Orchard Care Homes has been named the 2023 winner of the LaingBuisson Award for Excellence in Large Residential Care.
The annual ceremony, now in its 18th year, celebrates businesses setting new standards of excellence. The Excellence in Large Residential Care Award is awarded to providers offering over 1,000 beds, with judges assessing entrants for excellence in residential or nursing care and a keen focus on innovation and engagement with service users. This year’s ceremony was held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London.
On naming Orchard Care Homes as the 2023 winner, the judges commented that the business's ‘fantastic achievement in significantly reducing antipsychotic medications is commendable’.
Orchard Care Homes has sought alternative approaches to medication as part of its company-wide Dementia Promise, a commitment aimed at driving a shift in attitudes towards dementia care. State-of-the-art pain identification had reduced the total number of resident falls by 20 per cent, with homes recording as much as a 91 per cent reduction of significant injuries. The automatic prescribing of strong medical drugs following an older person suffering a fracture can lead to drowsiness, which may contribute to further problems. By exploring alternatives – such as moving to paracetamol – fall risks are reduced.
Orchard Care Homes CEO Hayden Knight said: “I am overwhelmed with pride. This is such a phenomenal achievement for Orchard Care Homes. Truly proving the dedication and passion our colleagues have for the work they do. Receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the care sector solidifies what we have accomplished, in such a short amount of time and I couldn't be more excited about the future. Thank you to each and every one of our colleagues for getting us here!”
