National caring award for Cockermouth carer

Last updated 08:58, Friday, 25 July 2008

A COCKERMOUTH woman has won a national award for caring for people with dementia.

Sandra Kilburn, 48, of Greyrigg Avenue, who works at the town’s Kirklands Care Home on Sullart Street, was awarded the Commitment to Dignity Award after impressing judges at the Grand Final of Anchor Trust’s Care Services Awards held in Warwick on July 16.

Mrs Kilburn, who was nominated by her manager Maureen MacColl, said: “It’s a nice feeling and it is good to be recognised for the work I have done.

“Caring for the residents can be frustrating at times but seeing their reactions makes the work hugely rewarding.

“It is all about improving the lives of the residents, able to help them to be involved and independent as well as feel special.”

Mrs MacColl said Mrs Kilburn had had a big impact on the lives of residents since she started working on the dementia wing of the care home in 1991.

The judges said they were impressed with Mrs Kilburn’s compassion and high level of care.