Finalists in the National Dementia Awards 2011

After receiving a finalist award at The Great West Midlands Care Awards, Sutton Coldfield based Care Companions Ltd, was represented in 2 categories at the National Dementia Care Awards in Liverpool in November 2011. Sushila Patel (Manager of Care Companions) was one of four finalists from across the country for the Best Dementia Care Manager in the Community. Teresa Hooper (Deputy Manager at Care Companions) was one of five national finalists for the Dementia Care Personality Award.

The National Dementia Care Awards recognise and reward the exceptional commitment of those individuals and organisations who provide outstanding care for people with dementia.

Sushila commented: “I feel really honoured and pleased to have reached the finals. It recognises our commitment and contribution to providing the best possible care and support for people with dementia so they can remain in their own homes”

Teresa added: “I get so much satisfaction from supporting clients and their families, helping them understand how to live well with dementia, and making a real difference to their lives. Being recognised at these awards is the icing on the cake”.

The Department of Health launched a £2m campaign featuring television, radio and print advertisements, to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia. There are currently 850,000 people over the age of 65 years who are living with a dementia in the UK. This is due to increase sharply to 1.4 million people within the next 12 years. The campaign aims to encourage more people to seek an early diagnosis of dementia so that they can access the services and support they need, and make sense of what is happening to them.

Care Companions Ltd helps and supports people to remain independent in their own homes, improving choice, self-esteem, independence and dignity for clients. The company has built a fantastic reputation for service excellence and been nominated for several awards. Only staff that genuinely care about people’s health and wellbeing are recruited, trained and mentored to realise their potential. Care Companions is a small but growing organisation that believes in high quality and consistent care in the community, with Dementia clients being the forefront of the service.