care | advertorial
advertorial | care
Do you know or work with someone who is an unsung hero in a care home?
Care Homes Heroes 2024 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 sixth year we’ve worked with Caring Times for the 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
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 on Friday 28 June at the Care Managers Show at the NEC Birmingham. Three runner-up winners will each
receive £250 Love2Shop vouchers, and the Overall Winner will receive a £500 Love2Shop voucher. 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.
Terms and conditions 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. • The prizes are up to the value of £250 of Love2Shop Vouchers for the three runner-up winners and £500 Love2Shop voucher for the one overall winner. The Love2Shop vouchers may be substituted to an alternative gift card chosen by Ontex to the same value if required. There is no cash alternative. The vouchers will be presented to the winners on stage at the Care Managers Show at the NEC on Friday 27 June. • The three runner-up winners will be included in the Caring Times publication during the September 2024, October 2024 and November 2024 issues. The overall winner will be included in the Caring Times publication during the December 2024 issue. • 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 19 May. Winners will be notified by 1 June. • The overall winner will receive two tickets to the National Care Awards on Friday 29 November in London. • All winners will be presented with their award at the Care Managers Show and must be available to attend the Show on Friday 28 June. • If the winners do not confirm acceptance of his/her prize within seven 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.
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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 2023: David Fielding, handyman, Forest Care, Cedar Lodge Care Home David’s love for his residents and his commitment to Cedar Lodge’s values drives him to perform brilliantly in his role as handyman, always exceeding his remit. He drives residents to hospital appointments, collects prescriptions from pharmacies and delivers blood samples to medical practices. He supports and contributes to the wellbeing of residents, shopping for personal items on their behalf, taking them out for shopping trips and willingly involving himself in activities on themed days. David carries out all health and safety, induction and fire training for staff on an ongoing basis. He literally goes the extra mile to collect colleagues from home to ensure they can attend training if they do not have access to transport. “David is a good listener and takes the time to stop and chat with residents and colleagues,” says Nenita Jopson, care home manager. “If you need something doing, he replies enthusiastically straight away ‘yes, I can do that.’ David is our unsung hero.”
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here are thousands of people working in UK care homes who make a real difference, whether it’s behind the scenes in the laundry room, preparing meals in the kitchen, or providing direct personal care for the residents. We’re looking for those who go beyond the job description. Whether it’s the gardener who brings residents their favourite cookies, or a housekeeper who helps residents 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 who 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.
Heroes and we absolutely love it because it’s important to shine a light on those who go above and beyond for their residents,” comments 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
Runner-up 2023: Vincent Doherty, facilities manager, The White House Nursing Home Vincent has been The White House’s facilities manager for more than 30 years. Although he has been diagnosed with cancer and undergone treatment in recent years, Vincent has still shown up to work between treatments ready to support the home and his colleagues. He regularly escorts the activities team on trips so he can help residents on and off the home’s van. Vincent is much-loved by everyone at the home and makes time to talk to residents and their families ensuring they are happy with the facilities provided for their residents. He is an extremely talented carpenter, creating a dedicated visiting pod during Covid to keep residents and families safe, and even making a bar for the residents’ lounge. Runner-up 2023: Joy Clark, receptionist, The Burlington Care Home, Boutique Care Homes As a receptionist, Joy’s role goes beyond greeting visitors and answering phone calls. She takes the time to get to know each resident, their interests and their preferences. Joy goes above and beyond to make the residents’ day-to-day experiences more enjoyable. She hosts them in the café for coffee and cake, taking the time to chat and listen to their stories. She has also set up a music club for the residents in the bistro, bringing in her own soundbar and putting together a playlist of old songs. This has been a huge hit. Runner-up 2023: Marcia Hughes, activities co-ordinator, Thorp House Nursing Home, Kingsley Healthcare Marcia’s drive and enthusiasm is infectious. She uses Facebook and local community pages to showcase the home, with posts shared by local dignitaries such as the mayor, councillors and the local MP. She forges strong relationships to involve the home in the community, and thanks to her there are regular mentions in the local paper. Marcia works hard to ensure no resident feels isolated, and breaks activities down so that everyone can take part even if they can’t leave their room. Through a Wishing Tree she has encouraged residents to find new zest for life. Marcia sends monthly newsletters and activities planners to all the families ensuring they know what’s going on, and to see if they wish to attend anything.
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