It was an awards night with a silver lining – and a gold one.
Pendine Park activities manager Gerry Humphreys found herself nominated for not one but two awards at Wales Care Awards, the most prestigious awards for care professionals.
She was a gold winner in the Dignity in Care Award and silver recipient for the Promoting Fulfilled Lives Award.
“No one can be unhappy when Gerry is around” was how Malcolm Crosbie of Ruabon described Gerry when he nominated her.
As the husband of retired civil servant Audrey, 82, an Alzheimer sufferer and resident at Pendine’s Highfield home, in Wrexham, he had seen her winning ways first hand and nominated her for the fulfilling lives category sponsored by Boots.
The Awards recognise the unsung heroes by rewarding the best in the caring professions at an Oscar’s type awards at Cardiff City Hall, staged in association with Care Forum Wales, the organisation which represents more than 500 care homes and independent care sector organisations.
“My strong belief is that just because someone is living in the care sector does not mean their social life should end,” said Gerry, who lives with her partner at Holt, near Wrexham.
Gerry, who was “shocked” to find she had even been nominated, started as a care worker about 20 years ago and found herself working at Highfield care home in Summerhill Road, Wrexham, as a care worker, when the activities co-ordinator left.
“I just thought I could see possibilities of doing a lot more for the residents, taking them further afield on days out,” she said. She applied and got the job. Now she is activities manager for the entire group.
She has set up a swimming club for residents, ladies go to ballet performances, some of the men go to football matches. There are visiting musicians and choirs.
“Of course you have ladies and gents who do not wish to join in everything. We all like some quiet time, and we respect that and perhaps read or just talk to them in their room,” said Gerry, who between her and her partner have nine grandchildren.
“I was gobsmacked when I knew I was nominated, for someone to think that highly of you. I’m just doing what I’m meant to be doing, I believe that is why I’m here to try and fulfil the wishes of the residents and families,” said Gerry.
About six years ago Gerry set up the family support group. “When you talk to some of the relatives they like to say how they are feeling and at times they feel they are on their own, so it’s important they share their feelings with others who are in the same position.
Retired project engineer and father of two Mr Crosbie, said: “As a member of the relatives support group I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to work with Gerry towards the enhancement of the lives of residents.
“I have first-hand knowledge of her commitment and dedication and the effort she puts in, not only during her work hours, but also in her own time.”
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM, who presented the awards, paid tribute to the work of Care Forum Wales in promoting dignity in care.
She said: ” It’s a time to recognise the excellent work that is taking place across Wales and an opportunity to shine a light on this practice so that others can see and follow.
“Tonight is an opportunity to recognise all those who have been nominated, to recognise all of your commitment and efforts and to recognise your impact on others.
“The celebration of the achievements of all of you who make a day to day impact on the lives of older people and how in everything you do you ensure that their dignity is at the heart of everything that you do.”
Mario Kreft, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said there was a record number of nominations and the standard was extremely high.
He added: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.
“We take our hats off to them.”
