A renowned animator who once worked for Disney, a sector leading number of outstanding rated homes and innovative use of new technology has helped Care UK be shortlisted for no less than 17 highly regarded national awards.
The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery.
Shortlisted in 17 different categories, including ‘Best Larger Care Home Group’, ‘Best Response to Covid-19’, ‘Best for Nursing Care’ and ‘Best for Training and Development’, to name a few, Care UK is nominated for more awards than any other provider in the 2021 cohort.
In the category for ‘Best Larger Care Home Group’, judges noted that 18 of Care UK’s care homes are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the highest rated of the five biggest care home providers in the UK. Despite the challenges of 2020, Care UK opened six new care homes, creating hundreds of new jobs and offering new homes for older people across the country.
Dedicated to strong team retention rates, morale and motivation, the ‘Best for Recruitment, Motivation and Staff Retention’ category highlighted Care UK’s commitment to investing in its people. A focus on value-led recruitment has seen a 34 per cent increase in recruiting team members new to the care sector, and a monthly ‘Going the Extra Mile’ (GEM) scheme implemented in each home has improved team confidence and engagement.
2020 was the year technology became an essential part of delivering safe and fulfilling care for thousands of care home residents, and the ‘Best for Use of Technology’ category aims to highlight providers that have shone in their adaptability. Care UK was commended by judges for quickly supplying all of its homes with fogging machines, air purifiers and thermal imaging cameras for enhanced infection control, as well as creating air sealed visiting suites to enable residents to meet family and friends safely. Homes also implemented the use of specialist apps to help broaden the range of online activities on offer and to help families keep in touch with their loved ones.
Partnering with The Big Draw Festival and former Disney illustrator, Gary Andrews, Care UK has also been nominated for ‘Best Care Home Marketing, or Advertising Campaign’ for its virtual delivery of an activity-based campaign which saw residents in a large number of homes taking part in live drawing classes as well as others creating a variety of different kinds of artworks to prove that older people can still enjoy painting and drawing.
The shortlist also sees 13 individual Care UK homes make it to the finals, including Davers Court, in Bury St Edmunds, and Oak House, in Slough, which have been nominated for ‘Best Individual Care Home’, while Bickerton House, in Bracknell, has been shortlisted for ‘Best New Care Home’.
Andrew Knight, CEO of Care UK, said: “I am so pleased to see that we have been shortlisted in 17 categories of the Care Home Awards 2021.
“After a challenging year for the care sector, it’s wonderful to see the hard work of so many teams recognised at such a high level, and it’s testament to the skill, resilience and dedication of everyone at Care UK that we are finalists in so many areas. It’s also particularly pleasing to be commended for our use of technology and approach to recruitment, both of which enables us to better support residents to lead fulfilling lives.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone that contributes to making Care UK a wonderful place to work or call home. Each and every colleague is greatly appreciated by myself, residents and relatives alike. We have our fingers crossed for ceremony later this year!”
Care UK has been shortlisted for:
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Best Larger Care Home Group
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Best for Use of Technology
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Best Response to Covid-19 - Stanley Park
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Best Individual Care Home or Care Community - Davers Court
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Best for Specialist Care - The Terrace
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Best for Communication - Buchanan Court
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Best Facilities Management or Maintenance Team – Gary Smith, Hadrian House
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Best Care Home Marketing, Advertising or PR Campaign
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Best for Sporting, Social or Leisure Activities - Catherine Court
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Best for Nutrition, Food & the Dining Experience - Skylark House
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Best for Recruitment, Motivation and Staff Retention
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Best for Training and Development - Perry Manor
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Best for Nursing Care - Hollins Park
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Best New Care Home - Bickerton House
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Best Individual Care Home or Care Community - Oak House
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Best for Communication - Brook Court
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Best for Sporting, Social or Leisure Activities - Sherwood Grange
The winners of the Care Home Awards will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in September.
With over 35 years’ experience, Care UK puts resident’s preferences, wellbeing, independence and safety at the heart of its care. For two years running, the provider has won more major care sector awards than any other large care home provider, and also has more outstanding rated homes than any other organisation.
Providing an impressive range of services for older people, ranging from short stay respite care to nursing care, end of life care, plus specialist care and support for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Care UK is trusted by over 6,500 families to care for their loved one.
To find out more, visit www.careuk.com
