Mitcham care home shortlisted for two national awards

A care home in Mitcham is celebrating after being shortlisted for two accolades in the Care Home Awards 2022.

Care UK’s Cumberland, on Whitford Gardens, has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Facilities Management, Maintenance or Housekeeping Team’ and ‘Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining Experience’ categories in the Care Home Awards 2022.

The Care Home Awards recognise 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. 

Highlighted in the nomination for ‘Best Facilities, Management, Maintenance or Housekeeping’ category is 21-year-old Josh Sammons, who joined the maintenance team at Cumberland in June 2019. Determined to support residents and team members, Josh’s commitment, initiative and relationships with the residents have seen him work in all departments across the home when needed, particularly during the pandemic when team members were self-isolating. 

Commenting on the nomination, Josh said: “The Cumberland team are wonderful and have supported me in any way they can. I always look forward to spending time with the residents, which might include reading the newspapers out loud, playing balloon tennis or going for walks around the garden – making the residents smile, in any way, is very rewarding and always my favourite part of the day.” 

Commenting on Josh’s friendly and dedicated nature, one resident’s family member added: “Josh has a positive attitude in every situation and can take the initiative if required. He gets jobs done quickly and efficiently, and is friendly, helpful, and polite. He did a wonderful job preparing my husband’s new room and making it welcoming.”

Portia Nleya, Home Manger at Cumberland added: “Josh is the only colleague at Cumberland who has worked in every department except care. He has worked in the kitchen, laundry, as a domestic, on reception – wherever help was required during the height of the pandemic. Josh often receives good feedback from relatives and visitors for his support, respect and manners. All this at only 21 years old – he should be very proud!

The team at Cumberland have also been nominated in the ‘Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining Experience’ category for their innovative approach to catering. Through it’s ‘dining with dignity’ focus, Head Chef, Rob Probst, meets every new resident when they move in to find out about their dietary needs and preferences, and every resident’s care, food and lifestyle is reviewed monthly to ensure their needs are being met. 

Commenting on the home’s catering, one resident’s relative said: “Cumberland has always provided highly nourishing food to my mum, dad, and the rest of the residents. This includes fruit and healthy snacks throughout the day and they are always very generous when it comes to family members visiting.”

Portia Nleya, Home Manger at Cumberland, concluded: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in the ‘Best Facilities Management, Maintenance or Housekeeping Team’ category and ‘Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining Experience’ category in this year’s Care Home Awards. 

“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 interactions between residents and team members, and I’m thrilled to see them recognised for the difference they make each day to residents’ wellbeing through thoughtful care, valued attention and our catering service. 

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

Cumberland has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite.

For more information about Cumberland, please contact Home Manager, Portia Nleya, on 0333 4343 021 or email Portia.Nleya@careuk.com.

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/cumberland.