Apprentice Jade Loton caring for dementia sufferers nominated for national award

Hale Barns care home worker, and Paragon Skills Apprentice Jade Loton, 19, has been nominated for a prestigious Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Award in the breakthrough apprentice of the year category.

Since becoming a carer in 2020, Jade has been no stranger to awards and accolades, having been named ‘employee of the month’ in her first month at Sunrise Senior Living, before scooping ‘Carer of the Year’ award just twelve months later.

The secret to apprentice Jade’s success – despite her young years – is her person-centred approach to resident care, which has enabled her to make a huge difference to the lives of dementia sufferers in her care.

Caring for advanced dementia sufferers can be tricky, even for veterans, but Jade has taken this in her stride, taking time to get to know residents and connecting with them on a human level to gain their trust.

Whether it’s sitting down to look at photos of pets, putting on residents’ make up or simply sharing a cup of tea and a chat, by carrying out activities on a one-to-one basis Jade has found the knack of reconnecting dementia sufferers with their lives.

Jade’s caring and kind-hearted nature has been transformational for care home residents and their loved ones too. One resident’s family member went out of her way to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jade for making sure that her mother always looks and feels a million dollars – putting her mind at rest that she’s in the safest of hands.

Inspired by her experience of caring for dementia sufferers, Jade recently became Sunrise Senior Living’s ‘End of Life Champion’ and is undertaking a training course to provide dignified, compassionate care to her residents when they need it most.

As a result of her hard work and dedication, Jade was nominated to become an induction buddy to new starters, to support and develop her further as a role model for her colleagues. Sharing her knowledge, skills and behaviours, Jade provides ongoing support so they can deliver the same outstanding levels of care too.

Backing Jade to get the gong is Regional Director (Care UK) Northern Region, Amanda Holland: “Jade’s is at an outstanding level, and she will always go above and beyond to support her team…Jade is what care is.”

A ringing endorsement if ever we heard one.

Voting has now opened for the breakthrough apprentice of the year award sponsored by UNISON. Support Jade by casting your vote at: https://bit.ly/3pYRQek