National Awards Trio of Success!
-Tilu Ngwira from our Castlecroft Residential Care Home in Birmingham – Carer of the Year Award
-Bartley Green Lodge Residential Care Home in Birmingham – Care Home of the Year Award
-Norman McGlashan – Maintenance Operative across our Scotland homes – Newcomer of the Year Award.
Meet Tilu……
Tilu has a charismatic energy that lights up a room. The connection he has with each resident is magical to see - he gets to know their unique personalities and what they love, so he can adapt the way he communicates and cares for them. For example, he often talks to one resident in French, a language she loves. 
On his days off Tilu often brings his children in to spend time with the residents, taking them out together to the local duck pond or the library, simply because he loves spending time with them.
Tilu has a natural way of using humour to bring comfort. Sometimes being in a hoist can be unnerving. Tilu pretends to be the captain of ‘Castlecroft Airlines,’ holding a resident’s hands while he calmly talks them through their ‘take off’ and gentle ‘landing’.
The judges described Tilu as a “rock to everyone” and “a born leader”. Reflecting on his win he said: “I feel proud, excited, accomplished, validated and grateful for this national recognition of the work I do."
Over to Norman……
The judges described Norman as a “great team player who brings creativity to enhancing the quality of life for residents”.
Norman works as a Maintenance Operative across our homes in East Scotland and is passionate about using his skills to enrich the residents’ lives. He thinks nothing of coming in on his days off to spend time with them or taking them to places they love.
One resident wanted his bedroom decorated in the colours of his favourite football team, so Norman took him shopping to choose the perfect shade and they decorated the room together. Norman gave the resident his own apron and tool belt so he can be his ‘apprentice’, helping him with jobs around the home, giving him such a sense of achievement and purpose. 
The respect he has for the residents as unique individuals is so special. One gentleman believed men should always wear a tie, so every shift, Norman wore one just for him.
Reflecting on his award he said: “The win left me lost for words which isn't common! I'm so grateful to everyone who submitted such positive endorsements for me.”
And our Care Home of the Year………..
Over at Bartley Green Lodge, Birmingham, residents who were still awake were elated to receive a Facetime call from the winners’ stage from Home Manager Kelly Thompson, revealing their win!
The home is a micro community, enriching the lives of all who touch it. Residents and relatives are actively involved in how the home is run and resident ambassadors interview potential staff candidates alongside Kelly, provide feedback for staff appraisals and chair residents’ meetings.
Such is the community ethos, staff reg
ularly pop in on their days off or help with trips out, and often visit residents who have to go into hospital. One resident spent Christmas in hospital, so the team recreated the festivities, including a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, to welcome him home in January.
The team are passionate about creating meaningful pastimes for residents: one gentleman who loves dogs, so the team organised for him to dog-sit for Beryl the cockapoo.
Speaking of the win Kelly said: “This award is testament to every single person in our Bartley Green community – our devoted staff, residents and their loved ones, and we are so proud.”
For more about how we are enriching lives at Sanctuary Care, our Enquiry Support Team as here to help on 0800 331 7425.
