Loughview Fold Celebrates Carolyn's 80th Birthday

Carolyn has worked at Loughview for over 20 years caring for and supporting people living with dementia. She is loved by both staff and residents, who marked the occasion with cake and biscuits. 

Nomination of Honour from John McLean - Radius Housing CEO

Carolyn cares for each and every resident as if they were a member of her own family. She
knows every residents’ specific wishes. Her kindness, compassion and patience is endless.
Working with people with dementia can be demanding, exhausting work but Carolyn’s energy is
simply amazing. She works two 12 hour shifts a week but is well known for coming to the
scheme in her own time to help with special events, birthday parties and to assist residents get
ready for special outings with families such as weddings, christenings and birthdays. One of
Carolyn’s many talents is hairdressing and make-up.

Whilst there are many happy times to celebrate with residents, Carolyn has spent many hours of
her own time sitting with residents, who may not have any family left to care for them, in the
final days and hours of their life so they are never alone.

Carolyn’s nurturing ways play a significant part in the induction of new staff to the scheme.
Carolyn will spend time with the new team members passing on her wisdom, knowledge and
demonstrating the skills needed to provide excellent care and support. Carolyn has been
nominated by her team for awards and has won the Independent Health and Care Providers
“Care Assistant of the Year” award. Her colleagues see her as an inspirational hard-working
member of the team.

Carolyn’s relationship with families is very special. Her extensive knowledge of dementia and
the impact it has on the residents and their families is outstanding. Carolyn can explain why a
resident is behaving in a particular manner and how the family can deal with this. Families have
often commented that they know their relative is safe and well looked after in Carolyn’s care.
Carolyn’s quiet presence with relatives during those difficult times of illness and end of life care
is simply wonderful. A simple holding of a hand or the gentle and compassionate care shown to
the residents in their final days makes the most difficult times more bearable.
Carolyn continued to work during the difficult times of the pandemic providing support to the
residents and liaising with relatives. She is one very special lady.

John McLean