Maureen WINS unsung hero award | News from Oakwood Court

We are so proud to share that Maureen, General Assistant and Senior Care Assistant at Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath was honoured last night with the Unsung Hero Award at the West Sussex Partners in Care Accolades 2025!

Maureen was recognised for going the extra mile and putting residents at the heart of everything she does. Here is some of Maureen's nomination:

"She has worked in our home for nine years and has a huge impact on all our daily lives. Her wonderful character is so supportive of everyone and she goes well beyond the expectations of her role. She arranges for her grandchildren, who love to sing and dance, to visit the home and perform. She brings in her treasure trove of decorations and gifts and shares and displays these for all kinds of events. On valentines day she gifted ‘love’ related chocolates and sweets to residents and colleagues.

She is a hydration champion and spends time sourcing ingredients and researching new ideas to carry out effective hydration activities. She purchases small items such mocktail decorations and mixers to make the refreshments as appetising as possible. She also goes the extra mile to share hydration techniques with colleagues.

She walked 31 miles in May to fundraise for Dementia UK and encouraged colleagues to take part with her, a real team effort! She creates memory boxes with residents, giving time and money to sourcing items.

She is driven by the residents because she has an inherent passion for caring, which she’s done throughout her working career. She wants residents to feel safe and content in their home. She always ensures residents look presentable and pays attention to detail, for example hair, make up and clothes. Nothing is too much trouble for her.

Colleagues love working with her, they learn from her best practice and enjoy social interactions – her smile is enough to make anyone feel at ease. She cares for people in the same way as she cares for her family, with respect, empathy and devotion."

Maureen enjoyed the Accolades along with Maricel (care assistant), Charlie (Domestic Assistant) and Bindu (Care Home Manager). These awards cover all the care homes in West Sussex and it is a fantastic achievement. 

Thank you, Maureen, for being the heart of our home. You are simply the best!