#CelebratingSocialCare: care heroes across the country
08 Apr 2024
3 min read
Throughout April we’re #CelebratingSocialCare and all the great work happening across the sector. We asked you to send in your good news stories and we’ll be sharing these throughout the month. In this article we hear about award winners and heroic actions from providers across the country.
Quick thinking Caremark hero prevents gas leak disaster
Elaine Griffiths, a dedicated carer at Caremark Northampton, made headlines within her local community for her exceptional alertness that led to the detection of a gas leak during a routine home visit. Elaine immediately opened all the windows and made sure that no electric devices were switched on in the home. A gas-safe engineer confirmed that there was a gas leak in the kitchen and fixed it promptly.
Elaine’s actions exemplify the critical role caregivers play in not just providing care but ensuring the safety and security of those they look after. Elaine was also awarded carer of the month from Caremark Northampton for her heroic efforts.
Elaine's actions have significantly bolstered the trust and security felt by Caremark Northampton’s clients and their families, knowing that caregivers are not only compassionate and caring but also vigilant and proactive in ensuring their safety. For the Caremark Northampton workforce and organisation, it has reinforced the importance of ongoing training and vigilance in everyday tasks. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact care roles have on the lives of those who draw on care and support and has inspired the whole team to maintain high standards of care and alertness.
Sarah Taylor-Jackson, Registered Care Manager at Caremark Northampton, said:
“Elaine's quick response and decisive action were truly heroic. It's caregivers like her who make Caremark Northampton not just a care provider, but a lifesaver. We're incredibly proud and grateful for her service."
Dementia care team awarded
Dementia carers at Chocolate Works Care Village are celebrating having received Team Award at the Chief Adult Social Care Awards.
The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Awards acknowledge and reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by social care workers and nurses in England. The team award recognises the outstanding contribution that teams can have on the lives of the people drawing on their care and support.
The team were praised for their ‘passion’ and ‘dedication’ to ensuring quality of life and care for older people living with dementia. They were also recognised for the ‘complexity’ of the day-to-day role and modelling ‘outstanding care’ by being approachable, reliable, friendly and helpful to ensure both the residents and relatives are being supported.
The team were nominated by Karen Spilsbury, the daughter of parents who were cared for by the award-winning team and a Professor of Nursing at the University of Leeds.
Karen said:
“Whether in my personal or professional capacity, I was observing what was going on in the community and I think most visitors will notice there is something very special about the team that care for residents at Riverside Community. I hands on heart say this comes down to leadership and I am delighted the team has been recognised for their passion and dedication by such an honourable and prestigious award.”
Living Our Values Every Day
Sandra’s dedication to running activities at Steep House Nursing Home was rewarded she received the LOVE (Living Our Values Everyday) award in recognition of her embodiment of the service’s values of compassion, credibility, comfort and care.
Sandra has spent many years running activities at Step House, which her colleague says is “not just about entertaining people. It’s also about relieving grief and distress, even if just for a moment.”
Sandra has built strong, trusting relationships with the residents at Steep House, taking the time to listen, find out their likes and dislikes and their interests, as well as what things distress them and the best ways to relieve their stress.
The colleague who nominated her said:
“I am frequently in awe of how she not only gets the activities done but manages to bring laughter and joy into every situation. She is brilliant at getting residents involved, even when they are reluctant to do so, but respects their right to choose not to as well.”
“She can be serious, caring and concerned or can bounce around and play the fool to lighten the mood… and knows exactly when is the right time for each. She is a well-deserved recipient of the award.”
Care worker wins writing award
A care worker at Hartwig Care Ltd. Is celebrating winning second place in a writing competition run by The Care Workers Charity.
Jonathan Hoitinga’s moving poem, titled ‘The Day I Died’ was inspired by the competition theme of ‘empathy’.
Colleagues said:
“He is an amazing care worker. All his clients love him. He is always energetic, smiling and eager to assist our clients.”
Jonathan’s poem can be read on the Hartwig Care website.
Well done Jonathan!
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