A ‘truly empathetic and understanding’ care worker is the first to be nominated for the Worcestershire Care Heroes award.

In association with Worcestershire County Council, we’re asking readers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal to nominate carers who have been an inspiration during the Covid-19 crisis.

Dena Keen from Northwick Grange Care Home was nominated by Lynne Glazzard for providing her parents, Thomas Jones, 93, and Peggy Jones 94, with ‘excellent care.’

Mrs Glazzard said: “Mum and dad were residents at Northwick Grange Care Home for 18 months. They had been married for 74 years and Dena always ensured they sat and spent time together.

“Dad was diagnosed with dementia around three years ago, but he really started to take a turn for the worse this time last year. Mum got quite upset at times, but Dena was always there to dry her tears, give mum a hug and reassure her.

“Despite Covid-19 restrictions when my father’s health deteriorated in March, Dena went out of her way to liaise with us and keep us up-to-date with any changes however minor so that we were able to make informed decisions about his care.

“When it became apparent that end of life was imminent for dad she allowed us as a family to spend those last valuable moments with dad. The care afforded to us was empathetic and understanding.

“They cared for him until the very end, so we could be with him, if he had been admitted to hospital we wouldn’t have been able to spend his final moments with him.

“Dad loved Dena and they shared a wicked sense of humour and lots of teasing took place between them despite dad’s dementia. His behaviour could be quite challenging at times but she knew how to handle him. She used to say ‘if you don’t pack it in I’m going to lock you in the shed!’ he responded in hysterics every time.

“When dad passed Dena took the time to ensure that mum was able to attend dad's funeral and helped by taking over those arrangements for us. The home even gave us a floral arrangement with a plaque saying ‘Tom’s shed key’ it made me laugh even on that difficult day.

“Dena is like family to us now, she continues to provide mum with excellent care and understanding. I cannot thank her enough.”