Ipswich care home named outstanding in national awards

A care home in Ipswich is celebrating after scooping a national accolade at the Care Home Awards 2023 ceremony.

Care UK’s Asterbury Place, on Aster Road, won the ‘Outstanding Care Provider’ award, a category which recognises competence, innovation and expertise across more than one category.

The Care Home Awards highlight and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery.  

The team at Asterbury Place was praised for going above and beyond for residents, with judges noting the home’s person-centred approach. From working together collaboratively on their care plans to facilitating calls to Australia and America, no task is too great or too small.

Judges were also impressed with the range of activities on offer, all designed to enable residents to lead fulfilling lives. This includes musical breakfasts and clubs everyone can get involved with, in addition to pet therapy and namaste care. The home was also praised for its commitment to building relationships within the community, including the home’s knitting group donation to the charity ‘Bobby Buddies’.

Promoting a holistic approach to care, judges highlighted the strong relationships team members have formed with residents, treating them with respect and dignity. Team members spend time getting to know residents and their history and interests, allowing them to provide activity plans tailored to each resident’s needs. For example, the team supported a resident who is a Seventh-day Adventist to attend her church and get involved in part of a Windrush project, with the home’s catering team cooking her favourite Caribbean dishes every week.

Head Chef, Garry Newman and his team were also praised by judges for taking the time to speak to individual residents about their preferred dishes and encouraging residents to feed back during mealtimes. This willingness to learn and adapt has led to some of the residents’ favourite foods being created. For example, Chef Garry’s ‘Pie Week’, sees multiple different pies available every day, with flavours chosen by residents. 

Going above and beyond, Garry and his team have also organised different pop-up restaurants which take residents on culinary trips around the world. With help from the lifestyle team to create the ultimate dining room experience with authentic music to create an immersive experience, the team at Asterbury have already organised trips for the residents to India and Italy.

Asterbury Place has also been praised for their efforts to become a technology-driven home, with team member, Receptionist, John Masullo having revolutionised the use of technology at the home. Empowering residents to lead active lives, residents now feel more confident about using their own iPads and Kindles – whether it be completing online surveys to improve their lives at the home or the team facilitating a video call with Peter Andre to surprise his number one fan and make her wish come true.

One relative commented: “Asterbury Place is an amazing care home. Mum has settled into her new home very quickly and this is down to the care she is receiving. From the point of arriving at the home, Mum was greeted with smiles and a warm welcome. Each member of team goes 

far and beyond their duties. I feel assured my mum is receiving the very best care. Thank you all so very much.”

Christine Da Silva, Home Manager at Asterbury Place, said: “We are thrilled to have won the ‘Outstanding Care Provider’ category at this year’s Care Home Awards – it’s a true testament to the fantastic team we have here at Asterbury Place.

“Everyone here is passionate about care. Whether it’s organising activities that are both meaningful and fun like our Peter Andre wish or ensuring residents feel supported to remain independent and learn new skills or continue life-long hobbies, every step of the way, we love our jobs – and it shines through everything we do. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for our wonderful team here at Asterbury Place. Their commitment truly knows no bounds – and I am delighted to see their dedication being recognised nationally.” 

Asterbury Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation. 

To find out more about Asterbury Place, please call Home Manager, Christine Da Silva, on 01473 852962 or email christine.da-silva@careuk.com 

For general information, visit careuk.com/asterbury-place