She doesn’t seek the spotlight — but Donna Hammans plays a key role in Henbrook House’s award-winning dementia care. As the home earns national recognition, Donna’s consistency, compassion, and commitment stand out.
Ask anyone at Henbrook House who sets the tone for care, and they’ll likely mention Donna. She’s not loud about it. She doesn’t chase recognition. But when she was named a finalist for Dementia Carer of the Year at the Great British Care Awards, no one was surprised — except Donna herself.
“Honestly, I was shocked,” she said. “It’s humbling. I just try to do my best every day.”
Henbrook House, part of the Connaught Care Collection, recently became one of the UK’s highest-rated homes for dementia care, earning a Three Star Platinum Accreditation from the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS). It’s the highest recognition available — and a significant achievement for the team. The process took seven months and involved detailed assessments, audits, and a review of 140 performance indicators.
“She sat with my dad through the night,” one family member shared. “They didn’t just care for him — they cared about him.” That line stuck. It’s the kind of care that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet, but it’s what families remember.
Donna is one of Henbrook’s Dementia Champions — a role that involves enhanced training and supporting others across the home. Everyone at Henbrook receives dementia training, including carers, kitchen staff, receptionists, and managers. It’s part of a whole-home approach that recognises dementia care as a shared responsibility.
Henbrook’s General Manager, Catherine Frost, describes the accreditation journey as both demanding and deeply personal. The team didn’t just meet standards — they worked to create a more familiar and comforting environment for people living with dementia. Local photographs, quiet corners, and interactive spaces were added to make the home feel engaging and supportive.
“We wanted it to feel alive,” Catherine said. “Donna helped make that happen.”
Henbrook’s accreditation is a milestone, and Donna’s award nomination is a proud moment. But what stands out is the consistency — the kind of care that happens day in, day out, across the whole team.
Henbrook House may now be recognised nationally for its dementia care, but its strength lies in the everyday moments. In the way staff work together to create something that feels safe, personal, and full of life.
“We’re always looking to improve and adapt,” said Catherine. “This recognition gives us a strong benchmark for continued development, but the ongoing process of gradual improvement and reflective practice is what truly matters. We know that outstanding dementia care isn’t about one moment of success – it’s about focussing on what we do every day, in every interaction, to make life better for our residents.”
