Appleby House is shortlisted for national award

Home news

Nov 01, 2017

Appleby House is celebrating the nomination of a team member for a national award.

Shona Bradbury, home manager at Appleby House care home on Longmead Road, has been named a finalist for Dementia Care Personality in the National Dementia Care Awards, thanks to her passion and commitment to making a difference to residents’ lives.

The awards are held annually to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, culminating in an awards ceremony on Thursday 9th November. The 16 categories highlight excellence within the care sector, and reward those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

Shona, who has worked at Appleby House since 2014, has been praised for her positive attitude, and for having created an approach within the home that focuses on the residents – putting activities at the heart of the home. Shona has introduced a number of new initiatives, including a wishing well where residents can submit their wishes which the team make happen, and a Happy Café which welcomes members of the local community.

One activity that has become a focus at the home is art, after Shona invited an art therapy charity to run regular sessions. This has been enjoyed by residents and has led to the opening of an art gallery at the home, as well as residents’ artwork being featured in a number of exhibitions in the local area.  

During her time at Appleby House, Shona has also built strong relationships with the local community, including the local church and primary school, who frequently visit residents at the home. Recently the home’s first open air music festival was attended by over 100 people from Epsom.

Shona’s team members praised her positive attitude and added: “She has so much energy and charisma and you can feel it throughout the home, especially her laugh which seems to echo into every corner of the home. She is a very optimistic and ambitious person, and is always looking for new ideas and ways to enhance the residents’ lives and inspire the team members to go the extra mile.”

Commenting on her nomination, Shona said: “I was honoured to hear that I’ve been listed as a finalist for the Dementia Care Personality award. Getting to know each resident’s personality is something I really enjoy, and I love being able to help them continue their lifelong hobbies or find new interests such as art.     

“I’m delighted to receive national recognition from the care sector for my work with residents and the team at Appleby House, and I have my fingers crossed for the awards ceremony.”