Simply the best - local carer scoops coveted national title
Kathy Smith at Tixover Care Home in Tixover has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Dementia Care Champion in the Barchester Care Awards 2025.
The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester’s 268 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.
More than 5,250 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Kathy Smith is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.
Kathy said: “I feel very proud to achieve this and see our home be recognised. I feel honoured and privileged to care for people when they really need it and to provide wrap around care with supporting families to help them understand the journey they are facing with dementia.
"I absolutely love what I do and thank my family, friends and colleagues who support me in all I do. I lost my mum, who I cared for, to dementia last year so, this award is in memory of her and the reason I continue to learn to be able to provide what these people truly deserve and nothing less in my eyes.”
Kathy Smith’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony which took place on October 23 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’s many exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.
General Manager, Ive Alexander, said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of her. Kathy makes a difference every day and her commitment inspires us all. I am extremely grateful for her exceptional work.”
Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, added: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year. We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff, they are all absolutely amazing.”