A not-for-profit care home in Dumfries has been named Scotland’s Care Home of the Year at the national Caring UK Awards, which celebrate outstanding work in the care sector.
Sanctuary Care’s Allanbank Care Home has been at the heart of the local community since 2020 providing respite, residential, dementia, nursing and mental health care for 69 of residents from Dumfries & Galloway.
At the prestigious awards ceremony, the care home was praised for its creative activities programme, connections with the local community, and training and development opportunities available to the care home team.
Sandra Mcay, Manager at Allanbank Care Home, said:
“Our team are passionate about enriching the lives of our residents by creating engaging experiences that bring them joy. Our activities include an annual Pantomime written with our residents and regular cabaret shows directed by our Activities Coordinator Nick Barry, a seasoned entertainer who goes by the name of Tiffany Rose!
“One of our carers, Rhiannon [Dewar, is also a talented artist who runs one-to-one art sessions with the residents. These sessions create a great sense of achievement and community for the residents, with the artwork having been displayed in a special exhibition in the home.”
During the awards, the Dumfries care home’s emphasis on community involvement was applauded for its positive impact on residents, from visits with primary school children to the formation of a care home choir.
The award-winning home has even formed a strong relationship with Scottish League One team, Queen of the South. The team donates season tickets for residents, whilst a reminiscence club enables residents to meet former players and fans to share football memories.
The judges also highlighted Allanbank Care Home’s commitment to staff development. This was recognised as an “area of excellence,” with specialist dementia and delirium training provided by the NHS IDEAS Team in Dumfries.
Sandra Mcnay, Manager at Allanbank Care Home, added:
“We are over the moon to be named Scotland’s Care Home of the Year. It is testament to the commitment and hard work of our team, who go above and beyond to deliver person-centred care to each individual who lives with us.
“We are incredibly proud of the care we provide and for this to be recognised at a national level has put a spring in everyone’s step.”