THE manager of a Pershore care home is celebrating after being named Best Dementia Care Manager.

Heathlands Residential Care Home in Station Road played host to Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, and town mayor Tony Rowley, as they visited to hear about the success of the home's former manager last week.

Anita Fletcher — who received the award at the National Dementia Care Awards — managed the home before she recently moved on to a role as care development manager with Sanctuary Care, which runs the home, but she will return again to manage the home.

Ms Fletcher said: “I was really honoured that MP Harriett Baldwin and the Mayor of Pershore wanted to meet with me to chat about my recent success — it’s put a great finishing touch to the celebrations.

“They were both so nice and were really interested to hear my story. For all of us to be acknowledged is so rewarding, as my recent success wasn’t just down to me, it was down to my fantastic team and our wonderful residents and their families. Heathlands is a happy home and I feel extremely proud to be a part of the amazing people linked to it.

“I am so grateful to have won the award and to receive widespread recognition. My determination and commitment to ensure my team will flourish in supporting our residents to receive the best possible care and support will always continue.”

Now in its fifth year, the National Dementia Care Awards is an annual event organised by the Journal of Dementia Care.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I think you can judge a society by how it cares for its elderly residents and based on Heathlands, Pershore is exemplary. It is a hugely popular residential home and delivers first class care for local people.

“Anita does an amazing job and I was keen to come and congratulate her in person for the work she and the team do to look after some of our older residents.

“During my visit, I was also able to meet with Joan Trench, who at 107 is probably my oldest constituent and a charming lady.

“We are so lucky to have such a great home as Heathlands and I know that their efforts are appreciated by residents and their loved ones.”