Chelmsford care home wins big at national awards

A care home in Chelmsford is celebrating after being named one of the best in the country. 

Care UK’s Manor Lodge, on Manor Road, was named ‘Regional Care Home of the Year South’ at the Caring UK Awards. 

The category recognises homes delivering exceptional standards of care and creating vibrant, supportive communities for residents.

Judges praised Manor Lodge for creating a genuine ‘home from home’ atmosphere, where residents are put at the heart of every aspect of care, from clinical support to activities and dining. Individual interests are thoughtfully catered for, with initiatives such as a gardening club and a Wishing Tree.

Maggie Ziemianska, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “We are thrilled to have been named best in the South at the Caring UK Awards; it’s great to see our resident-centred approach to care recognised. 

“Every member of the team is committed to delivering outstanding care, with the guiding principle that we are working in the residents’ home, rather than residents living in our place of work.”

The home is also an active member of the community, regularly welcoming locals to events and partnering with the Archie Project to promote intergenerational engagement for those living with dementia. Through this initiative, Manor Lodge has built strong relationships with local schools and nurseries.

Resident, Rita Thomas said: “I feel reassured knowing that I live in an award winning care home. My favourite part of Manor Lodge is the warm, welcoming atmosphere, where the home team is like her friends and family.”

The award is the latest in a series of successes for Manor Lodge. Earlier this year, the home was rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission and achieved a score of 96.33% in the Care for VIPs accreditation, which rewards high standards of care. 

Maggie Ziemianska added: “Many team members have been part of Manor Lodge since it opened 15 years ago, and they have played an integral part in making the home what it is today -  a place residents are proud to live. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone, from our nurses and carers to our chefs and housekeeping teams. This award will take pride of place in the home, and we can’t wait to display it for visitors.”

Manor Lodge is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.