Caring trio make award shortlists
Honour for three care home employees
Three Renfrewshire workers have been recognised as some of the leading care home employees in Scotland.
The trio will be at an awards ceremony tonight that celebrates the best of the independent care home sector.
Jenni Mack, an activity coordinator at Craigielea Care Home, in Renfrew, has been nominated in the Emerging Talent category at the Scottish Care Awards 2018.
This recognises an individual who is either new to the sector or has grown in their role to become a shining example of the care home workforce.
Jenni is delighted to have been recognised.
She said: “I am very surprised but thrilled to be chosen as a finalist at these awards.”
Laura Boswell, project manager at Homes Care, who nominated her, said: “Jenni’s ideas have been significant and creative.
“One initiative was a Wish Tree, which encourages residents to fill in a wood heart with a wish which they hang on the tree.
“The team then work hard to grant all the wishes including a trip to the seaside, a visit to a Harley Davidson showroom and a holiday.
“Everything she does is to improve the welfare of the residents.”
Jennifer Boyd, an advanced nurse practitioner at The Erskine Home, has been nominated in the Nurse of the Year category.
This award celebrates an outstanding individual who represents effective nursing practice within the care home environment.
Jennifer said: “I am thrilled. I can’t wait to attend the awards ceremony in Glasgow.”
Derek Barron, Erskine’s director of care, said Jennifer is the only ANP in the UK directly employed by a care home and has demonstrated herself to be a caring, competent and highly- skilled nurse who is compassionate and dedicated.
Mr Bar ron, who made the nomination, said: “She supports her staff and is always available for guidance and support.
“Staff of all care grades approach her for guidance and advice on a daily basis.
“Her role is unique and she is undertaking an MSc in Advanced Practice – the only care home nurse undertaking this MSc.”
Lauren Deans is a senior carer at Elderslie Care Home and has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category.
This award celebrates the significant role of carers in consistently providing a high quality standard for people living in residential care.
Lauren said: “I am delighted to be chosen as a finalist.”
Home manager Julie Thompson, who nominated Lauren, said she has assisted in the development of a dementia friendly sensory awareness garden and acts with the best interests of the residents at the forefront of her mind.
Julie explained: “On one occasion, Lauren came in overnight in her own time so it didn’t put residents out of their routine during the day and redecorated their lounge as they had chosen.
“She is passionate about care delivery, and she has proved to be an excellent dementia ambassador for the home.”
The awards recognise individuals, teams and companies, who are delivering care at an incredibly high standard in an era of challenging budgets and within an increasingly demanding work environment.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony tonight at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.