford has been shortlisted as a finalist for activity Provider/Lifestyle Lead Award, National Dementia Awards 2024. The finalists will be announced at a gala dinner at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on Thursday, 26th September. Ashfields Care Home (Ashfileds) has an outstanding rating with the CQC.
Photograph of Becky Stapleton, Forget Me Not Dementia Suite Manager, Ashfields Care Home, Heanor With a resident.
Becky Stapleton, Manager of the Forget Me Not dementia suite comments, “As a team, we have learned so much about care dignity, approach, compassion and commitment. This is a calling, rather than a job. A family as well as a team. We are proud of the outstanding care we provide, rewarded with the love, expressions and smiles of our residents.”
Kerry-Ann says, “I am over the moon, excited, it is completely unexpected. I like to offer new activities every day, always looking to see what else I can do to help the residents and include them in our activities.”
Josie Greveson, Ashfields’ Registered Manager says she is, “Absolutely thrilled the team have reached the final. They work so hard, do such a great job, making such a difference. It is a challenging but rewarding role. They are our winners, and I am very proud that they are part of the Ashfields’ family.
“I’m also thrilled that Kerry-Ann has been selected”. Kerry-Ann started as a carer then asked to get involved in activity co-ordination. “Kerry Ann gains trust and develops relationships with everyone. She always goes above and beyond and is like sunshine to residents living with dementia, offering laughter, love and care.
“She is a natural, celebrating each resident’s uniqueness, promoting diversity and inclusion and adapting to meet individual needs. i.e. even getting residents that are very ill and dying to help to paint a petal for a forget me not collage and showing the resident the beautiful result. She promotes staff and family inclusion ensuring the residents live fulfilling lives to support mental and physical health.”
Animal therapy is very popular, staff bring their pets and children in on days off, helping to build bonds and bring back memories. Picnics, brunches and themed events include families of residents as does a WhatsApp group which offers a place to share special moments, photographs and to listen and support.
The Dementia Care Awards celebrate excellence in dementia care. The awards celebrate talent, innovation, excellence and commitment whilst also helping to raise the profile of dementia care. It demonstrates pride in hard work, outstanding practice in dementia services and recognising a commitment to deliver outcome focussed, person centred care for people living with dementia.
The Awards pay tribute to accomplishments at all levels, across the whole social care sector, including services for older people, people with learning disabilities and/or autism, inspirational people living with dementia. There are 10 different award categories.
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