The awards, known for celebrating excellence and dedication in the field of care, have acknowledged Aria Care Group’s commitment to providing top-tier care services across the board.
The nominations recognise the people and teams within Aria – from chefs and housekeepers to design and management – who have had a positive impact on the lives of residents within their communities, having been shortlisted in the following categories:
- Care Chef of the Year – Sam Armstrong, Heffle Court
- Deputy Manager of the Year – Denise McMillan, Thames View
- Care Housekeeper of the Year – Marzena Chmielewska, Mill House
- Care Activities Coordinator/Facilitator of the Year – Raquel Pena Aristizabal – Thames View
- Care Home Design of the Year – Brook House
- Care Home Group (Large)
Caroline Roberts, CEO at Aria Care, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named finalists in six categories at the National Care Awards. This is superb recognition of the passion, commitment and the high quality of care we provide to the people in our communities. “We are very proud of each and every person and team that has been shortlisted and wish them the very best of luck for the awards day.”
Winners will be announced in November.
Care Chef of the Year – Sam Armstrong, Heffle Court
Sam is an exceptional head chef with 11 years of experience, specialising in modified diets and a commitment to enhancing lives through culinary excellence.
Sam’s exceptional ability to provide well-balanced, nutritious and delicious food while considering the individual needs of the residents shines through in his extensive experience, expertise in textured diets, resident engagement, menu variety, personalised care and innovative approaches. His unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and recognition from industry authorities showcases his exceptional abilities in the care sector.
Deputy Manager of the Year – Denise McMillan, Thames View
Denise McMillan is a deputy manager with a warm heart but a cool head. With 30 years of dedication to the care industry, her person-centred approach has changed many lives.
She is incredibly forthcoming with her guidance to new residents and their families, she takes the time to explain every step of the process in great detail to assure people who are often overwhelmed and frightened. She also ensures that she articulates the social, emotional and medical needs of each resident to both staff and their families, as well as other medical professionals.
Denise is also a huge advocate for all residents but especially those who are unable to advocate for themselves, ensuring that all of their needs are met. She assists in helping them with anything that will improve their well-being.
Marzena Chmielewska – Head Housekeeper
Mill House
A genuine and professional Head Housekeeper who oversees a small team, ensuring residents are consulted and involved in how they like their room to look.
Marzena demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and a person-centred approach in her role, ensuring the highest quality of service for residents and colleagues. She understands that she is not just cleaning 45 bedrooms, but 45 uniquely individual spaces that residents call home.
Marzena’s commitment to personalisation goes beyond her role. She discovered that one resident enjoys the scent of lemons, so she and her team squeeze a lemon in her sink daily, infusing her room with a fresh and customised aroma that brings joy to the resident.
Care Activities Coordinator/Facilitator of the Year – Raquel Pena Aristizabal – Thames View
Raquel is a visionary, her drive and commitment to her work is extraordinary. She has touched many lives throughout her inspiring career and continues to make a difference every day.
Raquel has been instrumental in transforming the lives of the residents at Thames View by introducing unique and interesting activities into their daily routines.
Raquel is passionate about getting the local community involved in the activities of the care home. She has built a body of volunteers to help out at the home, including two adorable pups and children who came in from different schools in the area as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Although they have now finished their hours for the award, they have fallen in love with the home and its residents so much that they keep coming back to volunteer.
Care Home Design of the Year – Brook House
Brook House is an award-winning purpose-built care home, that stands proudly in the heart of the thriving and historic market town of Towcester, meticulously designed to reflect the style of the local Victorian buildings and seamlessly blend into the Conservation Area.
Upon entering Brook House, guests are welcomed into a bright and inviting reception area. The space sets the tone for the warm and friendly atmosphere that permeates throughout the home. The open-plan bistro and lounge provide a central hub for residents to socialise.
At the core of the design process was the commitment to providing the best resident experience. Every aspect of the building was planned with the highest specification in mind, incorporating the latest research in dementia care and ergonomic design.
Care Home Group – Aria Care
We care from the heart and our community is at the heart of everything we do.
We think our company is unique due to our attitude to building and sustaining relationships with our communities, taking the time to understand individuality and offering a home to suit everyone.
We create long term alliances; for Aria Care, it’s important that we get to know our residents and what makes them feel at home. Then we can truly build together an environment that is trusted.
