Jewish Care has received an award for the care it gives people with dementia who are coming to the end of their lives.
The charity, which is the largest health and social care organisation for Jewish communities in London and the Southeast, took home the End of Life Care in Dementia Award at the 2026 UK Dementia Awards ceremony.
With Jewish Care reporting 40 per cent of its residents moving into Jewish Care homes for end-of-life care – defined by the GMC as care for someone who is likely to die within the next 12 months – judges lauded Jewish Care’s commitment to cultural awareness, dignity and best practice.
The need for end-of-life care is set to continue to increase as people are living longer and have multiple long-term conditions, including advanced dementia, according to the charity.
“We are honoured to receive this award. How we die matters to each person, and to the family who are left behind,” said Paula Plaskow, end-of-life and palliative care lead, who heads the end-of-life care team. “It’s so important for us all to have conversations with individuals and families about what matters to them at the end of life, while they are still able.
“Through sensitive advance care plan conversations, we strive to ensure that everyone’s preferences are respected, delivering care that is person-centred, empathetic, and grounded in dignity.”
Jewish Care recently held a training session for staff on palliative/end-of-life care during Dying Matters Week, led by palliative medicine consultant Dr Jo Brady, who works at Barnet Hospital and North London Hospice, where she is deputy medical director.
Representatives at the gala lunch and ceremony were presented with their award by former British diplomat and Traitors star Alexander Dragonetti.
“The national award recognises the sensitive, respectful and personalised care delivered by our dedicated staff across Jewish Care,” CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said. “The number of people in the Jewish community who are living with dementia and who are at end-of-life is increasing.
“We are proud of the way our teams work holistically to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive needs of those we care for, with expertise, empathy and grace at end of life, while supporting relatives and carers.”
Jewish Care services include several residential homes, a Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, the mental health service Jami and day centres for people living with dementia. In all, around 12,000 people use their provisions each week.
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