Cambridge care home shortlisted for national award

A care home in Cambridge is celebrating after being announced as a finalist for a prestigious national award.

The team at Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, have been shortlisted in the Caring UK Awards 2023.

The awards recognise teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector. 

Having wowed judges with their passion and efforts to support residents to retain independence and dignity, the team are in the running for the coveted title of ‘Dementia Care Team of the Year’.

Recognising that being diagnosed with dementia can be a difficult time for residents and their families, the team at Heathlands House strive to make the journey as stress-free as possible with a person-centred approach to care. 

To ensure all residents and their family are involved at every step, the team at Heathlands House create individual life story books for each resident detailing their likes, dislikes, past careers and hobbies which is then used as the base for an individually tailored care plan.

The team support residents to build and maintain strong relationships with the wider community, organising events including talks from local historians and ‘knit and natter’ groups. The home also has fortnightly visits from a local music therapist, understanding the benefits music can have for residents living with dementia such as maintaining language and speech, boosting wellbeing and creating a sense of nostalgia. 

To make sure the team are able to provide the highest standard of dementia care, there are also regular training sessions led by Care UK’s Dementia Champions. 

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “We’re thrilled that our hard work and commitment is being recognised nationally.

“Here at Heathlands House, the whole team work tirelessly to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible. Our priority is to ensure residents are happy and well-cared for, as well as supported to continue doing the things they love – whether that’s flying a plane or enjoying a roast dinner. 

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team for their efforts – we can’t wait for the finals!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Heathlands House incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.