“I love seeing my residents smile – those little breakthrough moments when they show aspects of the people they were.”
45-year-old Alexandra Magor is a Mental Health Nurse and Deputy Manager at Ty Nant Carehome.
Driven by a deep interest in psychology and person-centred dementia care, Alex provides clinical guidance while ensuring residents live out their lives with comfort and dignity. Her compassionate care ethic, mentorship, and dedication to end-of-life support have earned her a nomination for Excellence in Dementia Care at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Alex about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
I am a Mental Health Nurse and Deputy Manager at Ty Nant Carehome, where my job involves looking after people who live with various stages of dementia. I complete medication rounds, manage the clinical team, and liaise with external professionals, as well as working alongside the staff team to give our residents the care they deserve. I have learned so much since taking the post, with much gratitude to my manager Kathy, who has been a wonderful mentor to me.
What do you love most about the job you do?
I love seeing my residents smile – those little breakthrough moments when they show aspects of the people they were before the disease took over. As I work in an environment where people live out their lives, I also find it a true privilege to care for someone in their final days. I enjoy spending time with our residents, chatting with them, and hearing about their lives and everything they have achieved.
Can you share a standout moment or achievement from your work?
I remember one lady with very advanced dementia who hadn’t spoken more than a word or two in months. I went in to see her one morning and said, “Good morning princess,” as I used to call her when she was mobile. She turned to me, said “Good morning,” and we had a full conversation – it was amazing and so lovely to hear her speak after such a long time! Another poignant moment was supporting a resident’s family through end-of-life care; after he passed, I noticed a white feather in his doorway and gave it to his son, who felt it was a comforting sign of a final goodbye from his dad.
What does this nomination mean to you?
It means so much, and I am quite humbled by it in all honesty. I never thought I would achieve something like this. I feel so privileged to have my work and my care ethic recognised in this way. I am proud of my work, but to know my colleagues and manager think my care is deserving of an award makes me very, very grateful.
Tell us a bit about your interests outside of work
I am a mother of two, Taryn (25) and Jorden (15), and I have three cats – Molly, Kiki, and Rowley – plus a Rottweiler puppy called Moose! Apart from keeping up with them, I enjoy reading psychological thrillers and comedy romances in my spare time. I love being near the sea, so you will often find me at Llantwit Major beach with a book, a cuppa, and Moose!
“At its core, my job is fuelled entirely by heart – creating a joyful, dignified, and safe home for our residents.”
Debbie Arthur is the Registered Home Manager at Ty Cariad Dementia Care Centre (Fairways Care) in Kinmel Bay, North Wales.
Combining a clinical background as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with compassionate operational management, 40-year-old Debbie has transformed Ty Cariad into a vibrant sanctuary for individuals living with dementia. Her dedicated work has earned her a nomination for the Excellence in Dementia Care Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Debbie about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and day-to-day duties.
I manage Ty Cariad, leading a team of 65+ staff members. My role requires balancing clinical regulations and budgets with 24/7 facility management. At its core, however, my job is fuelled entirely by heart – creating a joyful, dignified, and safe home for our residents.
What do you love most about your work?
Everything! I love unlocking the person behind the dementia diagnosis. Sourcing moments of connection through music, laughter, and personal memories brings pure joy. Having seen my own mother navigate an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, this work is deeply personal to me.
What is a standout moment from your leadership at Ty Cariad?
I first worked at Ty Cariad as an RMN in 2017 and returned as Home Manager in 2023. Overturning the former clinical environment and transforming the home into a vibrant sanctuary filled with warmth, laughter, and sensory engagement has been my proudest achievement.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
It means everything! I never expected to be shortlisted. All I ever wanted was to do a good job for our residents, their families, and my staff. I am so grateful to Fairways Care and my dedicated team.
Tell us about your home life!
My world revolves around my family – my husband Stephen, our three young boys, and our 12-year-old Border Collie, Jerry, who keeps us all on our toes!
Lisa Psarelis, Care Supervisor at Home Instead
The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate excellence across the social care sector in Wales.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations across a range of categories, celebrating the dedication, compassion, innovation and professionalism of those working in social care.
For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact: Rhian Richards Mobile: 07904965709 Email: rhianrelewis@gmail.com