23rd May 2025 - Written by Brunelcare
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This Dementia Action Week (Monday 19th – Sunday 25th May), our dementia coaches held their very own dementia awareness week of events and activities to showcase the exceptional work taking place at our sites, and to actively involve our residents’ relatives in our ongoing commitment to dementia care.
Dementia Action Week is a national campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society to inspire action and understanding. This year’s focus is on recognising the most common symptoms of dementia – and we’re using this opportunity to educate, connect, and engage with the people around us.
Throughout the week, our homes have hosted a range of free sessions for families, friends and staff from all areas of Brunelcare to attend. From ‘Singing for the brain’ and reminiscence cream teas, to dementia walks with over 50 residents attending, interactive mealtime experiences, and the chance to try the Dementia Empathy Suit – there’s been something for everyone. These events aim to build awareness, break down stigma, and showcase the great work our teams are doing to support people living with dementia.
Our Dementia Care Lead, Stuart Wright, said: “Raising awareness is crucial, as dementia is often misunderstood. Many people associate it solely with memory loss, when in fact it can affect thinking, behaviour, communication and daily tasks. By increasing knowledge, we can foster environments that are more empathic, supportive and accommodating – and celebrate the skilled work our care teams deliver every day.”
The week of events was organised by our cohort of FITS into Practice dementia coaches. FITS into Practice (Focused Intervention Training and Support) is a training programme designed to equip care home staff with the knowledge and skills to deliver person-centred care to people living with dementia.
Through this programme, we have developed a cohort of qualified dementia coaches at Brunelcare: specially trained staff members who become champions for good dementia care. They help lead cultural change across our sites by supporting their teams, modelling best practice, and embedding person-centred approaches into daily routines. We aim to build a more compassionate, informed community where every person living with dementia is met with empathy, respect, and care that truly makes a difference.
Reflecting on the week, Lesley Hobbs, Home Manager at Deerhurst Care Home, said: “Dementia Action Week has been amazing,with so much input from all the FITS coaches, it’s been inspirational, fun and interactive. Everyone connected to us has contributed; families, all departments, volunteers and all residents have been involved. The highlight of the week was definitely the walk with 100 people involved, and we will make that an annual event!”
We would like to say a huge thank you to the teams across our care homes for the work they have put in to creating an insightful and engaging week of events.
