A Tunbridge Wells residential home ended 2015 on a high after winning three awards.

Staff at Mount Ephraim House, which is home to 38 residents, won the Dignity in Care Award at the Great British Care Awards South East.

It also won two Compassion and End of Life categories at the national 3rd Sector Care Awards.

The complex will now compete against eight regional winners at the Great British Care Awards final in May 2016.

Karen Cooper, manager at Mount Ephraim House, said: “Our residents lead a dignified life because we support them to live as they choose to – even if some of the requests are very unusual. Now we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the national final.

“We take the approach that all our residents and their relatives become part of the bigger family that has been created within the home.

“We take the approach that all our residents and their relatives become part of the bigger family that has been created within the home" - Karen Cooper

“Staff sit with dying residents, making sure they are wearing their favourite clothing and have valued items at hand, and listen to any special wishes they have. The team also extends their support to residents’ friends and families.”

Heidi Allen, accounts manager at the home, was recognised for demonstrating compassion on a daily basis, regularly undertaking tasks outside of her job description.

Miss Cooper added: “Heidi always makes time to listen and talk to the residents, their relatives and her colleagues. She has a natural sense of empathy which makes the people she works with feel supported at all times.”

Presenting the Third Sector Care Awards, Esther Rantzen DBE, commented: “I am delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile event. It is crucial that the not-for-profit sector offers high quality care and support for vulnerable people, whilst driving up standards.

Mount Ephraim House is owned by Greensleeves Home Trust.