Four Dementia Care Awards Finalists Shine a Spotlight on Romford Care Home’s Commitment to Dementia Excellence
Romford Care Home is celebrating an outstanding achievement after four members of its team were recognised as finalists at the prestigious National Dementia Care Awards, highlighting the home’s dedication to providing exceptional specialist dementia care and supporting the wider Havering community.
The home was represented across four separate award categories:
- Tara Balaam – Dementia Unsung Hero Award Finalist
- Susie Hocker – Unpaid Carer Award Finalist
- Cydney Bale – Intergenerational Activity Award Finalist
- Tracy Smith – Outreach Award Finalist
The evening, hosted by legendary broadcaster Angela Rippon, brought further success as volunteer Susie Hocker was Highly Commended in the Unpaid Carer Award category, recognising the remarkable contribution she has made to the lives of residents over the past three years.
The judges praised Susie for her selfless commitment, commenting: “Susie has devoted more than three years to enhancing the lives of our residents, generously giving her time and energy on a voluntary basis. Her boundless creativity, compassion, and unwavering belief that ‘anything is possible’ create meaningful opportunities for everyone. Together with her therapy dog, she brings happiness, comfort, companionship, and lasting positive memories every single day.”
Having four finalists from one home reflects Romford Care Home’s holistic approach to dementia care, where meaningful relationships, community engagement and personalised experiences are at the heart of everyday life.
Alongside delivering specialist dementia care, the home has become a recognised community hub across Romford and Havering. Tracy Smith, Customer Relations Manager and Outreach Award finalist, regularly delivers free ‘Understanding the Journey into Dementia Care’ talks to local organisations, businesses and community groups, helping to improve awareness, understanding and confidence in supporting people living with dementia.
The home also hosts a popular monthly Dementia Café, bringing together people living with dementia, families and local professionals in a welcoming environment to access support, advice and companionship. Throughout the year, residents and team members organise fundraising initiatives for local charities and dementia organisations, while the home’s intergenerational reading programme continues to build meaningful relationships between residents and local children, creating lasting memories across generations.
Tracy Smith, Customer Relations Manager, added: “Being recognised alongside such inspiring individuals was a real honour. These awards celebrate the people who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those living with dementia, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team. Our outreach work, Dementia Café, community partnerships and intergenerational programmes are all about breaking down barriers, supporting families and helping create a more dementia-friendly community. We are proud to make a difference both inside and outside our home.”
The Dementia Care Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and compassion across the sector, recognising individuals and organisations that make a lasting difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
Madalina “Maddie” Ilie, General Manager at Romford Care Home, said: “To have four finalists recognised at the Dementia Care Awards is something we are immensely proud of. It reflects the passion, compassion and dedication shown by our entire team every single day, not only within our home but across our local community. Dementia care is about so much more than meeting care needs; it’s about creating opportunities, building relationships and helping people continue to live meaningful lives. Congratulations to Tara, Susie, Cydney and Tracy on this incredible achievement, and a special congratulations to Susie on being Highly Commended.”
For everyone at Romford Care Home, having four national finalists and a Highly Commended award winner serves as recognition of the home’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding dementia care while making a positive impact throughout the Romford and Havering community.
