A care home in Watlington, Oxfordshire, has been recognised on the national stage after securing a prestigious accolade at the Caring UK Awards 2025.
Watlington and District Residential and Nursing Home, operated by Sanctuary Care, was named Care Team of the Year, celebrating the dedication, compassion and innovation of its staff.
The awards shine a spotlight on excellence across the UK care sector, with winners selected from organisations nationwide.
The red carpet awards ceremony marked a proud moment for the team at the Hill Road care home, which is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The home is led by Home Manager Julie Cooper, who has worked at Watlington for more than 20 years.
Speaking following the win, Julie said: “We are absolutely over the moon – this is a victory for not only the team, but the amazing community we have which makes Watlington such a special place – our residents, their loved ones and friends, and all the professionals we work alongside to provide such outstanding care for our residents.
“Enriching the lives of our residents and their families is something that every single member of the team is passionate about – it’s about always pushing yourself to go that extra mile and I am so very proud of the team for everything they do.”
Judges were impressed by the home’s whole-team approach to care, where every role plays a part in enhancing residents’ lives. The gardener regularly accompanies residents to football matches, including Oxford United games, while the chef hosts popular bake-offs and cookery workshops from the home’s five-star rated kitchen.
Nurses and care staff share their musical talents, and the maintenance team helps residents grow fruit and vegetables and is even constructing a miniature adventure golf course.
Reception, activities and support teams organise fetes and fundraising events that connect the home with the wider community, while housekeeping and laundry staff ensure a spotless environment, frequently praised by visitors. Even outside working hours, staff go above and beyond, with the home’s driver often taking residents to appointments and outings after his shift has ended.
This commitment is reflected in Watlington’s 9.9 rating on carehome.co.uk and its inclusion in the Lottie Top 100 Awards. Residents are also supported to pursue personal passions, from hosting community quizzes to attending opera rehearsals with local societies.
Sanctuary Care has provided care to older people since 1995, delivering residential, dementia, nursing and palliative care across England and Scotland.
