Denmead care home celebrates its employee of the month

The ‘Employee of the month award’ is one that everyone really takes note of because just 12 employees each year are selected for this special recognition. Residents of this 60 bed home, their families and all staff are encouraged to participate in the voting process. 1 person 1 vote and it is a carefully contested competition by the large team of caring and diligent staff.

This month Lou Kneller, the Memory Lane Community Lead secured the award.

Lou was nominated by lots of voters for her hard work and dedication! The staff and residents wanted to thank Lou for how caring she is to everyone she meets. Lou received a card which mentioned how much she is both appreciated and how her commitment is recognised, she is known for having the kindest heart and the Denmead Grange team feel they are lucky to have her Lead their Memory lane community! This she does with kindness, patience, good humour and great skill.

Lou was awarded her gift from their lovely resident Elizabeth. Lou joined the team over 4 years ago having worked in another large premium Care Home nearby, she has been working in the Care sector for close to 20 years, ever since she left school and knows of many homes. When asked why she chose to work at Denmead Grange she explained ‘it feels like home, residents have choices and freedoms, too many homes are really regimented, whereas here people really get to live as they wish to and they are very happy. I just love it here.’

General Manager Abbie Johnston said ‘We are so proud to have Lou as part of our team, she is a shining light, a good, kind, thoughtful soul who cares deeply and for whom simply nothing is too much trouble. Thank you, Lou.’’

Denmead Grange care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Denmead Grange provides residential and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.