In a remarkable achievement, Appleby Care Home, a cherished member of Larchwood Care, has clinched a prestigious national award. The North Shields-based care home was honored with the Dementia Care Team award at the sixth annual Caring UK Awards, an event that celebrates excellence and achievement within the care sector across the entire United Kingdom.
Tony Stein, chief executive of Larchwood Care, said: “This win for Appleby is well-deserved and testament to how Clare and her team go above and beyond to ensure that residents living with dementia have the very best quality of life.
“I’ve never felt so proud and honestly believe that their success should be shared across the entire team who all play a major part in making our services a home for those who rely on us for their care.”
The awards ceremony, organised by Script Events in collaboration with Caring UK magazine and sponsored by Virgin Money, took place at The Athena in Leicester on December 7th. The event provided an opportunity for the industry to come together and applaud the exceptional contributions of caregivers, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Appleby Care Home’s nomination for the Dementia Care Team award was rooted in its innovative and compassionate approach to dementia care. The facility caters to a diverse service user group on the ground floor, including a specialised male unit designed to support those living with dementia who may benefit from a male-only setting—a unique service in the North Shields area.
One of the standout features of Appleby is its recognition of the residents’ past experiences, particularly those who worked in the local fishing industry. To foster reminiscence, the home manager and maintenance manager transformed the garden into a permanent seaside scene, complete with a boat, sea fishing equipment, lobster pots, and sand.
Within the male unit, a bespoke bar area was crafted, offering residents a space to gather for afternoons filled with camaraderie, non-alcoholic beer, card games, and dominoes—a reminiscent experience of the socialising they enjoyed after long days in the fishing trade. Such thoughtful touches provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to the residents.
The care team at Appleby is committed to creating “butterfly moments,” acts of kindness that go beyond standard care. For instance, when a retired post lady seeking comfort within the home, the team sourced a post satchel from the local post office, providing a tangible link to her past and helping her settle.
Appleby’s dementia care team is led by Clare Leonard, the first care home manager in the UK to achieve an NIHR Greenshoots Award. The home is currently conducting independent research on nutrition in dementia care, exploring how this impacts positive dementia care and behavior support.
Appleby Care Home’s success at the Caring UK Awards is a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovative and person-centered dementia care. The home’s focus on creating familiar and comforting environments, coupled with acts of kindness, reflects a deep dedication to enhancing the lives of residents. As Appleby continues to lead in dementia care, it serves as an inspiration for the broader caregiving community.
