‘Compassionate’ Care Home Caretaker Recognised in Annual Awards Ceremony

Stephanie O’Donnell, the Caretaker at Newfield Lodge care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, has been named ‘Maintenance Machine of the Year’ at the Ideal Care Awards 2022 for the care and dedication she shows in the home.

The Ideal Care Awards were created in 2019 to reward and pay tribute to staff at Ideal Carehomes who constantly go above and beyond in their roles.

After receiving over 1000 nominations across 14 categories, including Resident Outstanding Contribution, Care Team Member of the Year, and Beyond the Call of Duty, a panel of judges chose a group of finalists for each category.

Those finalists were invited to a ‘dress to impress’ gala dinner at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, where the judges announced the winners of each award. The announcements were live streamed on the Ideal Care Awards Facebook page for the finalists’ friends, families, colleagues, and residents to watch.

After revealing that Stephanie had won the ‘Maintenance Machine of the Year’ award, the Ideal Care Awards judges praised Stephanie for ‘working tirelessly to ensure the home environment is the very best for their residents, whilst involving them in her day-to-day work.’

Stephanie joined the Newfield Lodge team in 2017 as a care assistant, later changing roles to work with the domestic team. When the position of Caretaker became available, Stephanie was excited to apply.

As the care home’s first female caretaker, Stephanie wanted to inspire other women to do whatever job makes them happy, saying, “You can do any role you set your mind to…never doubt yourself!”

When the Ideal Care Awards judges announced that Stephanie had won the Maintenance Machine of the Year Award, she was ecstatic. Stephanie said,

‘To have won the Maintenance Machine of the Year award is absolutely mind blowing! It’s a massive achievement and I’m very proud to have had the support of my Newfield Lodge family. I absolutely love everything about my job; it doesn’t feel like a job it’s like having a favourite hobby that I get to do every day.’

Stacey Linn, the Managing Director at Ideal Carehomes, said, ‘Since joining Ideal Carehomes, Stephanie has been an inspiration to our teams and our residents. Stephanie always goes above and beyond to make sure everything is done to the best of her ability. She’s always willing to help and motivates everyone around her to take a chance on something new.

‘We operate 32 Care Homes across the country so to with this award is a huge achievement. Congratulations, Stephanie, and thank you for all you do to make Newfield Lodge such a fantastic place to live and work!’

Newfield Lodge is a residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 64 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and freely accessible gardens, Newfield Lodge is proud to be rated as GOOD by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

To find out more about Newfield Lodge, please call 01977 524 267, email newfield.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.