Let's Celebrate Carers

My father fell last year and had bleeding on the brain, since then he has been diagnosed with dementia. My mum has been there and does everything for him, from all his basic needs, to support him, entertain him by dancing with him. She is amazing and deserves all the praise for what she does.

Nominated by Lilian's daughter Laura, Newcastle upon Tyne. 

She is a 66 yr caring for a 34 yr old schizophrenic who lives with her. Challenging under normal times but doubly during Covid. His paranoia has increased, affecting going out. She has worked extra hard to keep things going at home & find special things to lift the atmosphere. Yes, a strain, but for her, it's worth it!

- Nominated by anonymous

Sam is my mam's carer when both me and my sister work. My mam suffers from Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia and Sam who works for Crossroads carers is so kind, patient and professional in her approach to mam's care .

She goes beyond her role and responsibilities helping and supporting mam with meals, personal care, household chores and social activities.

She keeps us updated on how mam is and supports us as a family and has often helped us out where other care support may not have been able to attend.

My mam loves her company and is always happy and upbeat after spending time with Sam , she is a total star.

Nominated by Tara, in Gateshead.

Growing up he was not known for patience with us kids, but seeing him care for my mum makes my heart melt daily. He has the patience of a saint with her, never corrects her for forgetting or repeating things constantly. When now lives in the past, and he goes along with her for the ride, reminiscing and celebrating memories.

Nominated by his daughter Tina, in Pontefract

Michelle has been a backbone to me as a Registered Manager.

She is our Senior Carer and has really done amazing things, most especially during this pandemic. She has really gone the extra mile.

During the pandemic, one of our elderly client's was dying - End of Life. It was a very difficult time because the GP was not coming out to support the family at this crucial time. However Michelle, against all odds, stayed and supported this individual and the family until the elderly person passed away. It was very emotional for us all.

She has also been doing shopping for clients and arranging video calls for professionals to have consultations with our dementia clients. This has helped in the continuity of care. She has also kept the team morale very high, checking in on every member of staff to ensure their well being.

She has a heart of gold. Quite frankly, we would not have got through the year without her support.

Nominated by her colleague Yemi at Medical Partnerships.

Sue works as a carer looking after residents, night time. During the day she also does hairdressing for residents, she also has 2 small boys. 

Nominated by hear colleague and friend Sue, at Abbey Court.

She has been absolutely amazing this year. Even with the stress of Covid she has still managed to make work enjoyable and make it as stress free as possible for all of us at Crystal Caring. She deserves to know how amazing she really is. 

Nominated by her colleague Lauren at Crystal Caring, in Swindon. 

My parents have been carers for my maternal grandad and paternal grandmother for over fifteen years. They are so caring, resilient and patient. They continue to both work full time, but support both grandparents tremendously each day. They organise, collect and deliver their medications, food shopping and meals.

My grandad now has dementia and will frequently call throughout the night, and consistently in the daytime too. Their loving care, time and support is infinite, and are qualities that shine so brightly in them both. They deserve all of the celebrations and shout outs in the world.

Nominated by their daughter Amy, in Sudbury. 

Rachel has looked after my 90 year old mother during the lockdown this year. If there is an extra mile then Rachel has traveled it every day. Thank you would never go far enough for what Rachel has done. It was only her ability and fast actions that saved mums life when she went into kidney failure earlier this summer. She is amazing.

Nominated by Sue.

Andrew started as a wellbeing carer in Craigielea in December 2019 and has become an integral part of the care home. He lifts spirits with his fun, he enriches with his care, he supports with his knowledge and hard work, he is a real asset and superstar!

Nominated by colleague Jenni at Craigielea Care Home, in Renfrew. 

Claire works nights looking after children with many needs including palliative care. Also she looks after her own 4 children and last year and 2yrs before that she gave a couple two beautiful surrogate babies. She also cares for a lady in the early mornings 3 days a week. She is also a very loving caring daughter.

Nominated by her mother Sue. 

