A WOMAN from Stalybridge who is a manager at a care home provider has described being named as a finalist for a national award as a ‘true honour’.
Laura Ball has been shortlisted in the ‘Dementia Trainer and Workforce Development’ category at this year’s Dementia Care Awards.
Laura has worked as an Operational Learning and Development at the UK’s largest care home provider HC-One for four years.
She was nominated for the award by HC-One’s Dementia Care Manager, Natasha Wilson.
The inaugural Dementia Care Awards celebrate outstanding practice in dementia services and recognise commitment to delivering person-centred care for people living with dementia, at all levels across the social care sector.
Laura leads on the design and delivery of inspiring dementia training across 64 of HC-One’s care homes, driving the presence of dementia care coaches. She has also led efforts to reduce restrictive practices, partnering with organisations to achieve up to a 95 per cent reduction in stress and distress events.
Beyond her role, Laura is also undergoing a postgraduate course in dementia care.
“Being named as a finalist in the Dementia Care Awards is a true honour,” she said. “It reflects the dedication, compassion and tireless effort me and the team put into improving the lives of those living with dementia every single day. We’re proud to stand alongside others who share this important mission.”
Natasha, who put Laura forward for the award, added: “I nominated Laura because her commitment to dementia care goes beyond best practice – it’s heartfelt, innovative and deeply person-centred.
“Laura consistently makes a profound difference in the lives of those she supports, and being a finalist is a well-deserved recognition of Laura’s incredible work.”
Laura will find out if she’s won on Thursday, June 19, when the Dementia Care Awards ceremony and gala dinner takes place in London.