Haverhill carer wins through to finals of national dementia awards

Company news

Oct 14, 2013

A specialist carer at Care UK’s Place Court care home in Haverhill has won through to the finals of a prestigious national care awards.

On Friday 18^th October, Lorraine Poulton will be grilled by National Dementia Award judges at the London Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road.

Lorraine has already won through the first round of the contest to be named the county’s Dignity in Care Champion and judges say they will be looking for further evidence of “an exceptional individual who believes passionately that dignity is a basic human right and demonstrates this in their everyday work”.

Place Court manager Rebecca Abbink said: “I am so pleased that Lorraine has reached the finals.  She puts residents ‘needs and wishes at the heart of all that she does, promoting and maintaining their dignity throughout.

“Lorraine is empathetic and this is reflected in the way she works - she does not rush, she interacts with the individuals at all times, encouraging them to be as independent as possible, while also calmly explaining risks, such as not walking with their walking aid, or not sticking to a diabetic diet.

“She has a lovely, gentle personality and can calm and sooth residents whose dementia may lead them to feeling confused and agitated.”

Lorraine also works very closely with residents’ relatives to ensure that rooms contain favourite items and photos of people who are special to them and she also seeks out favourite activities or interest so that she can help residents stay active and engaged.

Lorraine said: “I was shocked when I heard about the finals. I love my job and have been doing it for the past nine years. Working with people with dementia is very rewarding because you become close to them and their family.

“I had a stroke myself some years ago and had to learn to walk again; things sometimes felt very different and confusing. I hope I have been able to draw on that experience to understand some of the emotions and difficulties residents and their families can sometimes face.”

The winners of the 4th National Dementia Awards will be announced at a gala event on 6th November 2013 at Colwick Hall Hotel, Nottingham.