A CARE home in Eastcote is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national industry awards.

Care UK’s Whitby Dene, in Whitby Road, is in the Best Single Care Home in a Group category and Best for Sporting, Social or Leisure Activities at the Care Home Awards on June 27.

Whitby Dene is praised for its specialised, person-centred care programme. On top of providing specialist nursing care, the team also adapts to residents’ needs and wishes, based on abilities.

For instance, a former headmistress, now has her own “headmistress office”, kitted out with school books and a red pen.

In addition, Whitby Dene set up a maintenance club for those who enjoy handy work and a baking club.

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Also popular is its pen pals project, resulting in friendships with residents from other care homes and school children.  

The home has its own wishing tree scheme, where residents submit their wishes and the team works hard to grant them.

Father George, a former priest, wished to receive a blessing from Pope Francis, so home manager Saad Baig got in touch with the Cardinal of England to liaise with the Vatican, who granted an audience.

Another resident, who developed a love for flying in her youth, received a flying lesson for her 96th birthday, more than 50 years after she had last been on a plane.

After finding out a resident used to be a professional badminton player, the home also tracked down his old badminton partner and arranged for them to meet up and play together again.

Whitby Dene was also praised for its involvement in the community, as an active member of the Dementia Alliance of Hillingdon.