Banbury care home shortlisted for two national awards

A care home in Banbury is celebrating after ‘baking’ it to the final rounds for two prestigious national awards.

Care UK’s Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, has been shortlisted in the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Awards 2023.

The awards recognise teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector. Having wowed the judges with the team’s attention to detail and focus on person-centred care, the home is in the running for the coveted title of ‘Care Establishment of the Year’.

The team works closely with residents and relatives to ensure an individually tailored menu which incorporates personal preferences as well as dietary requirements. From ensuring weight is managed accordingly, to knowing how much milk residents take in their cup of tea or which cake they prefer for their birthday, every detail is noted down in special ‘life story books’, ensuring preferences are consistently met. 

Menus are flexible in accordance with events and activities, for example to support residents who observe Eid or Lent. Options also vary seasonally, including outdoor summer barbecues or comforting favourites during the colder months.

All team members receive Care UK’s specially tailored ‘Dining with Dignity’ training, to ensure they can support residents living with dementia to make informed and independent decisions to the best of their ability when it comes to mealtimes. Extra steps include ‘show plates’ so residents can see exactly what they’re ordering before they pick, options for snacks instead of full meals, and flexible mealtimes to fit in with different schedules.

Kasia Hab-Bailkowska, Head Chef at Highmarket House, also whisked her way into the finals, receiving a nomination for ‘Chef of the Year’ – a coveted title recognising exceptional dedication from an individual. 

Commenting on her success, Kasia said: “I feel honoured to have been nominated! My favourite part of the job is getting to improve my skills constantly and be creative – knowing residents benefit from what I do is priceless!”

Francesca Cowley, Home Manager at Highmarket House, added: “We’re thrilled that our hard work and commitment is being recognised nationally – and especially delighted that Kasia has been recognised too.

“Everyone at Highmarket House works tirelessly to ensure that residents are supported to lead fulfilling lives and maintain their independence as much as possible.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Kasia and the whole team here at Highmarket House for their efforts – we’re all looking forward to the finals!”

Highmarket House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.