Stoyan Zhelev

Care manager at Kirlena House in Kennington

Stoyan Zhelev

Stoyan Zhelev

He said: “To be recognised and to be among the finalists is a dream come true for me. As a carer I always try to give 110%. This is not just a job and you have to be entirely dedicated and compassionate to the residents. I love my residents and, honestly, I have always [treated] them as if they were my grandfathers and grandmothers. I believe that anyone who is working as a carer should do the same.”

He was nominated by Angela Arnold, who said: “He treats all the residents as he would expect members of his own family to be treated. Nothing is ever too much trouble. He is also great at keeping family members informed and will often email across photos of the residents doing activities, which has been very reassuring during lockdown when visiting hasn't been possible.”

Vale House in Sandford-on-Thames

Vale House

Vale House

A spokesperson for Vale House said: “The team are delighted to be shortlisted. The staff provide outstanding care to the residents that live at Vale House, all of whom have dementia. During the pandemic, they have maintained their commitment, keeping everyone safe and liaising with families enabling visits when safe to do so.”

The specialist dementia care home was nominated by Anne George, who said: “This home is a specialist nursing home for dementia patients. It provides exemplary care for its residents, both physical and mental. The care of the patients is paramount, with well-qualified nurses and care assistants a very good staff ratio to patients. The family liaison officers are invaluable helping with the bereavement of having a family member with dementia and sent weekly reports to me.There's also a music therapist, occupation therapist, and a lady who comes to give hand massages. I feel very lucky to have my husband looked after in such a lovely place."

Margaret Nkomo

Oxford Aunts

Oxford Aunts

Oxford Aunts

A spokesperson for the team said: “I am very proud of Margaret and everyone in this team. Our carers literally locked down for months on end with their clients to keep them safe. The support team did food and medication deliveries, shuttled carers to clients in order to avoid public transport and consistently worked long hours to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing. This nomination certainly will put the spring back in their step. It’s so well deserved.”

Margaret was nominated by staff member and head of business development & client services, Shila Odedra-Silvera, who said: “Supporting Mrs C is difficult because she doesn't think that she needs a carer and can become verbally aggressive. Margaret does not explain, contradict, reason or ask Mrs C questions. At first she asked her what she would like for lunch or gave her a choice of two things. Mrs C would say she was going out for lunch, she was late and would become extremely anxious. Now Margaret leaves lunch out on the work top and Mrs C will get involved preparing the potatoes and vegetables and will happily potter about in the kitchen. She helps with the washing up and ironing and feels she has a sense of purpose, choice and autonomy. When Mrs C becomes anxious she will pack her suitcase and ask Margaret to take her home. Margaret will suggest delaying tactics such as waiting until it stops raining or after a cup of tea. She then forgets all about it and thinks she has arrived home and starts to unpack."