A devoted nurse who believes it is vital that everyone living with dementia knows they are “cared for and loved” is in the running for a major award.

Rachelle Beasley’s outstanding compassion in supporting residents living with dementia has earned her a place on the shortlist for this year’s Wales Care Awards, often described as the “Oscars of social care.”

The highly experienced nurse, who lives in Bridgend, works as a Regional Senior Nurse for HC-One Wales’ residential, nursing and dementia care homes. In her role, Rachelle helps ensure high-quality nursing and clinical care across 14 homes in Wales, located in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Carmarthen, Port Talbot and Swansea.

She was nominated by Aileen Beatty, Head of Dementia Care at HC-One, for the Excellence in Dementia Care award, sponsored by Hallmark Care Homes and Camascope Ltd.

The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, celebrate the dedication of frontline social care professionals. This year’s ceremony will take place on Friday, October 17, at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, with Meddyg Care as overall sponsor.

Rachelle said she was thrilled by the nomination, especially as it came from someone she greatly admires.

She said: “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.

“To be recognised by someone with such kindness and compassion, and to know they see that in you too, that’s what it’s all about. You always do your best, not for recognition, but because you love what you do and want everyone to receive the very best care.”

On the challenges of dementia care, Rachelle said: “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.

We need to remember, that could be us one day, or our loved ones. Everyone has their struggles and their own way of doing things. What matters is making sure they can live their best lives, and know they are cared for and loved.”

Rachelle praised the teams working in HC-One Wales’ homes and spoke about the fulfilment her role brings.

She said: “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.

“As a human being, if I can make someone’s life, day, or even a single moment better, that fills my cup. Why wouldn’t you want to make a difference, no matter how small? That’s why I believe I’m here to do just that.

“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.

“Those moments spark joy; human connections are so important.”

Paying tribute to Rachelle, who has been a registered nurse for 25 years, Aileen Beatty described her as “warm and caring” and a passionate advocate for residents and colleagues alike.

She said: “She is very approachable, good fun, and has very high standards – the residents do come first, and she is also really caring about her colleagues as well.

“She has an easy style which is warm and caring, good humoured and empathetic, yet demanding of high standards of dignity and care at all times without compromise.

“She makes a difference every day and has a natural inclination to do what is right, help others do the same, with a big smile, a kind heart, and the occasional assertive nudge, and manages to do so despite the challenges of the day and current climate.

“These are hard times in the care sector, so speaking as someone with over 40 years’ experience in care and regulation, and having met hundreds of nurses, Rachelle really stands out to me.

“She does her very best to make our residents feel the very best that they can, and knowing that somebody has dementia, she just sees beyond that and sees it as an opportunity to improve somebody’s quality of life.

“Rachelle is a passionate ambassador for the residents she serves and the colleagues she supports.

“Her input has been invaluable to me, and she is a refreshing example of someone with a can-do attitude in the face of challenges in the sector that we are all familiar with.

“I really couldn’t do my job as well without her support and commitment and know she is a highly valued member of the team.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.

“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable and vitally important contribution everybody makes, day in day out.

“The event underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.

“If you don’t value the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”