We always ensure that we offer the best possible care experience to our residents.
We’re keen to highlight the dedicated work that our team of care workers, cleaners, catering staff, registered nurses, wellbeing teams, and administrators put in on a regular basis and the extra efforts they have made throughout the pandemic.
As part of this recognition, every member of the team was recently presented with a green ‘care’ badge from the Department of Health and Social Care. The badges also came with a colourful card featuring a thank you message on behalf of their colleagues and the residents that the team look after.
Across the UK, there are an estimated 1.6million social care workers in the UK who look after half a million people every day and who stand amongst the 1.4 million NHS workers on the frontline.
Lindsay Rees, Director of Health and Care, said: “We are delighted to receive the care badges to present to the team. It is just a small gesture of goodwill and thanks, but I hope it will provide some formal recognition of how proud we all are to work in adult social care, and how much we value and champion every member of the team.”
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has championed the lapel badges for adult social care staff which ensure that people working in homes for older and vulnerable people received the ‘same recognition and benefits’ as NHS staff.
Cecilia Thomson, Home Manager at Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, said: “When I told the team that we were going to get these badges, everyone was happy because it makes you proud to wear them. I think people feel valued when they receive something like this and it’s a nationwide initiative so it’s recognisable across the country.”
Our team have gone the extra mile to ensure that our residents are able to see their families and loved ones over Christmas. The Covid-safe Visiting Lounges have been introduced ahead of a vaccine and rapid testing being provided to the care homes for the safety of residents, staff, and visitors. It means that families have been able to reunite and catch up on family news in person in the Visiting Lounges, as well as being able to chat over the phone and on video calls.
In the spirit of Christmas, our Visiting Lounges have been given a festive makeover to bring some extra cheer during the visiting sessions, with mulled wine and mince pies for residents and their relatives to enjoy. Appointments are available to book in advance from your care home reception.
Dave Black, Head Chef at Oakdale Care Home, said: “It’s great to have the badges to recognise what everyone within Encore Care Homes does. I watch these guys work very hard every day and give such good care, so to have this recognised is a great morale boost, especially in these tough times.”
Encore Care Homes is currently recruiting additional staff on a full and part time basis in a range of key roles.
