HELENA HAVIAROVA, Deputy Manager at Care UK’s Llys Cyncoed on Cyncoed Road, has been shortlisted for excellence in dementia care in the Wales Care Awards 2025.
Helena was commended by judges for an approach that is rooted in compassion and a commitment to truly knowing each resident. She gathers detailed life histories and preferences to create tailored care plans that evolve with the individual.
Commenting on her success, Helena said: “I am thrilled to have received this nomination, I am passionate about providing the best possible care for all of our residents and being able to see an improvement in the overall wellbeing of those living with dementia is just so rewarding.”
Since joining the home as a Care Assistant in 2016, Helena has risen through the ranks to become a Senior Care Assistant, Reminiscence Coordinator, and, most recently, Deputy Manager in June 2025.
In her current role, she leads the home’s dementia care strategy, introducing evidence-based practices that have transformed the lives of residents and inspired colleagues alike.
A key example of Helena’s impact is her work to reduce the use of antipsychotic medication among residents living with dementia. Recognising a link between such medication and an increased risk of falls, Helena explored non-pharmacological alternatives. Through personalised care plans, therapies such as namaste and close collaboration with families and healthcare professionals, she has achieved a 36% reduction in falls and significantly reduced the number of residents prescribed antipsychotics.
Beyond her work with residents, Helena is a mentor to her colleagues, a trainer in dementia care and moving and positioning, and a trusted liaison for external professionals including GPs, district nurses and the falls clinic team. She also hosts regular dementia education sessions for families, helping them better understand and support their loved ones.
Carley Hunt, Home Manager at Llys Cyncoed, said: “We’re all delighted that Helena has been nominated in the Wales Care Awards. It’s incredibly well deserved and a true testament to her hard work and dedication.
“A lot of thought and care has gone into making Llys Cyncoed a wonderful place to call home and Helena consistently goes above and beyond – not simply ensuring residents’ needs are met, but also ensuring everyone is individually catered for.
“On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to extend a huge thanks to Helena and wish her the best of luck in the finals!”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, October 17.
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Llys Cyncoed provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies and has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.
For more information about Llys Cyncoed, please call Community Relations Manager Elisabeth May on 029 2168 2857, email [email protected] or visit Llys Cyncoed’s website.
