Hucknall care homes provider is a winner at the UK Dementia Awards 2026
A care group which runs two homes in Hucknall has won a top honour at thisn year’s UK Dementia Awards.
Milford Care, which operates Buddleia House and Hazelgrove House in the town, took home the prestigious Environmental Design in Dementia Award at the ceremony.
The award was for Milford Care’s innovative approach to environmental design, which focuses on crafting spaces that are both functional and comforting. The designs are tailored to meet the needs of residents, with every space carefully considered to support the unique lifestyle and requirements of people living with dementia, helping them to engage in meaningful daily activities and maintain their independence.
The award recognises the dedication of Milford Care’s environmental design team, including interior co-ordinator Amanda Falleth and care & development manager Kara Gratton.
The win marked a double celebration for the group, with Buddleia House also named a finalist in the Dementia Care Team category at the same awards.
The nomination was for ‘the outstanding care provided by the Buddleia House team and highlights Milford Care’s continued commitment to supporting people living with dementia across the region’.
The judges said: “The application of the Montessori approach and ethos to the environment, inside and out, at Milford has created a flexible, authentic, person-centred home-from-home.
“Creating a meaningful place for their residents, where they can contribute to the care home, drives the design of the environment. It is a transformation from passive sitting to purposeful living.
“Milford Care has created a resident-driven environment that promotes intergenerational connections and helps people to be as independent as possible. Residents are supported to continue doing the ordinary things in life, from gardening and cooking, to reading to visiting children, playing games with family visitors and bird watching.
“Amanda and Kara’s commitment to their approach was impressive and they were so full of examples of the outcomes of the environment on the wellbeing of their residents that we couldn’t help but be blown away.”
Pierre Falleth, director of Milford Care, said: “We are incredibly proud to have won this award.
“At a time when many new care homes focus heavily on luxury finishes and hotel-style aesthetics, our priority is different, we design around the needs, routines and abilities of the people who live here.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams, who create spaces that truly enhance the lives of people living with dementia.
“At Buddleia House, we want residents to feel more than comfortable – we want them to feel capable, engaged, valued and empowered.”
Alisha Hussain, home manager at Buddleia House, added: “We are thrilled to be recognised for the hard work and compassion our team brings to Buddleia House every single day.
“Our team is dedicated to supporting residents living with dementia by creating an environment where they feel respected and valued, ensuring every resident enjoys life to the fullest.”