Daventry care home strengthens dementia learning
Astley Hall Care Home in Daventry has strengthened its commitment to person-centred dementia care through a specialist learning programme led by Ripaljeet Kaur, a 2023 Alzheimer Europe, Anti-Stigma Award winner and specialist in dementia, cultural competence and health equity.
The programme helped colleagues build their knowledge and confidence while developing a deeper understanding of the person behind the dementia diagnosis.
Delivered through interactive face-to-face sessions, the programme encouraged colleagues to look beyond dementia and understand each resident as an individual.
Through discussion, reflection and practical examples, colleagues explored how upbringing, community, culture, faith, language and life experiences can shape identity and influence the way a person experiences dementia.
The programme also celebrated the strengths of a diverse workforce, creating opportunities for colleagues to learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. Open discussion and shared reflection reinforced the importance of understanding what matters most to each resident while supporting inclusive teamwork.
The learning concluded with the Training2Care Virtual Dementia Tour Bus, giving colleagues the opportunity to experience some of the sensory and environmental challenges faced by people living with dementia and bringing key themes from the programme to life.
“The Virtual Dementia Tour brought many of the learning themes to life, leaving colleagues genuinely moved by the experience.”
Dimpho Kavanagh, Home Manager, said: “We are committed to continuous learning and helping our team think differently about dementia care by understanding each person’s identity, background and experiences.
The sessions encouraged reflection, confidence and shared learning, supported by Ripaljeet’s knowledge and practical expertise. The Virtual Dementia Bus provided a powerful conclusion, giving colleagues an impactful and thought-provoking experience”.
Ripaljeet Kaur: “It was a pleasure working with the Astley Hall team and seeing colleagues from different backgrounds learning from one another and recognising the strengths each person brings.
I hope the programme encourages everyone to continue seeing the whole person beyond the dementia diagnosis and to keep learning together, creating an environment where residents, families and colleagues feel respected, valued and included.”
Astley Hall Care Home
Located in Daventry, the care home provides residential, nursing, dementia and short-break respite care.
The Drayton Suite offers supportive and compassionate dementia care, providing accommodation designed to offer a safe, secure and stimulating environment for people with varying degrees of memory impairment.