RESIDENTS and staff at an Essex care home are celebrating after one of its care assistants was recognised at this year’s Essex Care Sector Awards.
Alexandra Kelly, a care assistant at Silverpoint Court Residential Care Home, on Canvey Island, has taken home the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ for her contribution as an ‘Oral Health Champion’ – while also being highly commended in the ‘Outstanding Carer/Support Worker’ category.
Getting dentist appointments for residents is a challenge for all care homes across the country, with many struggling to source a dentist and some even facing up to a two-year waiting list.
Since joining just over a year ago, Alexandra has managed to register almost all of the residents in the home with a local dentist and still have future dates for other residents to be registered – a very difficult feat to achieve in the current climate.
In addition, Alexandra has undertaken online training to empower herself in the role for the home, which provides person-centred care for the elderly and physically frail, while also welcoming residents requiring either permanent or respite stays.
New to working in social care, Alexandra was found by the judges to demonstrate initiative, perseverance and commitment, which was exemplified by actively putting herself forward to be the home’s Oral Health Champion. She has worked tirelessly to ensure residents’ oral health needs are met, educating all new staff members on the topic. It was due to this exceptional drive to deliver outstanding care to the home, that the judges felt she was deserving of being rewarded with the Unsung Hero Award.
The Essex Care Sector Awards aim to recognise individuals who consistently provide good quality care, compassion, creativity and dedication, as well as having a willingness to learn new skills and go the extra mile.
Gay Snowdon, Manager of Silverpoint Court Residential Care Home, said: “Alexandra is an incredibly valuable member of the team here, she has had a huge impact and really is a champion. Her approach with residents has always been very considerate and she always ensures they are comfortable with the oral procedures. All of our residents, families and colleagues are constantly singing her praises.
She continued: “Alex has embraced the oral care champion role very well, going above and beyond for the residents. She has reached out to all residents’ families to collate information on their preferences when it comes to oral health, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible.”
Silverpoint is run by Nellsar, a family-run group of 13 Care Homes throughout Kent, Surrey and Essex. Built on strong foundations, Nellsar has worked hard to build the trusted reputation of its Homes and prides itself on being approachable, accountable and empathic in its relationships with the families it supports.
For more information on Silverpoint Court Residential Care Home, please visit: https://silverpoint-court.nellsar.com/.
