A Dumfries care home is officially the best in Scotland.
Allanbank has been named Scotland’s Care Home of the Year at the national Caring UK Awards, which celebrate outstanding work in the care sector.
Manager Sandra McNay said she was “over the moon” to receive the accolade.
She said: “It is testament to the commitment and hard work of our team, who go above and beyond to deliver person-centred care to each individual who lives with us. We are incredibly proud of the care we provide and for this to be recognised at a national level has put a spring in everyone’s step.”
Allanbank’s emphasis on community involvement was applauded at the awards ceremony for its “positive impact” on residents – from visits with primary school children to the formation of a care home choir. It has even formed a strong relationship with Scottish League One team Queen of the South, which donates season tickets for residents and runs a reminiscence club which enables them to meet former players and fans to share football memories.
The judges also highlighted its commitment to staff development.
This was recognised as an “area of excellence,” with specialist dementia and delirium training provided by the NHS IDEAS team in Dumfries.
And Allanbank was praised for its creative activities programme, connections with the local community, and training and development opportunities available to the care home team.
Sandra added: “Our team are passionate about enriching the lives of our residents by creating engaging experiences that bring them joy.
“Our activities include an annual pantomime written with our residents and regular cabaret shows directed by our activities coordinator Nick Barry – a seasoned entertainer who goes by the name of Tiffany Rose.
“One of our carers, Rhiannon Dewar, is a talented artist who runs art sessions with the residents. They create a great sense of achievement and community for the residents, with the artwork having been displayed in a special exhibition in the home.”
