Do you know or work with someone who is an unsung hero in a care home?

Ontex has teamed up with Caring Times once again to reward those working in care homes who are always ready to go that extra mile.

There are thousands of people working in UK care homes that make a real difference, whether it’s behind the scenes in the laundry room, preparing meals in the kitchen, or direct personal care of the residents. We’re looking for those that go beyond the job description. For example, it could the gardener who brings a resident their favourite cookies, or a housekeeper who helps a resident to rediscover their hobbies – we’re searching for those who bring a little bit of extra joy into the care world. Your unsung hero may be a colleague or someone else you know, and now is the time to reward those individuals that have made a genuine impact on their particular place of work!

If you know of anyone that fits the bill, entries can be made online at: caring-times.co.uk/care-home-heroes

So go to this link and tell us, in 400 words or less, why you think your nominated person deserves to win. Make sure to include an example of when they have gone the extra distance to make a difference.

All winners will be announced in June and will be presented with their certificate and Love2Shop vouchers or similar gift card on Friday 30 June at the Care

Terms And Conditions

Managers Show at the NEC.

Three runner-up winners will each receive £250 Love2Shop vouchers or similar gift card, and the Overall Winner will receive a £500 Love2Shop voucher or similar gift card.

The three runner-up winners will feature in the September, October and November issues of Caring Times magazine, and the Overall Winner will feature in a special feature in the December issue of Caring Times

This prize draw is organised by Ontex, Weldon House, CorbyGate Business Park, Priors Haw Road, Corby, NN17 5JG. It is governed by the laws of England and Wales and it is subject to the following conditions:

• The prize draw is not open to employees or contractors of Ontex or any person directly or indirectly involved in the organisation and running of the competition or their direct family members.

• No purchase is necessary to take part in the prize draw.

• The prize draw is open to UK residents only who are aged 18 or over.

• Closing date for entry is Friday 19th May . Winners will be notified by 1st June 2023

• All winners will be presented with their Award at the Care Managers Show if they are able to attend on Friday 30th June .- otherwise they will be sent a certificate

• Permission will be required for Ontex to contact the winners and visit them to hand deliver the prizes when possible.

• If the winners do not confirm acceptance of his/her prize within 7 days he/she will automatically forfeit the rights to claim for the prize. In the event of the prize not being claimed, Ontex reserves the right to select an alternative winner via any means that Ontex feel appropriate.

• By participating in the prize draw, you declare that you accept these terms and conditions unconditionally. There is no cash alternative.

Care Homes Heroes 2023 offers a unique chance to celebrate the dedication of all those who go above and beyond to keep care homes running. It’s a brilliant way to shine the spotlight on people who get on with their jobs unseen and unheard, but make a real difference.

“This is the fifth year we’ve worked with Caring Times for the Care Home Heroes and we absolutely love it because it’s important to shine a light on those who go above and beyond for their residents,” commented Angela Gillespie, distributor channel manager at Ontex. “And it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture - it’s the little, consistent things that really have an impact on someone’s life.”

Last year, we received over 350 entries and it took a panel of five to decide the finalists. Gillespie continued: “It’s a difficult competition to judge because each person is so deserving. My top tip when nominating somebody is to use a particular example with lots of detail for how they have made a difference and how this impacted others – good luck to all nominees!”

Overall Winner 2022: Nicola Mould, home manager, Orchard Mews, HC-One Care Home Heroes 2022 Overall Winner was Nicola Mould. Nicola was nominated by community nurse, Jennifer Dodds, whose mum was a resident at Orchard Mews. “My Mum suffered from Alzheimer’s and was discharged from hospital post-Covid with deteriorated condition for palliative care,” says Jennifer. “Nicola made every effort to support my Mam, myself and my siblings during such a traumatic and sad time. She went above and beyond her role to support and help us all, often staying at work hours past her shift ending when mum deteriorated to wait for the GP to review and implement a plan and ensure Mam was comfortable and pain free.”

“The Care Home Heroes competition is a great opportunity for us to recognise and reward those working in our care homes who are always ready to go that extra mile and have made a real impact to the lives of residents,” says James Tugendhat, chief executive at HC-One. “We are always on the lookout for opportunities to celebrate our colleagues’ achievements. We were delighted that Nikki Mould, home manager at HCOne’s Orchard Mews Care Home, was selected as the overall winner of the Care Home Heroes competition in 2022,” he continues. “Nikki was nominated for being professional, empathetic and knowledgeable, and in recognition of how she delivers high quality nursing care and excels in the management of her amazing care team whose care philosophy is completely person-centred.”

Runner-up 2022: Karen Jones, domestic, Park House Care Home, Eastgate Care Karen Jones has been with Park House Care Home for just under 10 years, and her standards have never slipped. “Nothing is too much trouble for this lady who always clocks up to 50 hours a week making sure our home is extremely clean,” says Park House. “No speck of dirt escapes her.” During the pandemic Karen was fastidious in ensuring all recommended measures were put in place and the home received a glowing CQC Infection Prevention and Control report. Karen spends her spare time with the people who live at Park House, singing, playing board games and chatting.

Runner-up 2022: Paul Bond, housekeeper, Fremantle Trust

As housekeeper, Paul gets involved with most of the residents. After noticing a fishing magazine in the room of one resident, “RS”, Paul decided to make his wish to go fishing again come true. Along with RS’ daughter Tracey, he arranged everything from obtaining a fishing licence, sorting out a suitable venue, carrying out a risk assessment and organising a carer to accompany the two of them. Paul ensured that RS had an amazing day out, and took a photograph of the fish he caught and landed. “We were so pleased that we could fulfil RS’ dream,” says Fremantle Trust. “He has been to fish three times now and further plans have been made.”