Wisteria Lodge nursing home in Horndean is a finalist in the Care Team category of the National Care Awards 2019.

This annual event is organised by social care sector management magazine Caring Times.

Wisteria Lodge directors Andy and Martina Brown, who have run the home for 20 years, said: “We are extremely proud of every member of staff at Wisteria Lodge.

“Theresa and her team are exceptionally dedicated to our residents and to each other to provide the highest standard of care, which Wisteria Lodge is widely known for.

“Compassion, kindness and professionalism is consistent, resulting in a fabulous place to live and work.

“We were gold national finalists in the Investors in People ceremonies in 2018 and are now tremendously excited to be finalists for this prestigious Care Team award.”

The National Care Awards winners will be presented with their trophies during a gala night to be attended by more than 700 guests at the Hilton London Metropole.

Wisteria Lodge provides nursing, residential, respite and day care in a home-from-home environment for the elderly and mentally frail over the age of 60.

It aims to give “bespoke, individualised care meant for the most fulfilling life possible”, and many staff have worked there for more than a decade.

The ground floor was refurbished recently and a garden room was added. Facilities include a roof terrace, an activities space, a pop-up cinema, a salon, a hydro bath, free wi-fi, a lift and a stairlift.

Washing, ironing and cooking is all done on site by the home’s team. There are complementary alternative therapies including massage, manicure and reflexology.

Activities include music for health, theatre shows from a drama group, visits to garden centres and pubs, art and craft, cake baking, carpet golf, indoor bowls, visiting singers and musicians, gardening, exercise, pet therapy, bingo and films.

The home’s Friends of Wisteria Lodge group comprises relatives and friends who still wish to keep in touch, help or pop in for a cup of tea and a chat.

Caring Times reflects the opinions of the social care sector and focuses on news affecting the private, public and not-for-profit providers of nursing and residential care.

The awards were devised to celebrate the best people in the long-term care sector by highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

There were 18 categories with four or five finalists in each one. All were assessed by two independent judges at the Hilton London Metropole on October 11.