Four of Sanctuary Care’s homes have been named as finalists for the Caring UK Awards 2023!

Shaftesbury House in Ipswich, Park View in Sheffield, Allanbank in Dumfries and Redhill Court in Birmingham are all going head-to-head with homes across their regions – and in Allanbank’s case the whole of Scotland, in the finals of the prestigious awards, which showcase amazing achievements within the care sector.

All four were nominated for the incredible things their teams do each and every day to enrich the lives of their residents, from the activities and experiences they organise, to the support they give to encourage their residents to play such an active role in how their homes are run. 

Scotland Care Home of the Year – Allanbank Care Home in Dumfries

The team at Allanbank were nominated for their passion and creativity when it comes to activities and experiences they organise for their residents. They recreate musicals like the Sound of Music and Sister Act, with elaborate dancing and costumes. They often perform these for the local community in the home’s car park. Residents regularly go swimming, create their own artwork, which is exhibited in the home, and enjoy tai chi.  

North Care Home of the Year – Park View Residential Care Home in Sheffield

The way the team keep those vital community connections alive for their residents is a highlight for Park View. They take them to regularly compete in the local ‘Motion Games’, where local care home residents, who live with dementia, take part in a variety of challenges to test their skills, with the home twice crowned winners! And knowing how important those local friendships are to their residents, the team invite older people from the community to take part in activities like their tea dances.

Midlands & Wales Care Home of the Year – Redhill Court Residential Care Home in Birmingham

Redhill really stood out because of the active role the residents have to play in the running of their home. The team are passionate about supporting residents to continue to use their life-long skills, giving them such a sense of purpose and belonging. For example, residents help out in the gardens, on reception and with activities and help to interview potential staff. And their loved ones are equally involved, running everything from a knitting group to supporting the gardening club.

South Care Home of the Year – Shaftesbury House Residential Care Home in Ipswich

The home was nominated for the phenomenal efforts of the staff go to, to bring such joy to their residents’ lives, from a 24-hour fundraising cyclathon, to a day at the beach, with rickshaw rides, a Country and Western-themed knees up and their own private Latin dance extravaganza.

The homes will find out if they have won at the awards finals in December, so watch this space and good luck to you all!

Kate’s double awards surprise!

One of Sanctuary Care’s amazing activities coordinators, Kate Lockwood has won not one, but two accolades at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards.

Kate, who has worked at Westmead Residential Care Home in Droitwich for three years, knew she was in the running for The Care Hero Award, which she won. 

But her success didn’t stop there, she was also crowned winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care in Worcestershire Award, which was a complete surprise announced on the night at the recent Worcester News awards event.

Kate said: “I was so shocked I didn’t think I would win one award let alone two awards I couldn’t believe it. I feel so proud and happy it brought a tear to my eye – this is for our residents.” 

Kate was nominated for the incredible bespoke activities and experiences she oragnises for her residents, which enrich their lives and bring them such joy. For example, one resident loves netball, so Kate organised a private netball tournament for her in the home’s car park.

Another resident raced pigeons all her life, so Kate organised for some rescue racing pigeons to visit her at the home.

Meanwhile another resident talked fondly of the cottage she grew up in, which is now a bed and breakfast, so Kate surprised her with a private tour of the cottage after contacting the owners.

Kate in such an inspiration, she has also been nominated for the National Care Awards and is through to the finals of the Care Activities Coordinator of the Year category. She will find out if she has won at an awards ceremony in London at the end of November. Good luck Kate we are all so proud of you!