My Uncle Colin has cerebral palsy but is my Nana's prime career. He cannot walk without his walking sticks but he lives and cares for my Nana 24/7. He always has eyes on her when she tries to get up. Always there to calm her and call someone when she falls, always there and endures a million of the same questions, having to explain to her that she is home.

He feeds her, nurtures, cleans her, relaxes her, keeps her healthy, gives her medication, watches her deteriorate. Not once in these past four years has he left her side. 

Nominated by his niece Aimee. 

Tabitha goes above and beyond to help keep our residents and Staff safe and well. Overseeing the running of the home in thes difficult times even when not her shift. She is on call 24/7. Arranging activities to entertain the residents. Tabitha works tirelessly giving extraordinary care to all.

Nominated by her colleague Lyn, at Eleighwater House Care Home.

We haven’t had a boss throughout Covid on the ward and Lorna stepped up and led the way and still continues to do so. She has been the most incredible support to all of us as a team and we can’t thank her enough for her support. She is always encouraging her staff and helping us thrive and is always giving us many opportunities in our roles to better ourselves.

Nominated by her NHS colleague Shonagh.

Kizzy is doing a wonderful job and has a great personality with the residents at Dunniwood Lodge Care Home. She provides both emotional and physical support and is always available for a chat or a walk. 

Nominated by her aunt Diane, in Doncaster.

Nicole has gone above and beyond to make the lives of our residents that much happier during this tough time where they have not been able to see their loved ones. Her cheerfulness I'd infectious and nothing has been too big or small for Nicole to spread that extra bit of happiness to one and all.

Nominated by colleague Derrick at RBLI, in Aylesford.

We’ve looked after my mum for the last three years. She has advanced dementia. My husband has been amazing with her.

Every day he helps with personal care, general activities and keep mum company.

He has always interacted with her like she is his equal, never patronising or taking her for granted.

He is patient and kind beyond measure, and I am immensely proud of how he has cared for her - and set a fantastic example for our children. I’m a nurse, but he’s an overhead linesman so has no training in care.

Nominated by his wife Sarah, in Salisbury.

Tim not only offers amazing personal support to my son but he goes far beyond that. Because he can’t take my son (41) to the cinema, he stages James Bond evenings at our home, dressing for the occasion and sourcing a video player because Dan (my son) has his late dad’s box set. Tim has greatly enhanced my son’s life during 2020, thinking around ways of still being able to do activities that build Dan’s physical and mental wellbeing, whilst following the government guidelines and keeping safe.

Nominated by Sally, in Ulverston. 

Barbara has gone above and beyond adapting to change during the pandemic. Barbara provides training and hands on support to help care workers to feel confident in their skills especially when they are new.

Barbara has had to adapt how she provides this support this year, gearing up with PPE and ensuring that support is provided whilst social distancing.

Despite having her own family commitments, Barbara has supported the care teams 100% even when there has been an outbreak in the home.

Barbara has ensured that essential training has continued so that our carers can continue to provide great care. It has been a worrying time for all and everyone has had their resilience tested. Barbara has come up trumps every time and we are extremely grateful.

Nominated by her colleague Vicki at Prime Life, in Leicester. 

She is the activity coordinater at Meadowbrook care home and always has smile on her face and a joke to tell. She is a genuinely nice, friendly honest woman who is amazing at her job and is an amazing carer and as a ex colleague I miss working with her.

Nominated by her colleague Zoey at Bondcare. 

Sonia has looked after her own Mother full time who has Lewy Body Dementia, since 2015.

Her Mother has other mental and physical health issues too, so it hasn't been easy, and Sonia gave up her life to help her Mother.

She even pushed her Mother around a 5km Course to raise over £320 for Dementia Research, in an Alzheimer's UK Memory Walk.

In between all of that, she is invloved in her Community in a wide range of projects. She helps people in the Community, with the Benefit Tribunals and Court issues, for free, even going into the Court with them to make sure that justice is applied. She helped over 600 people get the legal right benefit paid to them, all on her own, in the last 2 years, as well as providing peer support.

