Harrow care home shortlisted for national award
Buchanan Court has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Communication’ category of the Care Home Awards 2021
Geoffrey, a resident at Buchanan Court. Image: Care UK
Submitted by Care UK
A care home in Harrow, in London, is celebrating after being shortlisted in the Care Home Awards 2021.
Care UK’s Buchanan Court, on Sudbury Hill, has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Communication’ category, which recognises individual homes for an exceptional level of internal and external communication.
The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation, and delivery. The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in September.
Buchanan Court has been commended for its incredible communication skills which have helped the home support colleagues, residents, and relatives alike throughout the pandemic.
Judges noted the commitment to ensuring residents and relatives were able to keep in regular contact while visiting restrictions were in place, with Lifestyle Lead, Chidiuto Imediegwu, creating an individualised video call timetable for each resident.
Chidiuto also ensured the home’s Facebook page was kept up to date with photographs so that relatives were able to see their loved ones enjoying themselves.
Relatives were also invited to a weekly Zoom meeting with the senior team, to be kept up to date with the latest developments within the home, and to be reassured during a highly critical time when they were unable to visit their family members.
Resident meetings are also held regularly and chaired by resident Joanne, to highlight any changes they would like to implement.
Residents are also involved in external communication, often helping to lead virtual tours of the home for new residents, and were also delighted to feature on the ‘dance with This Morning’ slot on ITV.
Buchanan Court is an active member of its community and often hosts informative events for local people, to educate them on dementia, or to offer guidance and support for family carers.
The home manager also spoke with children from the nearby primary school about how the pandemic was affecting the home, team, and residents.
Relatives of residents have also shared a number of comments about their experiences of the home, with one relative saying: “The staff have been brilliant in keeping me informed and explain how they are managing and observing my relative and I couldn’t ask more of them.”
Ana Tudorache, home manager at Buchanan Court, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Communication category at this year’s Care Home Awards.
“We strive to have transparent, open, and honest lines of communication, something that has served us incredibly well over the past year.
“Ensuring residents and relatives have been able to keep in touch has been our priority, as well as supporting team members and relatives to feel heard, and kept updated with life at the home. I couldn’t be prouder of all we have achieved - winning would be the icing on the cake.”
