November 10 2017

National recognition for support team

Alzheimer's Support is celebrating after being told it has the best dementia care team in the UK.

The charity's Support at Home service has won the Best Team category at the prestigious Dementia Care Awards 2017.

The team, which provides one-to-one companionship and support to people living with dementia across Wiltshire, comprises 65 support workers and eight care coordinators. They visit people in their own homes and take them on outings, building up a strong rapport with clients and helping them to stay active in their communities for as long as possible.

Registered Services Manager Sally Haddrell-Jenks, who accepted the award on behalf of the team, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be receiving this on behalf of our wonderful colleagues who do so much to support people living with dementia in Wiltshire. The important work we do is very much ‘behind the scenes’ so it is wonderful for the team to get this recognition.”

Small outfit stood out nationally

CEO Babs Harris said: “I am bursting with pride. Our small Wiltshire outfit stood out amongst all the large, national, and well-funded organisations and what came through was the dedication, understanding and love that our colleagues show every day in their work.”

Joanne Armstrong, from Devizes, who cares for her husband Robin said:  “This is so well deserved. My husband has Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy Bodies and the service from Alzheimer’s Support has been wonderful, much better than other support we have received from other places. I cannot speak highly enough of the support worker who comes to us at home. He understands our needs.

“The help and support for Robin is wonderful and they also provide me with a shoulder to cry on.  It has made a huge difference to us both since the Alzheimer’s Support staff have been visiting as we know there is always someone we can rely on and ask questions. Esther the Care Coordinator has been wonderful, she has organized all the home support for us which has helped us greatly.”

The award was handed over by former Emmerdale actor John Middleton at a ceremony in Doncaster as part of the National Dementia Congress.