A TEAM member at a Dorset care home has been shortlisted for a national award after bringing residents ‘nothing but happiness’.

Hannah Collins, lifestyle lead at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, has been shortlisted in the Dementia Care Awards 2024.

The new awards celebrate outstanding practice in dementia services and recognise a commitment to deliver outcome-focussed care for people living with the condition.

After wowing judges with her people-centred and thoughtful approach to residents’ wellbeing, Hannah is in the running for the ‘Activity Co-ordinator Award’.

The 27-year-old quickly made an impression on the home after joining in 2021, putting together activities and planning special days out for residents.

She said: “Going on these trips and days out with residents is an amazing opportunity to see who they really are, and to watch their personalities shine.

“This is my favourite part of my role – being lucky enough to experience the happiness they feel when being out and enjoying the world.”

Since Hannah’s arrival, the home has reported significant improvement in residents’ wellbeing, with the atmosphere ‘radiating a positive energy’.

She has been particularly praised for her specialised approach towards residents living with dementia, helping them to hold on to their memories.

Sara Muslin, home manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “Hannah will sit down with residents and have simple daily conversations with them.

"If a resident mentions a memory they have, she will note it down and go and research what she can do to help the resident relive that memory.”

The ‘Activity Coordinator Award’ recognises activity leaders that help enhance the lives of those living with dementia.

The award champions innovation and making a real-world difference to people’s lives.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, June 13, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Sara added: “Since joining us, Hannah has provided residents with nothing but happiness and thoroughly deserves this honour.

“A lot of thought and care has gone in to making Ferndown Manor a wonderful place to call home and Hannah consistently goes above and beyond for residents and their wellbeing – particularly those living with dementia."