Sue Watson, Home Manager at HC-One's Pytchley Court Care Home in Northampton, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Dementia Care Awards 2025, recognising her exceptional leadership and innovative approach to dementia care that has already earned the home an 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Sue was nominated for ‘The Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Award’ by Kathryn Sygrove, Area Director at HC-One. This well-deserved recognition highlights Sue's transformative work at Pytchley Court, where she has revolutionised dementia care by implementing a philosophy that goes beyond standard practices.
Rather than simply providing basic care, her team "walks alongside" residents, meeting them where they are in their journey with dementia and focusing on giving them not just care that enables them to be alive, but reasons to live. The home's person-centred approach has transformed residents' lives in remarkable ways.
In one touching example, a resident who had previously enjoyed fishing was taken on a special outing to catch some trout, which he then helped prepare for his dinner, maintaining a cherished lifelong activity despite his dementia diagnosis. In another instance, Sue persistently worked to reunite a married couple who had been placed in separate care homes due to concerns about their shared history of alcohol consumption.
Today, the couple can be seen enjoying each other's company in the lounge while sipping non-alcoholic wine, demonstrating her commitment to honouring relationships and finding creative solutions to complex situations.
Sue Watson, HC-One’s Pytchley Court Care Home Manager, expressed:
“Care isn’t just about keeping people safe, it’s about helping them live fully, with purpose, joy and dignity every single day.”
Kathryn Sygrove, HC-One Area Director, said:
“Sue’s approach is without limits and always thinking outside of the box with an outstanding commitment to give people a life that is meaningful to them.
“She leads by example, showing what compassionate leadership is, inspiring the team with her imagination and dedication day in and day out.”
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.