HOME Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove has launched a new award recognising outstanding work from their caregivers helping clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia to live life well.
The Keith Lewis Dixon Excellence in Memory Care Award will be awarded to one caregiver annually, and caregiver Vicky Lockett was delighted to be the inaugural recipient.
Owner of Home Instead, Annie Dixon-Dunn, created the award in memory of her own father who was diagnosed with vascular dementia. It was her and her mother’s own journey to find suitable and effective care in the local area that led to the establishment of her business eight years ago.
Annie asked her team to nominate people worthy of recognition for their incredible support to clients receiving memory care.
She received an overwhelming response, with some amazing work demonstrated by their 80-strong caregiver team throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Annie enlisted the help of her mother, Eileen Dixon, to help her decide on a winner.
One particular nomination stood out to Eileen.
Redditch local and caregiver, Vicky Lockett had been matched to a client who was particularly resistant to having care.
She went over and above to learn about the client’s history, likes and interests.
Her new-found knowledge about the client helped to break down barriers, using new topics of conversation and sharing pictures to ignite their interest and to form a closer relationship between the two.
“Learning more about my client allowed me to deliver a person-centred care approach which made all the difference- they truly accepted me into their home and felt more comfortable receiving the care I provided,” said Vicky.
Eileen said: “All the nominees were amazing, and all deserve an award for the amazing work they do every day, but Vicky’s efforts resonated with my own experiences finding care for my husband many years ago.”
Annie added: “We were delighted to present the award to Vicky, who was not expecting it at all. She is such a deserving winner of our first award, I am proud to have her as part of the team and she truly sets the standards for the award in years to come.
“In addition to her personal award, Home Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove will be making a £200 donation in Vicky’s name to the memory care charity of her choosing. Vicky has decided to donate that to Dementia UK.”
For more information about Home Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove, call 01527 810855 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/redditch-bromsgrove
