This year we have been focusing on ways to recognise staff achievement. Sometimes it does feel like we are all so busy we only get time to focus on the negative and things that need improving so we wanted to take the time to recognise all the positive things staff do. As such, we came up with the idea of carer of the year.
We sent forms out to all our clients in the community and all the residents in the home. We also gave forms out to staff and left them for families and visitors to fill in in the home. We had 47 nominations in total and reading through them has got to be my favourite job I have done all year.
If we start with the home. We were very aware, when we asked for nominations for carer of the year, that they would be heavily weighted in Sabrina by the staff who are most visible to families and residents. However, we have had such lovely feedback it is heart-warming to read the responses. Many people told us that they could not nominate one person and we had nominations back about staff including comments like the following;
“All the staff – I cannot single out an individual as everyone I have had contact with has been wonderful”
“All the staff are caring”
“natural empathy”
“puts a smile on mums face”
“makes the work place a happy place”
“makes a good cuppa”
In fact the words “kind”, “caring” and “compassionate” came up time and time again on nominations. It gave me such a lovey feeling reading them!!!
In the community we had comments back including;
“I could nominate every carer who has attended me…..they are all lovely”
“friendly and caring and goes out of her way to help”
“gives me the best bath ever”
“nothing too much trouble”
“I do not know what I would do without her”
“knows what I want before I do”
“Ray of sunshine”
“Considerate and respectful”
Again the words “kind”, “safe”, “comfortable”, “helpful” and “caring” were all used frequently. Also reading through it was very apparent that one should never estimate the main theme which was a smile which obviously goes a long way!
Although we did have so many lovely responses indicating that you are all winners there were 2 that stood out with the most nominations.
For Sabrina with comments including;
“always friendly, caring and willing”
“has time for everybody”
“helpful and good rapport with residents”
“happy go lucky person who cheers everyone up”
“credit to the organisation”
Our winner was Pau Nabbs.
For Abbey Care with comments such as;
“beautiful friendly smile just lights up my day. Nothing is too much trouble”
“brings joy and cheer to our day”
“amazing”
“always listens, does everything and is cheerful and caring”
“bubbly and caring”
Our winner was Bev Firman.
Congratulations to both Paul and Bev but also to all the carers who are doing such an amazing job!