Home Manager at Lydgate Lodge residential and dementia care home, Gary Kent, has been recognised as the ‘Relative’s Choice’ at the Ideal Care Awards for his professional, calm, and compassionate approach to resident care throughout the covid-19 pandemic.
Since starting his role in late 2018, Gary has been incredibly focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere at Lydgate Lodge, operating with an open and transparent communication style. Gary believes relatives offer incredibly valuable insight into the lives of the people they care for and feels a respectful relationship between his team and residents’ families is the key to success.
Judges on the night said, ‘Garry reacted quickly and professionally to the Government covid-19 guidelines, expertly leading his team with compassion. Gary went the extra mile to bring smiles to his residents and staff, with regular silly costume days, danceathons and trusty tea and biscuit cart – his calming presence rubbed off on everybody and brought a sense of reassurance to his team’.
The annual Ideal Care Awards were created in 2019 to recognise, reward and pay tribute to the Ideal Carehomes staff team who go above and beyond their roles.
After a callout for nominations, the group received a record-breaking 1200 entries across 14 categories, ranging from Housekeeping Hero and Resident Outstanding Contribution to Home Manager and Home of the Year.
Internal judging days took place in July which determined the finalists who were invited to celebrate their achievements at a gala dinner at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. The awards were hosted by Shaun Williamson, well-known for his role as Barry Evans in EastEnders.
Shaun entertained the finalists with stand-up comedy before announcing each category winner. He said, ‘It was a real honour to have been asked to join Ideal Carehomes at their awards ceremony. The stories of each finalist were incredibly moving, and it made every award extremely meaningful. Congratulations to the winners, you are all such a deserving bunch of people!’.
Speaking after receiving his award, Gary said, ‘I am so honoured to have received this award, and it is incredibly special that it is linked to our fantastic relatives too! I think it is incredibly important to recognise the value that families bring to the home. While I have received the award, I think it is a true testament to how much everybody in the Lydgate Lodge team values our resident’s friends and families’.
Debbie Campey, Regional Director for West Yorkshire, said, ‘Gary is extremely deserving of this award – and I know how much all of the nominations mean to him. Gary committed himself 110% to his residents and their families throughout the pandemic, ensuring that family members were all updated as regularly as possible, offering a listening ear and reassuring voice – congratulations Gary!’.
Lydgate Lodge is operated by Ideal Carehomes and has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission. All 64 bedrooms at the residential and dementia care home are en-suite, enabling staff to deliver dignified and person-centred care. To contact Lydgate Lodge, please call Home Manager Gary Kent on 01924 355020 or visit https://ichlive1.wpengine.com.