Whitby Dene is shortlisted for national awards

Home news

May 24, 2018

Whitby Dene is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national industry awards. 

Whitby Dene has been shortlisted in the Best Single Care Home in a Group and Best for Sporting, Social or Leisure Activities categories at the Care Home Awards 2018.

The Care Home Awards are held annually to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, culminating in an awards ceremony on Wednesday 27th June. The 17 categories highlight excellence within the care sector, and reward those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

The home has been praised in both nominations for its specialised, person-centred care programme. On top of providing specialist nursing care, the team also adapts its care plans to the residents’ needs and wishes, based on abilities. For instance, a resident who was told they wouldn’t be able to walk again was able to regain mobility thanks to Whitby Dene’s enablement program, designed by drawing on the team’s physiotherapy skills. 

Another resident, a former headmistress, now has her own “headmistress office”, kitted out with school books and a red pen. 

In addition, Whitby Dene set up a maintenance club for residents who enjoy handy work, and a baking club following resident feedback. Also popular is its pen pals project, resulting in friendships with residents from other care homes and school children.  

Both nominations also highlighted Whitby Dene’s culture and ethos, built around the idea that anything is possible. The home has its own wishing tree scheme, whereby residents submit their wishes and the team works hard to grant them – and no wish is too big for Whitby Dene’s team. Father George, a former priest, wished to receive a blessing from Pope Francis, so home manager Saad Baig got in touch with the Cardinal of England to liaise with the Vatican, who accepted their request and granted Father George an audience. Together, he and Saad travelled to the Vatican for two days, where Father George had the rare opportunity to meet Pope Francis and receive a blessing from him after attending the Papal Audience.

Another resident, who developed a love for flying in her youth, received a flying lesson for her 96th birthday, more than fifty years after she had last been on a plane. After finding out a resident used to be a professional badminton player, the home also tracked down his old badminton partner and arranged for them to meet up and play together again.