An award-winning Devon care home group was invited to take part in Alzheimer’s Society research set to form the basis of new mandatory dementia training in care homes across the UK.
Southern Healthcare, which has four award-winning care homes in Exeter, Plymouth, Seaton and Dawlish, were selected by two of the country’s foremost dementia specialists to participate in the research, which will be presented to the Government to inform mandatory dementia training in care homes nationally.
Southern Healthcare’s managing director, Geoffrey Cox, said: “We are very pleased to be asked to take part in this research by leading academics in the field of dementia studies.
“By taking part in this research, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Society, we are helping them in their mission to ensure the adult social care workforce is fully equipped to provide modern, high quality, person-centred care for people living with dementia.”
Geoffrey added: “Training is an essential part of the work of the work we do at Southern Healthcare. Our training reflects the culture we are continuously developing – one that is inclusive, appreciative, and deeply empowering.”
Geoffrey and his wife and business partner, Margot Whittaker, are leading voices in the care industry with decades of experience in both dementia care and social care nursing between them.
Margot, who is Southern Healthcare’s director of nursing and compliance, added: “Our teams are highly trained both clinically and holistically – blending skill, empathy, and genuine dedication.”
She continued: “All of our care teams know that our top priority is how a person feels. Tasks and chores are important – and they have to be done to a high standard – but we need to focus on what action we can take to make a difference to people’s quality of life.”
The research is being headed-up by dementia experts, professors Claire Surr and Sarah Smith, who have been commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society to explore the experiences and impacts of dementia training for both staff and people living with dementia.
Researchers observed and interviewed members of staff and people living with dementia, who live in Southern Healthcare’s care homes. The interviews explored the content and delivery of Southern Healthcare’s training in depth.
