MAINTAINING elderly people’s dignity in the face of rising demand was a key theme of a charity awards ceremony yesterday.

Five carers and care firms were honoured at Age UK Oxfordshire’s “Dignity Every Day” awards at The Oxford Hotel, Godstow Road.

The event, in its third year, honoured those working to ensure the dignity and respect afforded individuals being cared for.

Age UK Oxfordshire chief executive Paul Cann said: “What we are doing as a charity is pointing the way to the good so that we can discharge bad practice, reduce breaches of dignity in care and just inspire us all to see people as people.”

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Chinnor’s Wendy Luxford was honoured for the work of her company Home Comforts, which supports 30 people in their homes.

She said: “There is a need to provide a personal service so people can stay in their homes. It is treating people as an individual and how you would want to be treated yourself.”

Kidlington’s Home Instead, which supports 85 people, was among winners chosen by four judges from public nominations.

Community support represent-ative Lorraine Ball said: “The challenge is finding enough care givers to enable us to continue to support clients.

“We are looking for a specific type of person who can be very empathetic and will go the extra mile.”

Mother-of-four Nahed Idris was honoured for taking in two women, 67 and 71, to live with her under Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives scheme.

The 45-year-old, of Oxford Road, Kidlington, said: “You can do something in the end for someone, rather than just the nine to five.”

Dawn Pratley and Liesl Guy set up Care, Compassion and Conversation Ltd when they were made redundant after the closure of Penhurst School for disabled children last year. Mrs Guy said: “We thought we could offer our skills at the other end of the spectrum, for the elderly.”

Ann Pittick received the first Josie Award in memory of campaigner Josie Smith, who died this year.

She cares for son Sam, 32, who has Down’s syndrome. She said: “I feel very honoured and very humbled. I’m sure there are many carers out there who are doing just the same and are unsung.”

The charity announced it will next year work with Healthwatch Oxfordshire – the official care watchdog – to use powers to inspect care facilities.

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