Home Instead has named Anthony Chinonso from their Camden franchise office as their Care Professional of the Year. The 30 year old was one of three finalists selected from the 12,000 Care Professionals employed by Home Instead across the UK.
Crowning Anthony as Care Professional of the Year Award was the highlight of Home Instead’s Annual Conference, held in Manchester at the beginning of February. Anthony received his award from Home Instead’s CEO, Martin Jones MBE and Sky News’ Sarah-Jane Mee in front of an audience of 1,200 made up of franchise owners and their key players.
Originally from Nigeria, Anthony looked after his grandparents before moving to England where he settled in the Camden area.
The judges were particularly impressed with Anthony’s patience and commitment to ‘getting through’ to a client who was living with dementia. He takes great care in really getting to know his clients and finding new stories and conversation threads to share with them.
One particular client had lost her husband and then her beloved cat, Sparky. Although living with dementia the lady was fiercely independent and resistant to receiving care. Anthony realised that a connection could be made by talking about Sparky and that’s where their relationship really developed.
Anthony found out that this client loved to dance and sing so he downloaded all the songs that she loved so they could listen to music and have a dance – her favourite is ‘Singing in the Rain’. She sometimes struggles to wake up but Anthony found a solution which was to play the song to her on his phone which her wakes up gently. She even recently attended a dance for people living with dementia and had an amazing time.
Speaking about his work, Anthony said, “Caring gives you the opportunity to experience life from another person’s perspective. You need to take time to listen to each client’s story so you understand them better and then you are able to bring the right energy.
“My clients look forward to my visits and I make sure that I bring my best every time.
“Working with Home Instead has put a smile on my face – the work gives me a great deal of energy and I like to pass that on to my clients.”
Recognised alongside Anthony were Angela Marsh from our Salford & Worsley office and Tinashe Mutore from the Glasgow North franchise.
Angela was put forward for the award after she helped a 95 year old client, who is a holocaust survivor, to write a book and educate her community.
Tinashe lived in Zimbabwe where he cared for his grandfather. He came to the UK in 2022 becoming a live-in Care Professional looking after a client with MND. His positivity has truly changed the lives of his clients.
Speaking about Anthony and the other finalists, Home Instead’s CEO Martin Jones MBE said, “I had the pleasure of spending time with Anthony, Angela and Tinashe during our Conference weekend.
“They are all deserving finalists and exude care and compassion. They have each brought these qualities to bear when working with clients to allow them to live fulfilled and happy lives at home.
“I know that the judges had great difficulty selected our winner but Anthony is truly a remarkable man with so much to give and a great deal of energy. His smile is infectious!”
