A SENIOR health care assistant at Laverstock Care Centre has been shortlisted for a national award recognising her work with residents suffering from dementia.

Kelly Bartlett is shortlisted in the Best Dementia Support Worker category of the National Dementia Awards.

Care home manager Helen Pessell, who nominated her for the award, said: “Kelly has a wonderful attitude to the care she gives her residents. Nothing is too much trouble and she is passionate about giving her voice to those who have dementia, advocating for them and striving to increase her knowledge about them and about the disease they have to enhance the care her team gives.

“All of the staff are thrilled that Kelly has been shortlisted for this award. It’s wonderful that her hard work and commitment has been recognised.”

Kelly, who has worked at the care home in London Road, Salisbury, for the last two-and-a-half years, said: “I was really shocked when I was told about the nomination and that I had been shortlisted but I am delighted. “I really enjoy my job and it means a lot when you can see that you are making a difference to the lives of our residents.”

As part of the judging she attended an interview with a panel of industry experts and will now be heading to Brighton on November 11 for the awards ceremony.