She helps me on days I am ill, and we catch up most days on the phone.

She is always helping someone, even if it's just listening to them. She doesn't take credit but is one of those unsung heros, silently just helping and caring for people in the background.

Nominated by Jackie, in Feltham. 

Dawn is truely AMAZING!! She works as a community physiotherapist and goes above and beyond for every person she cares for. She also cares for her son and she helps her mam care for her dad who has early onset dementia.

On top of all that she is a volunteer director for a children's charity and has given so much tine to other families throughout all the 3 lockdowns.

Dawn has been nominated by her friend Kim in Stakeford. 

Sally is my best friend and the most amazing caring person I know. She works at Wren Hall and cares for the residents as if each were her own relative. She takes some of them on trips in her own time, laughs with them and endures a lot of challenging behaviours. Her job title as a carer comes nowhere near describing exactly what she does.

Nominated by friend Ellen, in Nottinghamshire. 

Margaret and her team of carers have kept me sane during lockdown! They look after my Mum and have gone above and beyond their job description. I get sent photos and little messages just when i need them most.  I know their job is extremely tough at the moment and they know that I struggle being kept away from my Mum and worry constantly about her. I worry a little less when i know that they are on shift.

Nominated by Alison, in Dunfermline 

They have all made family sacrifices in respect of keeping Mum and all the residents safe and well and the Home COVID free.

Nominated by Deborah.

The carers looked after my dear husband of 63 years as I caught COVID-19 whilst in Countess of Chester.

I was unable to visit my husband for five weeks and then only eleven half hour visits outside. I was not allowed to touch even on his 90th Birthday and our 63rd wedding Anniversary.

He was in hospital for 2 weeks then transferred back to the carers who had looked after him.

My daughter and I were allowed to sit with him for one hour a day where he slept his final hours. He passed away October 26, 2020. That was first time we had seen his room and the carers were so kind to my daughter and myself for those few hours until he was released from that prison which is called vascular dementia.

I cannot praise those carers too highly and will be eternally grateful to all whom we met.

Nominated by Alison.

My staff has worked tirelessly and selflessly during this entire pandemic. While others were told to shelter at home every day they got up and walked into harms way. They continue day in and out putting others first.

Nominated by Shannon.

My mum is 73 and she cares for my dad who has vascular dementia, he is 80. She has really had a tough few years as my dad took a heart attack a few years ago aswell and has a pace maker fitted.

It is tireing for her as she is so independent and does not like to ask for help, as she feels that she is imposing on others, while she has her own illnesses. She still batters on and does an amazing job.

She has great patience with my dad and constantly explains why they must not go out as much and encouraging him to continue to eat and drink and do as much as he can to keep him active.

She still loves to see her grandkids and great grandkids and make sure she never misses a birthday and when we ask her what she would like as a birthday present or Christmas present she tells us she needs nothing as she has everything she needs. Love her to bits.

Nominated by her daughter Yvonne. 

Dillon was very kind to my Mother who had dementia. They developed a good, fun rapport and Dillon was there to reassure Mum when she was frightened.

Nominated by Zoe.

They have an amazing rapport with my dad, they ensure we stay in touch via Skype family calls, are engaging and makes sure both family and resident have an engaged virtual visit.

Nominated by anonymous. 

Jayne works at Rose Lodge Barchester care home.

Since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 12 months ago she has done everything for me with no help from anyone. As I progress with this horrendous condition she's taken over everything.

Nominated by Brian. 

She always has a smile and a chat with me, helps where she can, cheers me up on my low days, and goes the extra mile by staying longer if i need her to. I think she's wonderful.

Nominated by Karis.

Audra works at the Care Bureau. 

The staff at Dorrington House Care Home are amazing, even more so this year!

Obviously not being able to see my Dad has been horrendous but the communication lines have been kept open and I know that I can contact them whenever I need.

Impossible to pinpoint one person as every employee plays a part in my Dad's care. They really "get" my Dad and his funny ways (not always funny!!) and I just really appreciate everyone for keeping my Dad safe and happy.

