We are thrilled to announce three of our SilverCrest Care Home team have reached the finals of the Wales Care Awards. The inaugural ceremony will be held at the Mercure Holland House Hotel on Friday 18th October and this year will be hosted by BBC Wales presenter Jason Mohammad as Wynne Evans is currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Our three finalists will be going up against care professionals across Wales to find out if they have won Gold, Silver or bronze in their categories!  We are proud of all the winners and they are first and foremost wonderful representatives of the kind of staff we have working in our SilverCrest Group and wish them all the best on the evening.

 

Meet Geoff Liddle, Activities Assistant  at our Ty Nant care home nominated for Excellence in Dementia Care

Geoff had worked in the financial services and learning and development for most of his life but at the height of the pandemic, Geoff sadly lost his mother. He was so overwhelmed by the care his mum received towards the end of her life this convinced Geoff  he wanted to give back and made the decision to switch to care.

Geoff said “I simply strive to make a positive difference with each resident so whether that’s a smile or their eyes lighting up for just a fleeting moment or for a prolonged period then that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Geoff’s forte is discovering as much about each resident and then researching, in and out of work, new ideas and activities to enhance their lives and experience each day.

 

 

 

Meet Julie Brown, Senior Carer at our Hollies care home nominated for Excellence in Palliative and End-of-life Care

Julie began her career as a carer 21 years ago and wasn’t sure she had made the right move to start with but her turning point was when she was asked to sit with a lady who was end of her life and sadly had no family. Julie refused to leave her bed side until she passed. That was the moment Julie knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

“I just love people,” Julie said. “Especially elderly people. I love sitting with them listening to them, you can learn so much from them.  Of course I couldn’t do this with out the fab team at The Hollies and I really do love my work.

 

Julie has developed a reputation as Fairy Godmother – moving heaven and earth to help residents in end-of-life care realise their final wishes. One example is where Julie, along with a colleague, ensured a resident with MND got his final wish to attend his daughter’s wedding especially when his family didn’t think it was possible.  Another occasion was where Julie’s mother was unwell but her final wish was to see Julie get married which she agreed to but only if her mother walked her down the aisle.  Julie made her mum’s dream come true and sadly just weeks later provided end of life care for her.

 

 

Meet Linley Jenkins, Maintenance at our Cwrt Enfys care home who’s up to Outstanding Service Award

Linley was a teacher for 35 years and despite retiring as an assistant head teacher 7 years ago, he still wanted to contribute to his community with his love of practical handicrafts.

Linley said “I was lucky to retire early, and I knew I had a fairly good skills profile after years of doing odd jobs and practical work around our house and garden. I started as a maintenance assistant on a casual basis at Cwrt Enfys. Then I was offered a permanent part-time role which I love.”

 

Linley doesn’t need to interact with residents, but he’s made it his mission to get to know them, play games with them, discover their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests so he can strike up meaningful conversations and even does presentations on his travels for the residents who always want to hear all about.

When the activities team wanted a library for residents, Linley’s can-do attitude meant that he sourced some wood free of charge and built the mini library area where residents can enjoy quiet time.

We wish the trio the best of luck at the awards night we’re proud of you no matter what and thank you for representing us on the night.