Lowestoft care home nominated for two awards

 

A Lowestoft care home is celebrating after being announced as a finalist for two prestigious awards.

Chloe Swarbrick, Home Manager at Care UK’s Britten Court, on Love Road, has been shortlisted for ‘Inspirational Leadership’ in the Suffolk Care Awards 2024. 

The Suffolk Care Awards recognise commitment to care and shines a spotlight on committed individuals who go above and beyond to support residents, families and team members.

Chloe first joined Britten Court as a unit Manager in 2014, before progressing to Home Manager in 2016. Her ethos is providing “compassionate, cheerful and committed” care, creating a fulfilling home for residents and an encouraging environment for team members.   

Championing her team’s career development, Chloe goes to great lengths to ensure that team members are given every opportunity to progress, while always offering advice and support. Under her guidance, her former deputy manager, Kate Smith, was given the opportunity to receive additional training, and now runs another Care UK home in Suffolk.

Kate said: “Chloe always makes time to develop colleagues by offering training and support, and it is because of her that I was promoted to my new role. Even now, she is still just a call or email away, always ready to help.”

Chloe believes in creating a warm, open culture that promotes constant learning. According to her, there’s no such thing as a silly idea or question – and her team is empowered to come up with innovative solutions to benefit residents and continue to provide the highest possible standards of care. 

Under Chloe’s leadership, the home has gone from strength to strength, and is currently rated ‘good’, with ‘outstanding’ elements, by the Care Quality Commission, the UK’s national watchdog.

The Housekeeping Team at Britten Court have also been nominated in the ‘Care Team of the Year’ category at the Hotel Housekeeping Honours Awards for their commitment to providing person-centred care. No request is too much trouble for the team, from repairing and re-pleating a resident’s favourite skirt, to dancing and playing a competitive game of chess with a resident. 

Michelle Norman commented: “When I go home, I know I have made a difference to a resident’s day by talking, making them smile and laugh and making sure the home is lovely and clean.” A relative added: “Mum enjoys the staff’s help and attention to detail they provide. It’s almost better than a five-star hotel – I thoroughly recommend Britten Court.”

Jennie Rodgers, Regional Director, said: “The team at Britten Court is so deserving of both nominations. Everyone works so hard to create a friendly and caring atmosphere, ensuring that residents live fulfilling lives. I am also extremely proud of Chloe, who always goes above and beyond – she really is a great listener and an inspiration to us all. Fingers crossed for two fantastic wins later this year!”

Chloe said: “I’m delighted that the Housekeeping Team have been recognised for their dedication and commitment to care. They are an inspiration to us all and are always ready to get stuck in, ensuring that Britten Court is an environment that residents truly consider their home.”

Commenting on her nomination, Chloe added: “I’ve enjoyed every single day at Britten Court, since joining as a unit Manager. I love knowing that I’m making a difference to residents’ lives and creating meaningful connections. 

“I always strive to encourage and inspire other team members to achieve their goals whilst providing the best care possible. I’m honoured to have been nominated for this award – it would not be possible without my amazing team. Thank you to everyone at Britten Court – it’s been a fantastic team effort!”