A Havering nurse has been named Dementia Carer of the Year.

Maureen Kanabar, who works as an admiral nurse at North East London NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating after winning this year’s Dementia carer award in the Great London Care Awards 2012 on Saturday November 3.

Maureen said: “I feel really honoured to have won this award, but the carers I work with are the ones who should really be a+warded.”

The awards are part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrate excellence in social and health care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector.

Maureen, who has been working as an admiral nurse in Havering since May 2009, was nominated by a carer of a patient with Dementia.

Admiral nurses provide care to people with dementia and memory problems.

The carer wrote: “My admiral nurse, Maureen, is the only person I can talk to about the isolating, devasting journey I travel.

“As my husband’s disease has progressed to its advanced stage, Muareen has given me the support that I know I will look back on with tearful thanks.”

She added: “I consider myself one of the forutnate carers, who amidst the traumas and heartache of losing someone that no longer recognises me, has known an outstanding professional admiral nurse by the name of Maureen Kanabar.”

Maureen has been a nurse since 1979, specialisting in dementaia for the past ten years.

Maureen, also helps run the Havering Alzheimer Cafe at Hopwa House, Inskip Drive, Hornchurch.

Maureen said: “It is a fabulous post and I often feel very priviledged to work with the amazing carers on our care list.

“I think we learn as much from the carers as they do from us.

“They are an inspirational group of people who through their dedication and love are able to care for a loved one with Dementia and manage to make such a difference to that person’s life.”

Dave Horne, operational director for older people at North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) said: “We are extremely delighted for and proud of Maureen.

“Her enthusiasm, commitment and hard work, as well as continued personal and professional development, has been key to the successful development of the admiral nurses service within NELFT.”