Dorset care home wins national award

Home news

Dec 05, 2019

A care home in Dorset is celebrating after a team member won a national award.

Kim Oliver, the head housekeeper at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road, scooped the ‘Quality in Housekeeping’ award in the National Care Awards.

The National Care Awards are the longest established annual awards, organised by social care’s leading publication, Caring Times.

Above and beyond her role leading the housekeeping team, Kim inspires and involves residents who are keen to be take part in everyday chores, and is well-loved for taking the time to chat to all residents while they fold sheets or take part in light dusting.

Kim ensures she meets every resident when they first move into Ferndown Manor, and spends time with everyone at the home on a monthly basis to gain feedback, as well as to get to know residents better. Kim commented: “This is where I gain the most confidence about standards because everyone I speak to always has nice words to say about my team and how hard they work.”

Going out of her way to chat and engage with everyone at Ferndown Manor, she often walks in the garden with residents and regularly supports a blind resident, describing in detail the colours of the flowers and the insects in the garden.

Kim also works closely with the lifestyle team to help organise games and activities at the home. Assisting with exercise and dance classes, and sourcing arts and crafts materials – she acquired terracotta pots for an arts and crafts session to make flowerpot men, as well as sourcing a giant tenpin bowling set that has become a favourite among the residents.

A relative said: “We love Kim! She is always so pleasant and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Her standards of cleaning are exemplary. We often ask for tips on how to clean things and she always knows the answer and recommends products to use. The residents love her and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of an award.”

Zita Turner, interim home manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “Kim goes far beyond the remit of a housekeeper, living and breathing our ethos to ensure residents live happy and fulfilled lives. We are always receiving feedback about her dedication not just to the job, but also in going out of her way to brighten residents’ days.

“I’m thrilled to see Kim recognised for all her hard work, both in housekeeping and supporting the wider wellbeing and happiness of residents and team members. She is a huge asset to our team – well done Kim!”

Ferndown Manor, which features 75 ensuite bedrooms, is a state-of-the-art home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, hairdressing salon and café, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.

For more information or to book your place at the event please email customer relations manager, Robin Hill, at Robin.hill@careuk.com or call 01202 069 371.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/ferndown-manor