Cheviot Court care home shortlisted for national award

Home news

Oct 17, 2019

A care home in South Shields is celebrating after being shortlisted for its dementia care in the Caring UK national awards.

The team at Care UK’s Cheviot Court, on Horsley Hill Square, has been nominated in the ‘Dementia Care Team of the Year’ category, which highlights outstanding teams across the UK who provide above and beyond dementia care which priorities dignity and respect.

The Caring UK Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector. The awards have been created to highlight and pay tribute to the care home teams who make an outstanding contribution to caring for older people.

The team at Cheviot Court understand that for people living with dementia, consistency is key. The newest member of the team started two years ago, and some members have worked there for more than ten – so colleagues and residents have the opportunity to develop close bonds.

All team members undertake a wealth of training, and the home has a dementia champion, Tara Smith who has completed advanced dementia training. This training is cascaded throughout the team, and Tara is on hand for day-to-day advice and support for colleagues and relatives. All colleagues are Dementia Friends, and the home hosts a monthly support group for relatives.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy fulfilling lives, and Erica Hutchinson the lifestyle lead at Cheviot Court, has been instrumental in ensuring residents’ abilities are assessed so the team can provide them with appropriate opportunities for meaningful activity.

Louise Damms, home manager at Cheviot Court, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award. From yoga and meditation, to helping create occupation areas around the home, there’s always something interesting for residents to get involved in no matter their age or ability.

“I am incredibly proud of our team, who put their all into each and every day at Cheviot Court – ensuring residents, including those living with dementia, lead happy and fulfilled lives. We’ve got our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony and wish luck to all those shortlisted!”

Life story books are created for all residents and regularly referred to, enabling team members to spark meaningful interactions. The home also hosts pamper, yoga and meditation sessions to aid relaxation, with most activities taking place in small groups or on a one-to-one basis.

Residents are also involved in daily tasks around the homes too, and have been key in creating new meaningful occupation areas. As a result, residents have a strong sense of purpose, and feel valued.

The Caring UK Awards winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 15th November.

Cheviot Court provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own music area and a host of different lounges, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information about Cheviot Court, please call home manager Louise Damms, on 0333 4343 015, or email louise.damms@careuk.com

For more general information, visit careuk.com/cheviot-court