Kidderminster care home manager scoops national award

Home news

Nov 17, 2020

A Kidderminster care home is celebrating after winning a national accolade.  

Gill Pratt, Home Manager at Care UK’s Brook Court, on Oldnall Road, has been named the Best Dementia Care Manager at the National Dementia Care awards.

The National Dementia Care Awards aim to reward and recognise those who have demonstrated excellence within their field of work.

A Registered General and Registered Mental Nurse with over 30 years’ experience, Gill took to the helm of Brook Court in 2017. She prides herself on a ‘whole-team’ approach to care, based on the understanding that everyone at the home, from the nurses to the chefs, has an essential role to play in residents’ care.

As such, Gill has developed stringent recruitment and training processes to empower every single team member to explore their interests and develop their skills in specific areas of care. This includes a ‘dementia champion’, who trains other team members and helps relatives to gain a better understanding of what it’s like living with dementia.

Judges were also impressed with the dementia-friendly initiatives Gill and the team implemented at the home, including a dementia choir which performed at the first-ever dementia-friendly concert at Kidderminster town hall, and a wishing tree, enabling residents to fulfil their wishes. She also supported the lifestyle and care teams to spearhead the trial of dementia-related technologies at the home, such as an interactive table.

Gill said: “I’m beyond thrilled to have won Best Dementia Care Manager. Ever since I joined Brook Court in 2017, I’ve ensured that every decision is made with a ‘resident-first’ approach in mind, with a special emphasis on team work and training, so it’s great to see this being recognised by the judges.

“This may be an individual award, but I couldn’t have done it without my wonderful team. Everyone here has an essential role to play, from the nurses, care teams and lifestyle coordinators to the catering teams, maintenance, admin and housekeeping teams. It’s an amazing feeling to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together every day, as we strive to offer the highest possible standards of dementia care.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributes to make Brook Court what is – a wonderful place that residents can call home.”

Dave Ashbolt, regional director at Care UK, said: “I’m delighted for Gill, and the fantastic team she leads at Brook Court -she thoroughly deserved to be recognised in these national awards. The energy and passion she shows in everything she does ensures residents receive the best possible care, while leading active and fulfilled lives. Well done Gill!”

Brook Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home, which features 67 en-suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

To find out more about Brook Court email Home Manager Gill Pratt, on Gillian.Pratt@careuk.com, or call on 01562 814 715.

For more general information visit careuk.com/brook-court