Basingstoke care home shortlisted for national award

A care home in Basingstoke is celebrating after being shortlisted in the Care Home Awards 2022.

Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Training and Development’ category, which recognises efforts to improve care through a commitment to specific training. 

The Care Home Awards highlight and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery. The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in July. 

The team at Dashwood Manor has been recognised for their training and development programme, which was established when the home opened its doors in October 2022. The team benefit from a tried and tested corporate approach to training, which provides a framework while enabling flexibility to meet the unique needs the home. 

Nikki Evans, Head of Learning and Development at Care UK, commented: “Dil Perera, Home Manager takes a real lead in training at Dashwood Manor. She gave a heartfelt speech around teamwork when the home opened, and she has taken on a real leadership role since the first recruit arrived. 

“As an approachable and open-minded manager, she is building training and development throughout her team, really getting her people to think creatively about how learning can not only make them better at what they do, but how they can have a positive impact on the home and its residents.”

It was noted that Dil encourages everyone in the home to develop their careers, with the Receptionist training to become a Business Administrator, while the Customer Relations Manager is also studying for qualifications in customer service, and the two Sous Chefs are looking forward to enrolling in Care UK’s award-winning Chef Academy.

Dedicated to fulfilling lives, Dashwood Manor has made sure the training has been implemented across the board, ensuring residents are autonomous in their care. This has allowed strategies to be put in place, such as inviting residents living with dementia to support with everyday tasks within the home, offering them a sense of purpose, and even adopting a puppy and cat to provide comforting animal therapy to the reduce feelings of stress that can come with the condition. 

One relative said: “The team has been great and do a really good job at getting to know my mother-in-law and help her settle in and engage in life within the home. If my own parents required care home facilities, I would not hesitate to recommend Dashwood Manor care home to them.”

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Training and Development’ category at this years’ Care Home Awards for our approach to training and development.

“Being shortlisted is testament to the team’s hard work and innovative thinking to ensure every resident leads a happy and fulfilling life. It is truly encouraging to observe the team using their newfound skills every day to not only interact with residents but also each other. I’m thrilled they are being recognised for the difference they make each day to residents’ wellbeing through thoughtful care.

“We’d like to wish everyone shortlisted good luck – we have our fingers crossed for the final in July!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new care home, which opened in September 2021, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities includes a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson, on 01256 805988, or email leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com.

For more information about Dashwood Manor, visit: careuk.com/Dashwood-Manor.