New Dementia Development Lead will drive care home group’s plans for sector leading care

Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) has appointed a new Dementia Development Lead to drive forward their commitment to delivering the best possible care for people living with dementia, and the best training and support for their teams

Laura Steward has devoted her entire career, spanning more than 25 years, to social care, specialising in dementia education from 2012.

The appointment saw her take the reins of MMCG’s Dementia Strategy, a multi-pronged approach which includes upskilling staff and sharing best practice with the aim being to enable those living with dementia live as well and as independently as possible.

Earlier this year, as part of this strategy, MMCG established the role of Dementia Ambassadors. These trained specialists work in homes and take the lead in educating colleagues, sharing knowledge, skills, and evidence-based strategies and tools.

Laura Steward said:

“We want every member of the team to have the right knowledge, strategies, skills and compassionate understanding to respond to and care for people living with dementia across our homes in the best possible way.

“Having devoted a lot of my professional time to mentoring and coaching others I believe the most successful way to educate is harnessing that flow-down of learning.

“Our specially trained Dementia Ambassadors will show, train, lead, mentor, guide and inspire their colleagues, so that every member of the team has the confidence and know-how to improve the daily lives and experiences of those living with dementia in their care.”

Laura, who has completed vocational training throughout her career, gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Person-Centred Dementia Studies from the University of Worcester earlier this year.

She also brings to the role a broad range of experience including developing and delivering dementia education programmes and designing and improving dementia care services, with a strong focus on person-centred care.

She added:

“Improving the quality of care for those living with dementia is my passion, and I have developed particular interest and skills in reducing levels of distressed behaviour and developing tailored, holistic approach to care practice for each individual.

“Over the past ten years I have really enjoyed gathering a better understanding of the condition and how to make people’s lives better – and for me that doesn’t have to be more complicated than simply understanding people and meeting them where they are.

“I’m also focussed on delivering the right training and support for team members. By making sure we pay close attention to care teams working experience we can ensure it’s less draining for them, allowing them to give their best to those in their care.

“I am so excited to get stuck into this role. MMCG’s commitment to delivering the best dementia care is second to none, and that level of support will allow me to have a massive impact and bring positive improvements across our homes.”

 To find out more about the Maria Mallaband Care Group visit: www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk