Crowborough care home wins national award

A care home in Crowborough is celebrating after scooping a national accolade in the Care Home Awards 2022.

Care UK’s Heather View, on Beacon Road, won the ‘Best Continuing COVID-19 Response’, a category which recognised the team's efforts to maintain a happy home despite the pressures of the pandemic. 

The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery. 

The team at Heather View was recognised for their innovative and creative thinking during the pandemic. They increased the number of lifestyle team members, as well as resident companions, meaning they could deliver one-to-one activities and care without risk of cross-infection.   

The home team also ensured regular contact between residents and loved ones throughout the height of the pandemic. One resident celebrated her 100^th birthday during lockdown, and the team arranged a Zoom party with her family in the US, and local schools delivered cards and presents. The resident was so taken with this technology that now, aged 102, she is a regular user of TikTok. 

Her daughter commented: “The pandemic has been particularly difficult for us because I live in the US. I am my mother’s only close living relative and getting to the UK was physically impossible during the lockdown of 2020. What was really upsetting was that she was facing her 100^th birthday alone, with no family to join her to celebrate. 

“Fortunately, Heather View rallied to the cause even though they themselves were experiencing a tough time. They organised a birthday party for my mother at the home, and what a party it was. Just about all the residents and home team took part, plus her grandchildren and other friends were able to join in on Zoom. 

“A great time was had by all. It’s such a great relief to know that my mother is not only being kept safe but also being cared for and nurtured on every level.”

Dedicated to fulfilling lives, the team at Heather View transformed some of the rooms at the home into tearooms, a garden centre, and even a hair salon, during the pandemic. So that residents could still enjoy elements of ‘normal life’ which were important to them, despite the restrictions. 

A comment from a recent visitor highlighted the efforts by Home Manager Natasha King to create a welcoming environment: “Natasha is the backbone of Heather View. Not only has she led the home through one of the biggest crises seen by the sector, she has done so while maintaining a happy and safe environment and ultimately creating a home which is also a family.”

Natasha King, Home Manager at Heather View, said: “We are thrilled to have won the ‘Best Continuing COVID-19 Response’ category at this years’ Care Home Awards for our approach to the pandemic. 

"Winning is a true testimonial to the team's dedication and creative problem-solving to ensure that each resident has a happy and fulfilling life. I'm delighted that the team's efforts to carry out one-on-one activities tailored to each resident despite the difficulties of the past few years has been recognised.

“I am really proud of the team at Heather View and this award will have pride of place at the home. Well done everyone!”

Heather View 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 dementia care, as well as short-term respite and palliative care. The home has its own space for activities, as well as a cinema, sensory room and café. 

To find out more about Heather View, please call Customer Relations Manager Gailynne Peters, on 01892 883 574 or email gailynne.peters@careuk.com.

For more information about Heather View, visit: careuk.com/heather-view.