Celebrating Excellence as Care Finalists Shine at the Kent Care Awards 2025

A huge round of applause for our wonderful teams at The Old Rectory Care Home and Fairways Care Home who shone brightly as finalists at the Kent Integrated Care Alliance (KiCA) Kent Care Awards 2025. We are immensely proud of this achievement, which is testament to the extraordinary dedication and professionalism of our staff across ACI Care.

This year, two very special team members were recognised:

• Ann from The Old Rectory, nominated for the Palliative Care Award.
• Jade from Fairways, celebrated in the Care Nutrition Award.

Their nominations speak volumes about the culture of care at ACI Care — where staff do far more than fulfil a role. They bring warmth, expertise, and dedication that change lives.

The Kent Care Awards, hosted annually by KiCA, are among the most respected celebrations of care excellence in the region. They shine a light on the exceptional individuals and teams making a real difference every day across Kent.

For ACI Care, being recognised at these awards reflects the pride and commitment we feel as members of KiCA, an organisation that brings together care providers across the county to share best practice, champion social care, and continually raise standards.

Awards such as these give care professionals the recognition they deserve, but they also provide families with reassurance. For anyone looking for care, it demonstrates that the home they are considering has a team who stand out for their passion, skill, and professionalism.

At The Old Rectory, Ann’s nomination for the Palliative Care Award is a reflection of her compassionate approach to one of the most sensitive areas of care. Palliative care is about more than medical support — it’s about comfort, dignity, and ensuring every resident and their family feels safe, supported, and valued. Ann’s work embodies these principles, and her recognition is richly deserved.

Families choosing The Old Rectory already experience this level of dedication every day. This is reflected in our latest carehome.co.uk review score of 9.7 out of 10. The most recent review shares:

“The staff are very attentive and very helpful. Mother is very happy at The Old Rectory and tells everyone how wonderful and caring all of the staff are. She loves her room and the food and has made several friends.”

This glowing feedback shows that our excellence is not just recognised by award panels, but also by those who matter most — our residents and their families.

Meanwhile at Fairways Care Home, Jade’s recognition in the Care Nutrition Award highlights another crucial area of care; the role of food in wellbeing. Nutrition is about so much more than meals, it’s about dignity, enjoyment, social connection, and supporting good health. Jade’s commitment to providing meals that are nourishing, delicious, and tailored to residents’ needs has made a profound difference in the home.

Families consistently recognise this in their feedback. Fairways holds an exceptional carehome.co.uk score of 9.8 out of 10. One family recently wrote:

“We were always made very welcome whenever we visited the home. The staff on the floor were exceptional in their treatment of my mother and our family.”

This review captures the essence of what Fairways offers — a caring, professional team who create a welcoming environment for both residents and their loved ones.

Being finalists at the Kent Care Awards is about more than a night of celebration. It’s about acknowledging the deeper values of the care profession: compassion, dedication, resilience, and teamwork.

At ACI Care, we are proud to employ people like Ann and Jade, who embody professionalism at its very best. Their recognition shines a spotlight on the entire teams at The Old Rectory and Fairways, reminding us that every role, from carers and nurses to housekeepers and activity coordinators, is vital to creating a home where people can truly thrive.

What This Means for Families

For families seeking care in Kent, these awards and reviews provide more than just reassurance — they provide peace of mind.

• Awards recognition demonstrates that staff are excelling in their field, recognised by independent experts and peers.
• Review scores show the lived experiences of families and residents who trust us with their care.
• KiCA membership underlines our commitment to working collaboratively with other providers to ensure high standards across the county.

When combined, these elements tell a powerful story: ACI Care is a provider you can trust, with staff who go above and beyond to make care personal, professional, and full of heart.

The awards night itself was filled with pride, joy, and applause. To see our colleagues celebrated alongside so many inspiring care professionals from across Kent was truly uplifting. But for us, the real celebration happens every day within our homes.

• It happens when a resident smiles over a meal prepared with love and attention.
• It happens when staff sit with families through difficult times, offering comfort and compassion.
• It happens when residents form friendships and feel truly at home.

These moments are what the awards represent, and they are what drive us forward.

We are delighted with the recognition at the 2025 Kent Care Awards, but our commitment doesn’t stop here. At ACI Care, we will continue to invest in training, nurture our staff, and strive for innovation in care. We believe that by supporting our teams, we create an environment where excellence thrives — and our residents benefit most of all.

We also look forward to continuing our active role in KiCA, working alongside other providers to champion the voice of social care in Kent and ensure the sector receives the recognition and support it deserves.

The Kent Care Awards have once again reminded us of something we already knew: that the people who work in our homes are extraordinary. Ann and Jade may have been the ones in the spotlight this year, but their success is shared by every member of the ACI Care family at The Old Rectory and Fairways.

We are proud beyond words of their achievement, their dedication, and their professionalism. And we are equally proud of the trust families place in us, reflected in the outstanding reviews we continue to receive.

To our teams, our residents, and our families — thank you. Together, you are what makes ACI Care so special.