At an awards ceremony held at Fortnum & Mason in London, Arjanpreet ‘Preet’ Kaur, a dedicated care assistant from Cardiff, was named ‘The Incredible of The Year’ by leading UK care provider Caremark. Competing against ten exceptional finalists and over 5,500 care assistants nationwide, Preet’s unwavering commitment to her role earned her this prestigious accolade.

A Beacon of Hope and Compassion

Sharan Dhaliwal, Managing Director and Care Manager at Caremark Cardiff and the Vale highlighted the profound impact Preet has had on her clients’ lives. Sharing some inspiring stories from her nomination, Sharan said:

“Preet is a true beacon of hope and compassion. Her dedication shines through in every interaction, and she has profoundly changed lives for the better.”

One of Preet’s remarkable achievements includes saving the life of a customer with hypertension who suffered a stroke during a routine care visit. Her quick thinking and prompt action—calling 999 and providing crucial details to paramedics—led doctors to credit her for the positive outcome. The grateful customer later said:

“Preet didn’t just care for me – she saved my life.”

In another instance, Preet brought immense comfort to a client in the final stages of life. By forming an emotional bond, learning key Welsh phrases to communicate in the customer’s native language, and collaborating with medical teams, she provided an unparalleled level of care. The family expressed their gratitude, saying:

“Preet’s care for my mother is beyond anything we could have hoped for. She brings a calm and compassionate presence into our home. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without her.”

Preet also transformed the life of a customer with vascular dementia who had initially refused care. With persistence and empathy, she gained the customer’s trust, creating a bond that allowed for moments of joy and connection, such as singing and dancing together. The customer’s daughter remarked:

“Preet completely transformed things for my mum. Before she arrived, my mother was isolated and scared. Now, they sing and dance together. I never imagined that was possible.”

Celebrating Excellence in Care

David Glover, CEO of Caremark, praised Preet’s achievements, saying:

“With over 5,500 care assistants at Caremark, it’s been humbling to read through so many commendable nominations for this year’s awards. Preet’s ability to connect deeply with each person she cares for has made her an indispensable part of the Caremark team and a cherished companion to her customers. Her dedication is a shining example of what exceptional, highly-personalised care should look like.”

The annual ceremony, which celebrates the outstanding contributions of Caremark’s staff, was particularly moving this year, with many inspiring stories shared by the ten finalists. However, it was the overwhelming number of accounts of Preet’s kindness and dedication that earned her the title of ‘The Incredible of The Year’ for 2024.

A Well-Deserved Honour

Preet’s award is a testament to the power of compassion and empathy in caregiving. As she continues to touch lives in Cardiff and beyond, her story serves as an inspiration to others in the care profession. Congratulations to Preet and all the finalists for their exceptional contributions to the lives of those they care for.