Picture perfect – Ferndown care home hero crowned

Home news

Oct 05, 2020

A Ferndown care home team member has been recognised by his colleagues and residents for his efforts and dedication during lockdown.

Marco Alves de Abreu, domestic assistant at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, has been named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for going above and beyond for colleagues and residents in recent months.

The nomination was shared as part of a nationwide search for Care UK Heroes throughout its 122 care homes. From outstanding colleagues, to residents who have ensured morale remains high, this competition aims to shine a light on these exceptional people.

Throughout the pandemic, Marco went beyond his duties as a domestic assistant to create and nurture positive, caring relationships with residents in the nursing suite. A keen photographer, he captured beautiful individual portraits that were shared on the Facebook page for families to see, and he’s currently working on a creative project with residents who have an interest in art.

He also stepped in to regularly deliver flowers to a resident in place of her husband, who was not able to visit at the time due to restrictions and brought newspapers in so everyone at the home could be kept up to date with the latest news.

Marco said: “I know just how hard everyone at Ferndown Manor has worked over the past few months to ensure residents’ lives would remain as normal as possible while keeping them safe, so being named a Care UK Hero is an honour. Being able to put a smile on residents’ faces, whether that be by taking their portrait or brightening their days with flowers is incredibly rewarding, and the past few months have reinforced just how important the service we provide is for residents and their families. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Ferndown Manor team.”

Jan Cresdee, home manager at Ferndown Manor, added: “Marco has been a true asset to the Ferndown Manor team, going far beyond his duties as a domestic assistant.

“Marco’s generosity really helped to make a difference in residents’ lives through challenging times. I know just how much families appreciated the portraits he took during lockdown too – we’re all very excited to see his latest creative project unfold.

“I can’t thank Marco and the rest of the team enough for their hard work and dedication over the past few months. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to make sure Ferndown Manor would remain a safe, wonderful place to live – they’re all true heroes.”

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 the 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 in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Ferndown Manor, email customer relations manager, Robin Hill on Robin.hill@careuk.com or call 01202 06 9371.

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