The manager of an award-winning home which is pioneering new levels of care, has been nominated for one of Wales’ top care awards.
After 30 years in the care sector, Ann Chapman, is “privileged” to be running a centre of excellence, her dream home for people with mental health problems and dementia.
Bodlondeb was opened by Assembly First Minister Carwyn Jones last year when he described Pendine Park’s new home in Summerhill Road, on the outskirts of Wrexham, as a place which “raises the spirits when you come in.”
Ann, from Brynford near Holywell, has been nominated in the excellence in mental health award, sponsored by Mental Health Care, in the Wales Care Awards.
The Awards recognise the unsung heroes by rewarding the best in the caring professions. October 21 at Cardiff City Hall is the profession’s “Oscars” night finals staged in association with Care Forum Wales, the organisation which represents more than 500 care homes and independent care sector organisations.
Ann, originally from Bangor-on-Dee near Wrexham, trained as a nurse in Chester before working in Bermuda in the 70s in the drug and rehabilitation field. When she returned she was based at the former Broughton Hospital doing district nursing, caring for people with disabilities in their own homes.
“I’ve been at Pendine for the last 12 years, however my professional links span over many years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the way things develop and I’ve been given opportunities to have an input on the design of the centre of excellence, Bodlondeb.
“ Bodlondeb is a top of the range unit for people with dementia and mental health problems. bringing together a complementary range of best practice.This field of care is the most challenging but the most rewarding.
“When an individual suffers with enduring mental health problems it is much harder to find suitable, fit for purpose accommodation and care.
“The eight units are small which allows individuals to experience a more normal lifestyle. They’re designed to accommodate eight people and some of them have three separate lounges while others have two lounges in addition to our outstanding separate day care facility. We also have male only units.
“We see each new day as an opportunity to try something new and help people to grow in self esteem.
“As part of our efforts to promote enablement, we support individuals to clean their own rooms – one of our residents fills out a timesheet as she goes about her chores.
“We have a small laundry and several kitchen areas where residents can take pride in continuing with lifelong skills which are so easily lost if not protected.
“We are really not interested in what an individual cannot do but what they can do and this is what we focus on. We build strengths and work together towards self actualisation.
“I feel so fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to develop this home, it’s fantastic because this home is so different and we can do so much more.”
The day centre at Bodlondeb is used by residents, former residents and non-residents and Ann makes sure relatives play a very active role in the running of the home.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed, shocked, to receive a nomination, because I feel so privileged working here. It’s so gratifying however when other people think you have done something special,” said Ann.
Chief Executive Officer for Pendine Park Care Organisation, Gwynfor Jones, nominated Ann. He said: “By her own admission, the last 12 months have been the most challenging of Ann’s career, but she also regards the period as the most rewarding for her in terms of seeing many of her personal aspirations and ideas come to fruition.
“For Ann the real achievement is the high standard of care and well-being experienced by the residents of Bodlondeb.”
