Pontypool's Ty Bryn care home owner wins twice at Wales Care Awards

Liz Durlucia, the owner of Abersychan’s Ty Bryn Home with her husband Adam, won silver in the Excellence in Dementia Care category.

The 48-year-old mother-of-three was also named as a joint winner of the special Dignity in Care award, sponsored by the Welsh Government.

She received her “surprise” award from Huw Irranca-Davies AM, the Welsh Government’s minister for children and social care, at the ceremony held at Cardiff’s City Hall.

“I didn’t even know there was a ‘Dignity in Care’ award so it came as a huge surprise,” said Mrs Durlucia.

“It’s lovely to receive this recognition but it wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic staff.”

The double award win comes 15 years after Mrs Durlucia switched careers, moving from the IT department of Lloyds TSB to a Cardiff residential home owned by her in-laws.

The couple took over the Cardiff home when her in-laws retired, and they moved to the residential home in Brynteg, Abersychan, nine years ago.

Noticing that there was a lack of provision for dementia patients, Mrs Durlucia and her husband decided to concentrate on that sector.

She has since gained a qualification to train staff and carries out her own research to help improve the standard of care.

Mrs Durlucia was nominated for the award by the home’s deputy Rachel Clarke.

Mario Kreft, the chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high and said: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

“We take our hats off to them.”