At Redcot, our Haslemere-based residential care home, residents and the care team have been toasting Ann Essam, one of the home’s Activities Coordinators, who has been announced as a Finalist in this year’s Surrey Care Awards.
Ann, who is already a Finalist in The Care Activities Co-ordinator/Facilitator of the Year category, at the National Care Awards, has also scooped a Finalist position in the Unsung Heroes – Making Care Possible category at this year’s Surrey Care Awards which take place on 8th November at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Ann. “To be recognised on both a national and regional level for doing what I love doing every day is incredible. I feel really honoured and thankful.”
The Surrey Care Awards are organised by The Surrey Care Association (SCA) which was created in 2005 to help shape the future of Adult Social Care in Surrey. The annual awards highlight how vital the services, interactions and connections are for the residents and clients care workers support. They showcase excellence throughout the Care Sector and provide a platform for those who make life the best possible for all those they support.
“It’s wonderful that the Surrey Care Awards are paying tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work,” said Jan Daly, the Registered Manager at Redcot Residential Care Home. “To have Ann’s talents, achievements and skills recognised is truly justified. Ann works tirelessly to support each resident by providing daily engaging, fun and inclusive activities.
“She really does make an exceptional contribution to the quality of life, health and happiness of the residents, including those who are living with dementia, and always goes the extra mile. It’s in her nature, she’s such a caring, warm and open person. Redcot is so lucky to have her.”
Ann joined Friends of the Elderly in 2001, after she returned to work following her retirement. “I couldn’t take to retirement, it wasn’t for me,” continued Ann. “I didn’t want to stop caring and helping people. Working every day with the wonderful residents is my calling. I think we all get on so well as we relate so well on so many levels, as I’m not that much younger than them.”
Ann’s wide and varied activities range from arts and craft sessions, sing-along afternoons, film nights, games, quizzes, themed days and events, gentle exercise classes, excursions, performances by visiting entertainers and visits by different community groups.
“It is vital to me that I spend time talking and getting to know each resident. Making sure I know what they like, what they don’t like, their hobbies, interests and favourite pastimes helps me to ensure that the activities I create and deliver are tailored to meet each residents’ individual needs,” added Ann.
“Ann is devoted to the residents,” continued Jan. “Her bespoke service is totally inclusive and everyone, regardless of their abilities, is able to join in, take part and enjoy themselves. Top of Ann’s list is not only promoting wellbeing and striving for excellence at all times but treating the residents with respect and keeping those she cares for safe.”
As she knows the residents’ so well, Ann has been pivotal in delivering many initiatives for them at Redcot. She was key in the creation of the residents’ Redcot Choir which has become so popular, they now perform at the care homes’ many community events and worked with Jan and community suppliers to manifest the residents’ wish for their own pub – The Redcot Arms.
As for being resilient, Ann continued caring for the residents throughout the Covid Pandemic, is one of the Charity’s Dementia Champions and supports residents’ families at difficult times, including helping them cope with the loss of a loved one.
“Ann is a true Care Ambassador,” added Jan. “Always thinking of others, nothing is ever too much trouble. Ann also helps residents letter writing and shopping, hosts an annual garden party at her own home, and keeps in contact – and helps where she can – those residents who have moved back into the local community. She always keeps in touch and will be there at a drop of a hat if anyone needs her.”
“At Redcot, we all have the same goal – to make our residents’ lives happier. The best thing is when I see them singing song and all smiling. I love to see them smiling. I love what I do every day, I wouldn’t change a thing. I often get asked, why do I do what I do? The answer is simple, I love it,” Ann concluded.
Find out more about Redcot care home by calling 01428 644 637 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.