Aberdeen care home wins national award

 

A care home in Aberdeen is celebrating after winning a prestigious award at a national award ceremony. 

Care UK’s Tor-Na-Dee, on North Deeside Road, won the ‘Palliative and End of Life Care Award’ at the 2024 Scottish Care Awards, just months after receiving The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award accreditation.

After receiving a rating of 74 out of 75 by GSF inspectors, Tor-Na-Dee has gone on to be recognised nationally in the Scottish Care Awards, showcasing the dedication of individuals, teams, and organisations in the care sector.

Judges were impressed by the team’s exceptional nursing care for residents in their later years of life. Team members work closely with every resident to create a ‘thinking ahead’ document to ensure that they live well in the last years of their lives and pass away comfortably in the environment and manner of their choosing. 

Judges were particularly impressed by the outstanding level of support for residents’ families. The team create ‘comfort bags’ for relatives to ensure they feel welcome to stay for as long as they would like while surrounded by home comforts, including toiletries, drinks, and fleece blankets. Judges also noted that relatives are always given a warm welcome and offered hot meals and drinks.

Team members also demonstrated their ability to work proactively with local GPs, primary care teams and specialists to provide seamless end-of-life care. For instance, one resident who had a fear of dying in hospital and wished to peacefully pass away at Tor-Na-Dee with their favourite cup of tea and surrounded by family, saw this realised by the team, who organised her return to the home.

Judges were also impressed by Tor-Na-Dee’s holistic approach to care, which ensures that all residents, at whatever stage of life, can find fulfilment. Personal relationships are built with every resident to promote comfort and wellbeing, and family needs are also identified – with the home continuing to support relatives after their loved one has passed away. 

Maureen Barrett, Home Manager at Tor-Na-Dee, said: “We're humbled that our work to ensure residents live happy and fulfilled lives, especially in their final days, has been recognised through receiving this national award, just months after receiving our GSF accreditation. 

“The team puts their all into delivering exceptional care for residents throughout their time with us at Tor-Na-Dee, ensuring that each and every resident feels their wishes are respected. Our compassionate team treat residents with dignity and respect, as well as offering practical and emotional support to families to help them through this difficult time.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the entire team for their dedication, as well as to the residents and relatives that make Tor-Na-Dee a wonderful place to live. We look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality care across the board.”

Tor-Na-Dee, which has recently received a seven-figure investment to upgrade and expand its services, provides full-time residential, nursing 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 cinema room and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.