Kam Gill, Registered Manager of Walfinch home care Oxfordshire has won a Dementia Care Award.  The award was presented at a special gala ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 June 2024.
 
The Dementia Care Awards 2024  represent all areas of dementia care across the UK.  The awards celebrate excellence in dementia services, not only honouring the dedication of those in the field but also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and innovative approaches.
 
Kam Gill was named as winner of the Dementia Care Registered Manager Award which recognises care leaders who help enhance the lives of those living with dementia. Innovation, involving individuals affected by dementia and making a real-world difference, in addition to impact, leadership skills, workforce development and support, innovation, involvement of people affected by dementia, and positive outcomes.
 
Kam Gill leads Walfinch Oxfordshire which employs 30 carers, supporting 50 home-based clients with a 74% carer retention figure.  She says: “A happy team provides better care.”  A recent carer survey found: 100% of Walfinch Oxfordshire’s carers “felt part of the team”. 
 
Kam Gill, Registered Manager, Walfinch Oxfordshire commented: “For us, it’s not just about meeting clients' physical needs, but their social, emotional and mental wellbeing too.  We organise interactive activities which have included cooking (a pancake flip encourages clients to count) and a dog therapy visit for a dementia client which reminded her of her love of dogs. 
 
“In addition we have an events coordinator to set up community activities including a free weekly art and craft class in Uffington village hall as a warm, safe space attended by clients and non-clients from the community- some with dementia plus one with a brain injury, some supported by Dementia Oxfordshire.  We provide an extra carer for anyone that needs 121 support and financially support hall hire, carers and provides lunch plus cakes and tea. 
 
“Dementia clients and their carers can look forward to finding company and engagement with activities.  Our community classes effectively extends care not just to individuals, but to the whole community.”
 
“I was delighted and honoured to accept this award which reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of our team at Walfinch Oxfordshire.  We are always looking for ways to brighten everyone’s day and if we can encourage someone with dementia or other complex care needs to raise a smile then we know we have succeeded.”