Regional Senior Nurse Rachelle Beasley, who believes it is vital that everyone living with dementia knows they are “cared for and loved”, has been named a finalist at the 2025 Wales Care Awards.
Rachelle has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Dementia Care category, sponsored by Hallmark Care Homes and Camascope Ltd. In her role, she supports 14 HC-One homes across Wales, located in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Carmarthen, Port Talbot and Swansea, helping to ensure high-quality nursing and clinical care.
The awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, are often described as the “Oscars of social care” in Wales and celebrate the dedication of frontline professionals. This year’s ceremony will take place on Friday, October 17th at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, with Meddyg Care as overall sponsor.
A heartfelt nomination
Rachelle was nominated by Aileen Beatty, Head of Dementia Care at HC-One, who praised her as warm, approachable and good-humoured, while always demanding the highest standards of dignity and care. Aileen described her as someone who “makes a difference every day” and a passionate advocate for both residents and colleagues.
Recognition that means so much
Speaking about her nomination, Rachelle said she was taken completely by surprise:
“I was in shock, absolute shock, I had no idea whatsoever I was being nominated. To be nominated in itself was amazing, but to find out that Aileen, who I respect so much for the way she supports people and really cares, had put me forward was the icing on the cake.”
For Rachelle, the nomination is not about recognition, but about values:
“You always do your best, not for recognition, but because you love what you do and want everyone to receive the very best care.”
Meeting people where they are
Rachelle has been a registered nurse for 25 years and is passionate about ensuring that care is centred around each person’s world. She explained:
“You have to meet people where they are, not try to fit them into our world. They’re in a different space, and we must go to them because it’s the right thing to do.”
She added that what matters most is helping people live their best lives and making sure they “know they are cared for and loved.”
“Our teams all work together with one goal, to show our residents we care about them, and we love them. What other job lets you do that every day? I feel very lucky. It’s a privilege.”
Most of all, Rachelle finds joy in the everyday moments of connection:
“As a human being, if I can make someone’s life, day, or even a single moment better, that fills my cup. Dementia can be a difficult illness, not only for the resident but also for their families. But when you can connect, whether through music, touch, smell or taste, you can break down barriers and reach the person behind them. That’s truly special.”
Celebrating the social care sector
Commenting on the awards, Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said:
“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award. The event underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.”
HC-One’s commitment to dementia care
Rachelle’s nomination reflects HC-One’s wider approach to dementia care. Across all our homes, we are committed to supporting each individual to live their best life, with kindness, dignity and compassion at the heart of everything we do. Her recognition shines a light on the dedication of colleagues across Wales who ensure residents feel valued, and cared for with kindness.
To learn more about dementia care at HC-One, visit www.hc-one.co.uk/dementia