At Hamilton George Care, dementia care is a core part of our mission. As a leading provider of live-in care for dementia across the UK, we employ some of the most experienced and rigorously trained dementia carers and nurses in the sector. Our in-house team already undertakes comprehensive clinical and specialist dementia training, but our recent experience of becoming Dementia Friends has had a profound impact - both in our professional practice and in our daily lives.
Going Beyond Specialist Dementia Training
While our carers and nurses are already dementia care specialists - completing various levels of CPD accredited dementia focussed training modules, with annual refreshers and ongoing upskilling - the Dementia Friends programme offered something uniquely valuable for our in-house team. Developed by Alzheimer’s Society, this dementia friends sessions are designed to deepen understanding of what it’s truly like to live with dementia and how to recognise and support people when out and about.
Our in-house team also complete our in-house dementia training and have significant experience supporting the families of those whom have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and other memory-related conditions. However, unlike our carers and nurses who live with our clients and provide practical support, their work is office based and focused on communicating with the families and carers. The sessions were a reminder of the daily effects of dementia, and how compassion, empathy, and awareness are crucial in all environments. The information and knowledge gained from Dementia Friends has made them considerably more aware of signs to watch out for and how to provide assistance outside of their working environment.
The Impact on Our Team
1. Renewed Empathy in Dementia Care
Dementia Friends encouraged our staff to look beyond the practicalities of managing our care team and focus on our carer's experience of supporting someone with dementia. It gave a deeper understaning of some of the situations our care team may face and how to support them to provide the very best care.
2. Enhanced Communication and Observation
Our in-house team are now better equipped to support the families of those with a loved one requiring dementia care. The practical knowledge shared in the sessions will help us to guide the conversation and gain clarity on situations and circumstances they need to manage with patience, reassurance, and expertise.
3. Impact Beyond the Workplace
Perhaps most significantly, becoming a Dementia Friend extends well beyond our professional lives. Many of our team members have found themselves applying their dementia awareness in real-world scenarios - and are now clearer on how they may support neighbours, assist strangers in public, or help friends and family members living with dementia. This has fostered a culture of compassion and vigilance that benefits our wider community.
4. Building a Dementia-Friendly Culture
By sharing insights from Dementia Friends, our in-house staff have become advocates for dementia awareness, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone - inside and outside of Hamilton George Care.
“Our recent experience of becoming Dementia Friends gave us all a fresh perspective. It was a powerful reminder that every interaction - no matter how small - can make a real difference to someone living with dementia. The tools and insights we gained have not only enhanced our professional practice, but also enriched the way we support people with dementia in everyday life, beyond the care setting."
Karin Pym, In-House Nurse, Hamilton George Care
Why This Matters for Our Clients and Families
Hamilton George Care’s reputation is built on clinical excellence, personalised care plans, and a deep understanding of dementia-related conditions. Our in-house nurse oversees every care plan, ensuring expert support for clients with complex needs, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rare neurological conditions.
By supplementing our specialist dementia care training with Dementia Friends, we’ve strengthened our ability to deliver not just medical expertise, but also the empathy and everyday support that truly enhances quality of life.
Committed to Excellence in Dementia Care
We know that living with dementia can be challenging for both clients and their families. That’s why we go above and beyond, combining clinical skill with genuine compassion. Dementia Friends has reinforced our belief that outstanding dementia care is about more than protocols - it’s about people.
If you’re seeking specialist live-in dementia care or want to learn more about our approach, please contact Hamilton George Care or call us on 0330 470 2866. We’re here to support you and your loved ones - every step of the way.
