Herts care worker named regional finalist in national Home Care Worker of the Year award
A care worker for Abbots Care has been named a regional finalist in the prestigious Home Care Worker of the Year category at the 2025 Great British Care Awards – a well-deserved recognition of her compassion, skill, and dedication over more than a decade of service.
Olesja, who works as a live-in care worker, has spent the last 10 years supporting her client Nicki, who nominated her for the award. In her heartfelt testimonial, Nicki described Olesja as “a lifeline who has brought not just expert knowledge and professionalism, but also genuine kindness and understanding to my life.”
Nicki and Olesja, who currently works for Hertfordshire-based home care provider Abbots Care, have shared a partnership built on trust, patience, and quiet determination. Nicki has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, communicating mainly through eye movements. Over the past decade, Olesja’s understanding of Nicki’s unique needs has grown to a level of trust and comfort that has empowered Nicki to live an adventurous, independent, and fulfilling life.
When Olesja first began caring for Nicki in 2014, she spent months learning to interpret Nicki’s communication methods and mastering the delicate techniques needed to assist with meals and drinks. Her persistence and creativity helped her develop her own working methods – allowing her to offer support with confidence while ensuring Nicki always felt comfortable and respected.
That bond has since taken them on countless adventures – from holidays abroad and visits to the opera in London, to climbing the O2 Arena roof twice. In 2016, when Nicki decided to raise money for cancer research in memory of a friend, Olesja helped her practice using a specially adapted trike so she could take part in the Race for Life under her own power.
“I feel safe with Olesja,” Nicki says, “because she knows how I need to be cared for.” That trust was vital when Nicki fell seriously ill in 2019 — Olesja’s quick action in spotting changes in her condition and seeking urgent help may have been life-saving.
During the pandemic, Olesja again showed extraordinary commitment by remaining with Nicki continuously for four months without a single break. She cared for Nicki’s dog, maintained their routines, and ensured Nicki’s wellbeing and comfort throughout one of the most challenging times in social care.
Now, after a decade of loyal care, Olesja’s dedication has been recognised at the 2025 GB Care Awards. Her nomination, written by Nicki, was not only an expression of gratitude but also a call for greater visibility of carers supporting people with physical disabilities. “I want the care of people with physical disabilities to be more visible,” Nicki says. “These carers deserve recognition for the skill, patience, and understanding they bring.”
Olesja, who holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification, embodies what professional care should look like: flexible, patient, discreet, and deeply respectful of her client’s privacy and independence. “Although I’m severely disabled and non-verbal, I still need my privacy when I’m using my computer,” Nicki explains. “Olesja understands that completely.”
Through Olesja’s support, Nicki has shown that disability does not define what is possible. Their story is a testament to how great care goes beyond routine – it enables independence, courage, and adventure – and proves that the most powerful partnerships in care are often built quietly, through years of shared trust and unwavering respect.
Camille Leavold MBE, CEO of Abbots Care, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Olesja’s exceptional commitment and care have been recognised at this level. She truly embodies everything Abbots Care stands for — compassion, expertise, and dedication to helping people live full and independent lives at home. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Sarah Hurley, Care Director at Abbots Care, added: “Olesja’s relationship with her client, Nicki, is a wonderful example of what great care looks like in action. Over the past decade, she’s provided not just professional support, but also a level of empathy and companionship that has made a huge difference to Nicki’s quality of life.”
The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, recognising individuals and teams who demonstrate outstanding dedication, innovation, and compassion. Regional winners will go forward to the national finals in 2026, where the overall Home Care Worker of the Year will be announced.
The UK care sector is facing significant challenges in recruitment and retention, whilst demand for care at home services is increasing.* These combined pressures mean frontline roles such as home‑care workers are more critical than ever in helping people live well at home.
Founded in 1995, Abbots Care is Hertfordshire’s lead provider of home care services, supporting more than 1,300 clients across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Dorset. In 2025 Abbots Care achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the third consecutive inspection — an achievement held by just 5% of adult social care services in England.