Love Laundry Awards – The Gables Residential Home receive their Trailblazer Award

WASHCO recently visited The Gables Residential Home near Bristol to present its Love Laundry Trailblazer Award, celebrating a team whose thoughtful approach to laundry is making a meaningful difference to residents every day.

Although the award was originally won in October, busy schedules meant the presentation had to wait. That only made the visit all the more special. Meeting Imelda and Lorraine in person offered the chance not only to hand over the award, but also to see first-hand the care, pride and teamwork that made The Gables a deserving winner.

From the moment you step into The Gables, there is a warm, homely atmosphere that stands out. Residents are clearly well cared for, the home feels welcoming and calm, and the team’s commitment is visible in the small details that matter so much in a care setting.

That is exactly why The Gables was recognised with the Love Laundry Trailblazer Award. Their approach goes far beyond process and equipment. It is rooted in culture, personalisation and shared responsibility. At The Gables, laundry is not treated as a background task. It is seen as an essential part of dignity, comfort and daily well-being.

During the original nomination, it was clear that what makes The Gables truly trailblazing is not just innovation, but the mindset behind it. With a laundry powered by solar energy, controlled pod usage, and shared accountability, The Gables team proves that forward-thinking care is not about roles — it’s about relationships. Everyone contributes. Everyone takes responsibility. Residents’ preferences are documented, understood and respected, from day-to-day routines to the personal touches that help them feel at home. It is a model built on relationships, independence and genuine teamwork.

Imelda spoke warmly about the contribution Lorraine makes every single day. In a small residential home, knowing each resident’s laundry preferences is incredibly important, and Lorraine brings real care and consistency to that responsibility. From beautifully made beds with freshly laundered sheets to bathrooms stocked with soft towels, her pride in her work is easy to see.

Even on a grey day, Lorraine is thinking about the best possible result, making the most of line drying when she can to give laundry that incomparable fresh feel. It is this level of ownership and attention that helps create the high standards residents and families rely on.

The visit also reinforced something that is often overlooked in care homes: laundry is one of the hidden services that underpins everything else. When it goes wrong, the impact is felt everywhere. When it is done well, it supports infection prevention, protects residents’ dignity and gives families reassurance that their loved ones and belongings are being cared for properly.

Residents should never have to worry about a favourite item of clothing being damaged, shrunk or lost. At The Gables, great care is taken to make sure that does not happen. That commitment reflects a wider culture of respect, where even the most routine tasks are carried out with compassion and professionalism.

Imelda, Lorraine and the wider team at The Gables show that outstanding laundry care is about far more than clean linen. It is about creating comfort, preserving identity and supporting residents to feel valued every day. WASHCO is proud to recognise their achievement and celebrate the exceptional work they do.