A Sefton care home has been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s Great British Care Awards North West Regional.

Cambridge Court in Waterloo has made it through to the finals for both the Dignity in Care and Care Home Activity Organiser awards after being nominated by residents’ families.

Activities for all

Among the activities Cambridge Court has put on for residents are musical performances and afternoon teas, as well as visits from young people from the local nursery and primary school.

Owls and alpacas have also been welcomed as part of animal therapy sessions, which can help to reduce anxiety and encourage communication and connections, particularly for people who have dementia.

A recently-launched project has enabled residents to fulfil bucket list wishes which have included from a tour of Anfield, a visit to relatives in a a different care home or a simple trip to the shops.

Supportive environment

The Dignity in Care award celebrates those who help residents to remain as independent as possible while respecting their privacy and personal wishes. As well as the extensive activity programme, Cambridge Court has been celebrated for its welcoming environment and personalised care.

Cambridge Court has used Sefton Council’s Care Settings Improvement Grant funding to create a sensory garden and hair salon. It also used the funding to refurbish an external cabin to create a space where residents and families can meet up and take part in activities.

The sensory garden is a secure area with seating and water features, as well as raised planters which mean residents can help to grow fruit and vegetables for the home. The garden also has a special memorial area in memory of previous residents. Additionally, the hair salon introduces a safe environment where residents can choose from a variety of hair and beauty treatments once a week, increasing their independence and having a positive impact on wellbeing.

Making a difference

Councillor Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “I’d like to offer a massive congratulations to the team at Cambridge Court, who work so hard to support their residents every single day. Being shortlisted for two regional awards is a huge success and our fingers will be tightly crossed during the finals in November.

“The activities that they’ve introduced are innovative and are clearly making a huge difference to the people who live there as well as their families and friends. The wellbeing of residents across Sefton is a huge priority for us at Sefton Council and to know that care homes such as Cambridge are doing so much for the people they care for is incredible.

“For the past few years, we have helped to support care homes throughout the Borough with our Care Settings Improvement Grant Programme and Cambridge Court has used it to create a truly dementia-friendly environment for their residents. We have been privileged to see the new developments over the years and this regional recognition is well deserved.”

Alena Petrie, Manager of Cambridge Court said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be shortlisted, even more so to be recognised in two categories. If we win, it will be so rewarding to know that all out hard work is being recognised.

“We know that our families appreciate the work we do, and they are the ones who matter most, but local recognition is always a bonus.”

The team will face a final round of interviews ahead of a gala on Saturday 9^th November, where the finalists will be announced.

Sefton Council’s Care Settings Improvement Grant is an annual programme, started in 2020, which supports care settings across Sefton to make changes to the environment, with a focus on those that help to improve the lives of people with dementia.

People can find out more about the Care setting Grant Improvement Programme at www.sefton.gov.uk/care-home-grants