Banbury care home employee named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for going above and beyond during COVID-19 pandemic

Residents and colleagues at a care home in Banbury have praised team members for their dedication, hard work and passion throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Charlotte Levin, deputy manager at Care UK’s Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, has been named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for going above and beyond for colleagues and residents in recent months.

The nomination was shared as part of a nationwide search for Care UK Heroes throughout its 122 care homes. From outstanding colleagues, to residents who have ensured morale remains high, this competition aims to shine a light on these exceptional people.

Throughout the pandemic, Charlotte has stepped up to support the home manager, ensuring the smooth running of the home while continuing to offer her help to the rest of the team, as well as writing ‘thank you’ cards for the night team.

To keep the morale up, she got involved in many of the activities and special days at the home, including dressing up as the Easter Bunny to deliver chocolates to residents on Easter Sunday, and serving a special afternoon tea dressed as the Queen of Hearts.

Charlotte said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as a Care UK Hero.

"Maintaining a sense of normality for residents and trying to keep everyone’s morale up during lockdown was incredibly important, and I’m thrilled to have been recognised for my efforts to support the team and wellbeing of residents.

"I’m incredibly proud of the environment we have created here at Highmarket House, and although challenging, the past few months have reinforced just how important the service we provide is for residents and their families.”

Jo Pohl, home manager at Highmarket House, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Charlotte’s hard work – she brings a unique, incredible energy to Highmarket House.

“Charlotte is always smiling no matter what and that makes all the difference in the world, especially when going through challenging times. She really stepped up to support the team and keeping the morale high, whether that be by entertaining the residents and dressing up as the Queen of Hearts or writing thank you cards for the night team.

“From our nurses and lifestyle coordinators, to our housekeepers and chefs, everyone has done a tremendous job over the past few months, and I cannot thank Charlotte and the rest of the team enough for their hard work, which I know is greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”

Highmarket House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia, nursing and short-term respite care.

The home, which features 73 en-suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.