Select your Award Category and nominate.

In memory of Olivia Slater, a pillar of Nursing Homes Ireland who passed away in January 2025, this award honours an administrator whose work truly embodies the values Olivia brought to our organisation and sector. Since joining NHI in 2009, Olivia was renowned for her unwavering dedication, warmth, and
sincere commitment to supporting our Members, residents, and colleagues.

Olivia was often the first point of contact for Members, known for her deep sector knowledge and her ability to find solutions to any issue. Her thoughtful
communication, tireless support, and empathy set a gold standard for service. She was a source of reassurance, kindness, and good humour, a friend and mentor whose presence brightened every room. The recipient of this award will demonstrate exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills, supporting staff, residents, and families with genuine care and efficiency. They will show initiative in improving administrative systems or service delivery, and embody the values Olivia upheld: kindness, respect, humility, and selfless service. Like Olivia, they will be someone whose positive character, support, and compassion leave a lasting impact on everyone they work with.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• Exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Dedication to supporting staff, residents and families with care and efficiency.
• Initiative in improving administrative systems or service delivery.
• Embodiment of values Olivia upheld: kindness, respect, and service.

The Director of Nursing of the Year is a leader who demonstrates outstanding clinical governance, team empowerment and unwavering commitment to person-centred care. This award celebrates a Director of Nursing who inspires excellence, drives quality standards, and plays a central role in fostering dignity, respect and wellbeing for residents and staff.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• Exceptional leadership that supports staff development and high-quality care delivery.
• A strategic approach to clinical and operational oversight. Innovation in care planning, quality improvement or governance.
• Commitment to resident wellbeing, safety and autonomy.

This award recognises the inspiring achievements of a nursing home resident. Whether artistic, personal, community-based or social, the award honours a resident whose actions have enriched the life of the home or beyond, offering a powerful reminder of the potential and contribution of older people.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• A specific personal achievement or milestone.
• Positive impact on the resident’s wellbeing and/or the community around them.
• Personal drive, creativity or resilience.

This award celebrates an initiative or project that has meaningfully enhanced quality of life for nursing home residents. It may relate to clinical practice, wellbeing programmes, end-of-life care, or other person-centred innovations that support dignity, choice and a better daily experience.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• A clear and innovative initiative, programme or change.
• Evidence of improved outcomes or experiences for residents.
• Sustainability and team collaboration in delivery.
• Reflection of NHI values in person-centred care.

This award honours a team that exemplifies collaboration, compassion and excellence in care. Open to any team, clinical, catering, household, end-of-life, or other, it recognises those who work together to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where residents thrive.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• Cohesive teamwork with shared purpose and strong communication.
• Impact on residents’ wellbeing and daily life.
• A culture of respect, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to high standards across roles.

Nomination Criteria:There are five General Awards to be presented, designed to recognise individuals or initiatives that demonstrate outstanding contributions to nursing home life, outside of the specific categories above. These awards provide flexibility to highlight excellence in diverse roles or projects that go beyond traditional definitions but significantly enhance the care home environment.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking here and submit your application online.

Nomination Criteria:

• Evidence of positive impact on residents, staff, or the wider care community.
• Innovative or meaningful contribution to nursing home life.
• Dedication, creativity, or leadership in an area not otherwise captured by the existing award categories.