A REDDITCH care company has launched a special award to celebrate carers of people living with Alzheimer’s in memory of the owner's father.

Annie Dixon-Dunn, owner of Home Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove, created the award in memory of her father Keith Dixon who was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Her experience of looking for suitable care for him inspired her to set up the company eight years ago.

Now, the Keith Lewis Dixon Excellence in Memory Care Award will be annually awarded to a caregiver in recognition of their work.

To launch the debut award, Annie called on her team to nominate colleagues and drafted in mum Eileen Dixon to help choose the winner.

The pair chose Redditch carer Vicky Lockett to be the first winner to celebrate her work in going above and beyond to care for a client.

Vicky was matched to a client who was particularly resistant to having care but she took time to learn about the client’s history, likes and interests.

Responding to the award, Vicky said: “Learning more about my client allowed me to deliver a person-centred care approach which made all the difference- they truly accepted me into their home and felt more comfortable receiving the care I provided.”

Eileen said: “All the nominees were amazing, and all deserve an award for the amazing work they do every day, but Vicky’s efforts resonated with my own experiences finding care for my husband many years ago.”

Annie added: “We were delighted to present the award to Vicky, who was not expecting it at all. She is such a deserving winner of our first award, I am proud to have her as part of the team and she truly sets the standards for the award in years to come."