Nominated by Louise.

My partner Olivia become a carer in the first lockdown, and loved it. She’s now about to be promoted to senior carer & starting a degree in February. She works so hard to look after everyone!

Nominated by her partner Kane.

She has been an absolute rock and star for my 97 year old father, and has gone through hoops this year.

Nominated by Rosemary.

Shylet has developed a real understanding of my Mum's mindset. As Mum's physical condition and her dementia have worsened, Shylet has proactively suggested improvements to her environment and supported me and my sister over the last three years. She has adapted to the important points in Mum's week (reading the newspaper, fish and chips on Friday and pizza on Sunday) to make them important to her too.

Nominated by Dorothy. 

Dorothy works for Tempcare.

Nick cared for my Dad for a number of years, first whilst my Dad was still at home, then visiting several times a week when he was in a nursing home.

Despite only being two years younger than my Dad, Nick is an incredible force of nature, who gets involved in lots of community projects. It is unusual to see male carers, and especially older male carers, but having a carer close to my Dad's own age meant my Dad and Nick developed a really bond.

Nick would take Dad for drives out to lovely country pubs, and knew the ones with the best beer for my Dad's tastes, and to the seaside for ice-creams in the summer, and trips to the village to grew up to reminsince. He'd show real iniative and understanding selecting activities that Dad would really enjoy (the train museum in Shildon was one Dad mentioned over and over again as particularly memorable) but that were always manageable for him.

As he got less mobile, it would be drives in the countryside with the 50s and 60s hits playing in the car. Even at the end, when my dad was very poorly and unable to speak, his face would light up at hearing Nick's voice.

Nick made a huge difference to my dad's quality of life, and became like an uncle to myself and my brother and sister. He'd text us any concerns (as we all live away), and shore us up in dark moments.

We lost my Dad earlier this year, and Nick was there at the very end saying his goodbyes. A man of real warmth and integrity who fought my Dad's corner and was his voice when he had lost his own. Although a paid carer, this was not a job to Nick and he still keeps in touch every now and again, like texting us on Dad's birthday.

A truly exceptional individual who deserves wider recognition for all that he does for those with dementia and their families.

Nominated by Jenny. 

Nick worked for Home Instead. 

My two nieces look after my lovely sister Pat, they both hold down jobs too. 

At the home she is treated like a queen. Her bedroom is her palace! They are amazing with the way they are so lovely and they spend precious time with her. They do not make a fuss about anything they do. Thank you Kath and Trish.

Nominated by their aunty Bernie with family.

Phillipa has been a carer at Rose Lodge for a few years and she cared for my husband on the dementia unit at the home.

She was so positive and really knew her residents. She would take time to sit with them - she would have her coffee break with Ron my husband and make it into a special occasion and he loved having the special attention - but not just with Ron but others too. 

She took the trouble to find out their little ways and worries. Her care was excellent every time he had a bad day he responded to her with her friendly and cheerful approach, yet very sympathetic when needed. 

Sadly my husband passed away 2 months ago and she shone in her care of him during his end of life . She was so gentle and loving with him and everything that she could have done, she did. That includes care for me as the relative.

She has a real gift for those with dementia but also generally her work is of a high professional standard. She would welcome Jelly Drops because she was always very concerned when residents refused fluids and did everything she could to get them to drink - a very difficult task withy husband and others. She shines out with her love and enthusiasm which translate to those around her. 

The home is fortunate to have many carers who do their jobs so well and caringly. The residents are treated as the carers own family.

Nominated by Susan.

I could not choose between the carers that Mum has. They are all amazing in different ways. They care for her physical needs, and then go beyond that. They sing songs with her, they give her back scratches, they know before I do if Mum is starting an infection, so we can stop it in its tracks early.

One mother and daughter team visited her in hospital, another tells her that they are going to Las Vegas together when they win the lottery (mum picked the numbers and the carer buys the tickets).

They have stayed with us through a lot of rough patches over the past 3 years, helped when my Dad died, and even look after the dog for me if i am away at any time.

