A team member at a Cardiff care home is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Katie Whittington, a Care Assistant at Care UK’s Llys Cyncoed, on Cyncoed Road, has been named a finalist in the Dementia Care Home Worker Award category at the Dementia Care Awards 2025.
The awards recognise individuals who demonstrate excellence in dementia care, going above and beyond to improve the quality of life for people living with the condition.
Since joining the Llys Cyncoed team in 2023, Katie has become known for her warmth, dedication, and passion for person-centred care. Described by residents and colleagues as a “ray of sunshine”, Katie is committed to building strong, meaningful connections with residents and understanding what makes each person unique.
In addition to her role as a Care Assistant, Katie has qualified as a Medication Technician and a Namaste practitioner – a holistic approach to care that involves a range of physical, sensory and emotional approaches proven to support people living with advanced dementia. She has also trained colleagues at the home to deliver Namaste sessions, ensuring more residents benefit from its therapeutic effects.
Judges were impressed by Katie’s efforts to reduce the use of antipsychotic medication at the home through her use of alternative approaches, including calming techniques, reassurance, and comforting. Her person-centred methods have led to improved wellbeing for many residents.
One example includes Katie’s work with a non-verbal resident whose fists are tightened and closed. Through regular hand massages as part of Namaste sessions, Katie helped her gradually open her hands again. In another case, Katie supported a resident with aphasia who can sometimes experience distress. Katie’s consistent, calming approach has significantly improved the residents’ demeanour and engagement with others.
Katie said: “It’s such an honour to be shortlisted. I absolutely love what I do, and helping residents feel comfortable, valued and happy is what motivates me every day. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and I’m so proud to be part of a team that truly puts residents first.”
Carley Hunt, General Manager at Llys Cyncoed, added: “Katie is a truly special team member who brings kindness, compassion and professionalism to everything she does. She’s made a huge impact, and her dedication to continually improving dementia care is inspiring.
“Residents are at the heart of everything Katie does. She takes time to get to know them on a personal level, beyond their clinical needs, and takes a real interest in their life experiences and what makes each individual unique. We are incredibly proud of her for being recognised at a national level, and are keeping our fingers crossed that she gets a well-deserved win on the night!”
The winners of the Dementia Care Awards 2025 will be announced on 19th June 2025, with the gala event taking place at Hilton London Bankside.
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Llys Cyncoed provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The home has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.
For more information about Llys Cyncoed, please call Customer Relations Manager Elisabeth May on 029 2168 2857, email elisabeth.may@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/llys-cyncoed