A ‘TRULY dedicated’ manager of a Pershore care home has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Anita Fletcher, from the Heathlands Residential Care Home, admitted she cried after reading what had been said about her being nominated as a finalist for the Best Dementia Care Manager in the National Dementia Care Awards 2014.
The criteria for the prize is an outstanding manager or deputy manager who has shown exceptional leadership, care, training and management skills for the benefits of residents and staff.
Anita, who has managed the Station Road home since March 2012, is one of just five finalists in the fifth annual awards from care homes across the country.
“I was surprised when I found out and cried when I saw the lovely things people had written about me,” she said. “I am nervous, but I feel great that people have put their faith in me.
“My passion is supporting our staff to flourish and grow into confident individuals, empowering them to be the best they can be by having kindness at the heart of our care.”
Winners will be presented with their trophies at a high-profile gala night in Brighton on Tuesday, November 11.
Regional manager Anastasia Meredith, who nominated Anita, said: “It is always hard to express this in words but when you walk into Heathlands you ‘feel it’.
“It’s a happy home and this is because the person leading it is truly dedicated and has a genuine passions for people.”
The compliments were echoed by Jeanie Heap, the wife of Heathlands resident Stuart Heap, and her daughter Amanda Rowberry who described Anita as ‘a star’ for who ‘nothing is too much trouble’.