All the girls encourage Mum to drink and make sure she eats. I cannot praise them enough, especially this year. Not one of them has ever let us down, through Covid or floods or snow. They are an integral and vital part of our family.

Nominated by Vivienne.

Alison has been looking after my mother who is 97, and has Alzheimer’s and diabetes. It is a 24/7 job and involves disturbed nights. Her own health has suffered as a result, but she is philosophical about it.

She has one Carer to assist in the morning but Mother may refuse. She has now had two Battersea dogs to help keep Mother company which adds to the burden. I salute her!

Nominated by Rosemary, in London. 

We are so proud of Anastassia for always going above and beyond for her clients. At the end of her shift, on a recent occasion she returned to a vulnerable client without being asked to ensure their safety, whilst awaiting further medical assistance. Anastassia always ensures that her clients are safe and has stayed later than her shifts waiting in her car until she see’s the client’s upstairs light goes on so she feels able to leave them. Thank you for always caring so well for our clients, you are amazing!

Nominated by Danielle at Home Instead Senior Care, Cheltenham.

My Mum Aimee age 94 went into care from hospital 2 weeks before Christmas so had to be isolated. In that time she has had the company of all member of staff, they have kept her amused, made sure I could speak through window via mobile phones and constantly kept me up to date. And due you there brilliant use of PPE etc they are Covid free. Thank you to everyone at Beech House, Shawside Care Village. 

Nominated by Carol, in Shaw Oldham. 

Charlie is young but wise above her years. She treats every resident at Anchor Hanover with respect as if they were her own Nan and Grandad. Charlie has chosen to shield at home and not see family, even though they live in another part of the county to ensure she can’t pass anything on to the residents.

Nominated by her friend Natalie, in Hucknall.

She is my mum, and cares for both me and my dad. We both suffer from ME and other various conditions. Some days I can be partially paralysed so it’s not easy work. She works so hard and deserves so much love and recognition for that.

Nominated by her daughter Amy, in Wells.

My uncle Dennis is looking after his wife Betty, who has Alzheimer’s. They are both in their late 80’s and I know he finds it hard going even with help from outside carers. When you live with someone who needs extra care it is a 24 hour job & he is doing the best he can!

Nominated by his niece Gillian, in Ellesmere Port.

All our residents look forward to Claire working! Nothing is too much for her, she gives our residents a comfort and extra special care.

Nominated by her colleague Tara, at Healthcare Ireland.

The staff and residents so deserve this as they have worked so hard to protect everyone and sacrificing a lot!

Nominated by Rachel at Meadowcraft Care home.

Ann-Marie has looked after my Mum as her 1:1 carer and now as a normal carer at the Rose Lodge Care Home.

She has gone above and beyond her job. She has made sure we have been informed via texts, messages, videos etc in the lockdown and when my Mum contracted covid and was very ill.

She has been our lifeline and put herself at risk looking after her. All the carers are amazing but Ann-Marie has done so much for my Mum and us a family she is an angel.

Nominated by Claire in Market Deeping. 

Mam had to go into care at the beginning of the first lockdown, she has advanced vascular dementia.

When we couldn't visit Senga, at Windermere Grange care home, took our place giving mam lots of love and attention. She goes above and beyond making sure mam is happy and not upset or distressed.

Senga makes sure she puts mam to bed as that helps her settle and get a full night's sleep. When Senga isn't there to for this mam gets up during the night and wanders the corridor.

Senga even volunteers to work Christmas day so she can get the residents showered and in their Christmas clothes all ready to open gifts and have their dinner. 

Senga is always happy and positive when you speak to her and reassures us that mam is OK, even on a bad day Senga can change mams mood in minutes.

Not visiting mam (we have only had 2 socially distance visits and a window visit at christmas since 1st April 20 ) is extremely difficult and very upsetting but knowing that Senga is there makes us feel better.

This lady deserves a medal not only for what she does for my mam but I know she treats all the residents the same.

Nominated by Tracy, in Middlesborough.