The Dementia Carer Award recognises the contribution of an individual care worker who strives to improve the delivery of care for those suffering with Dementia.

This person must demonstrate outstanding levels of commitment to care and put the person being cared for at the heart of what they do.

Sponsored by: Sanctuary Care

The 2023 awards will culminate in a black tie dinner for all the finalists at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern on Thursday, September 14, where the winners will be announced.

Here are your finalists:

Emma Jane Skyvington

EMMA Jayne Skyvington is a Senior Care Assistant at Wishmoor Rest Home, Malvern, and started her role there in August, 2020. She has many years of experience working in health and social care and she is a huge asset to the team.

Emma is currently completing her Level 4 Team Leading qualification and takes on a lead role within the Home in various areas including dementia and falls. When told of the award nomination Emma said she was very grateful and very proud of the achievement.

She just loves her job and caring for those living with dementia. Family is very important to Emma and she loves to make people laugh! She is incredibly selfless and always puts others first. In her spare time, Emma enjoys travelling and eating out and loves visiting the Cornish coast in particular in her camper van.

Emma has recently bought her first home and, along with her partner, has enjoyed renovating it. Emma has a keen eye for design and she can also work wonders with a tin of paint!

Kay Ring

KAY Ring is a huge part of the soul of Blossom House in Malvern. Kay has worked for the company since September 2014 and has seen many changes during this time both at Blossom House and also the sector in general.

She has worked in almost every department during her career, but is currently thriving in the role of Senior Care Assistant. Kay is passionate about delivering the best quality of life for Blossom House residents and knows each one inside out.

Kay takes on several lead roles within the home including Dementia, Dignity and End of Life Care. It’s clear for everyone to see how dedicated Kay is to her role and she has undertaken additional training in these key areas as part of her ongoing professional development.

She said: “I am delighted to be nominated for an award the second year running. It is a great achievement and I am honoured to be nominated on behalf of Blossom House.”

Kay lives locally and enjoys attending air shows and spending time with her family. She is a keen gamer in her spare time and when not on duty can usually be found in front of a screen!

Michelle Root

THE Lawns Residential and Nursing Home is in the heart of Kempsey and has an excellent reputation within the local community for its outstanding care and warm and friendly atmosphere.

It supports families, easing their loved one’s transition to the home and welcomes everyone to the ‘Lawns family’. Michelle Root, the Deputy Manager Residential, said: “I am honoured to have been nominated for the Dementia Carer award. I believe in focussing on the person not the diagnosis and tailor care to ensure that their days are meaningful and filled with laughter.

“By engaging with families and friends we develop our care to meet the interests of our residents and this can take the form of meaningful activity such as laying the tables for lunch.

“I am passionate about dementia care and coaching my staff on recognising the needs of residents and better ways of working and understanding and we have had some lovely feedback from families. It is so important for residents to feel useful, heard and valued.”