Windsor Court care home carer, Luan Barlow, has been recognised as ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the Ideal Care Awards for her excellent work, enthusiasm and commitment to the home and residents.
The award was particularly poignant for newcomer Luan, as she began her social care career in May 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The judges on the night added that Luan’s positive ‘can do’ attitude, constant cheery outlook and dedication to providing the highest standards of person-centred care are what makes her such an important part of the Windsor Court family.
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 true honour to have been asked to join Ideal Carehomes at their awards ceremony. The stories of each finalist were incredibly moving, and it made each award I handed over all the more touching. Congratulations to the winners, you are all such a deserving bunch of people!’.
Speaking after the awards, Luan, said, ‘I am thrilled to have won the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award – I feel like I have worked at Windsor Court for so much longer than I actually have, the team are like my family now! I am so proud of everything I have accomplished since starting my career in care, especially during the pandemic. Thank you to everybody who voted for me, it really means so much!’.
Home Manager, Paula Mountjoy, said, ‘We are extremely proud of Luan’s achievements. Luan lights up every room and truly deserves to be recognised for her dedication throughout the pandemic. It has been incredibly challenging for the most experienced of carers over the last 18 months, so for Luan to begin her journey at this time and embrace every day with such passion has really cemented her as a hugely valued team member here at Windsor Court!’.
Windsor Court is a residential and dementia care home, which is rated as ‘GOOD’ by the Care Quality Commission. If you are interested in current opportunities to work at Windsor Court, visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/careers or contact Home Manager, Paula, on 01937 586 651.