Sutton Coldfield care home team member named finalist for national award

A care home in Sutton Coldfield is celebrating after one of its team members was recognised nationally for her work in dementia care for the second year running.

Ying Yee (Sam) Ng, Lifestyle Lead at Care UK’s Mercia Grange in Four Oaks, is a finalist in the activity coordinator category at this year’s Dementia Care Awards, which honour the very best working in the care sector.

Since joining the Lichfield Road team in April 2022, Sam has shown her creativity and dedication to developing person-centred activities that enrich the lives of residents.

Judges applauded her ability to tailor activities to individual preferences, ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities that reflect their interests and hobbies. This varied programme recently included a visit from a pair of alpacas brought in by the team at Wildwood Alpacas.

Sam said: “I’m thrilled to be a finalist for this award and proud to represent Mercia Grange! Being able to make a positive change in residents’ lives and put a smile on their faces makes me so proud, so I’m delighted to be recognised for this at a national level.

“It’s an honour to work with such wonderful residents and supportive team members who bring our activities to life. My goal is always to ensure everyone feels involved, valued and, most importantly, happy. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference these activities make in residents' lives, and I look forward to celebrating at the awards at the end of June.”

Sam has also been instrumental in ensuring residents’ wishes are fulfilled as part of the Care UK Wishing Tree initiative. Most recently, she organised a flower-arranging workshop for Janet Hunt, 86, which saw the resident reconnect with her former career.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We are incredibly proud of Sam for being a finalist for this award for the second year running. Her commitment to making a real difference to the lives of the residents here is truly inspiring.

“Sam always goes above and beyond to ensure every activity is enjoyable, meaningful and tailored to the individual. A recent favourite has been the animal therapy session where we welcomed a pair of alpacas – the residents loved stroking the four-legged companions.

“We are so proud of you. Good luck, Sam!"

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey home, which features 67 en suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and the very popular Sadlers Café.