Meadowlark Care Home team leader Gina Duff nominated for Scottish Care Carer of the Year award

A LOCAL carer has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Renaissance Care team leader, Gina Duff, is being celebrated in the Scottish Care Awards Carer of the Year category for her commitment to and compassion for residents at Meadowlark Care Home.

She said: “Working at Meadowlark is a labour of love so to be shortlisted for doing a job which I am so passionate about is very humbling. It’s been an extremely challenging year, but to know that myself and colleagues throughout the sector are being recognised for the hard work and dedication that goes into the job means a lot.”

Meadowlark Care Home offers support for up to 57 residents in single occupancy rooms. It also provides social and private dining facilities, depending on resident’s preference.

Gina started at Meadowlark in 2019 as leader of the care team and was one of the first to be employed in what was a new role in the home. She has spent the past two years ensuring each member of staff has the information and training to deliver a high standard of person-centred care. Leading by example and drawing on her own personal experience, Renaissance confirm that Gina has created a culture of resident-focused care at Meadowlark, prioritising individual needs and providing bespoke care for each resident. As a result, their experiences have improved through development of care plans and activities which has led to improved physical and mental health.

Renaissance confirms that residents and families are made to feel valued, engaging them more in life at the home. Staff report an increase in enthusiasm in the residents, improved communication from non-verbal residents and a reduction in medication usage.

A Renaissance spokesperson said: “Gina has gone above and beyond, using personal time to make sure all family members are kept in the loop with what is happening. She has dedicated her own time to keeping everyone updated in the most recent government guidelines as she aims to create a sense of assurance and calm.”

Gina added: “Knowledge and communication is key in ensuring that, not only are we delivering the best care within the guidelines given, but also, it allows residents, their families and staff to feel a sense of control.”

Meadowlark general manager Casey Whittaker also praised her colleague’s contribution.

She said: “Everybody in the home and the residents’ relatives places trust in Gina due to the strong bond she has developed with them. It’s fantastic that she is being recognised for everything she does. We are looking forward to toasting her success once the awards rescheduled date has been set.”