Judges' Special Award (Dementia Care Team) - Right at Home GF
Recipient: Right at Home GF
Date: Friday 18 Nov 2016
Right at Home GF has picked up an award at Surrey’s care staff ‘Oscars’ received the Judges Special Prize 2016 at the Surrey Care Awards, in recognition of the pioneering support they deliver to people living with dementia in Farnham, Guildford, Aldershot, Fleet and Farnborough.
The awards, organised by Surrey Care Association, celebrate outstanding care staff and care teams from across the county.
Right at Home employs more than 50 caregivers who support around 100 people in the community, many of whom are living with dementia.
Among its services it offers the Dementia DELAY Programme, the only programme of its kind in the country, which sees specially trained care practitioners supporting people with dementia to delay the progression of their symptoms by addressing five key areas of their lifestyle.
Right at Home’s Dementia Care teams have trained more than 600 people to be Dementia Friends, including Farnham Town Council, local church groups and a range of local businesses and community organisations. They also support a popular ‘Singing for the Mind’ group every Monday at the Farnham Maltings.
The 65 award finalists were nominated by their colleagues, with glowing and often moving testimonials from the people they support and their families.
Right at Home owner Alastair Shanks said: “I’m delighted that this award recognises the dedication of the whole team, as they are all passionate about improving the quality of life for people living with and affected by dementia in our local communities.”
Erica Lockhart, Chief Executive of Surrey Care Association said: “Social care staff are so often unsung heroes and we want to change that by recognising their achievements. Our Awards also highlight the wide range of rewarding employment and career development opportunities that exist within our local care sector.”
Right at Home GF is continuing to build its team of CareGivers, who work flexible hours with regular clients. Alastair added: “Some of our best team members came to us with no experience of working in care, but they felt strongly about helping others and have developed the role to suit their lifestyle, be it a few hours a week or following a new career pathway. You will not find a more rewarding sector to work in.”
The Surrey Care Awards gala ceremony was held at Epsom Downs Racecourse and presented by TV and film actress Jenny Seagrove. Master of Ceremonies was BBC Surrey presenter Sylvie Blackmore and guest of honour was the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr Michael More-Molyneux.