To mark Dementia Action Week (19th – 25th May 2025), we sat down with David Moore, our Head of Dementia, to explore how Hamberley Care Homes supports individuals living with dementia—and what families, care professionals, and the wider community can do to make a meaningful difference.
“Dementia Action Week is a vital time to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that still surrounds dementia. For those of us working in the care sector, it’s an opportunity to highlight the incredible work being done every day—and to push for even more support, training, and resources. For the wider community, it’s about education. It’s about understanding how to be more supportive so that people living with dementia, and their families, feel truly valued, included, and understood.”
“We’re deeply committed to person-centred care—that means really getting to know each resident’s background, preferences, and personality. Care isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about fostering connection, dignity, and a sense of purpose. We also focus on maintaining independence for as long as possible. Our teams support residents in building on their strengths while gently compensating for the difficulties dementia can cause.”
“A lot of people think dementia is simply about memory loss. But it can affect so much more—mood, communication, perception, and behaviour. And every individual experiences it differently. Families often face emotional challenges as they adjust to the changes in their loved one. That’s why at Hamberley, we’re equally focused on supporting friends and families through the positive moments and the harder ones too.”
“Absolutely. One of the things that makes Hamberley unique is our Homemaker model. This approach is especially valuable for residents living with dementia. Rather than doing things for residents, our Homemakers do things with them, encouraging independence and preserving a sense of purpose. Our Homemakers act as guide for residents, supporting them through the challenges caused by dementia.”
“It all begins with empathy. Our training is designed to help staff understand what it truly feels like to live with dementia. We cover areas such as communication techniques, interpreting behaviour, and creating calming, supportive environments. We also prioritise ongoing learning, reflective practice, and teamwork—so our teams feel confident, emotionally supported, and prepared to deliver the best care possible.”
“Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that our Homemakers make that result in the biggest differences for our residents living with dementia. Personal touches—like playing familiar music, doing simple activities together, a friendly smile, or chatting about past experiences all have a big impact.”
“Staying connected with a relative or friend living with dementia is about focusing on what still brings them meaning. As changes happen, it helps to be patient, listen without correcting, and go with their experience and view of the world. Staying supportive also means families looking after their own health, asking for help when needed, and learning about dementia. At Hamberley Care Homes we provide dementia training for families and a variety of support groups.”
“I’d encourage them to look for a place that feels warm, welcoming, and has a heart. Ask how well staff are trained in dementia care and how they get to know each resident’s history, likes, and needs. Look for signs of a calm, engaging environment, daily activities, and opportunities for residents to be involved in everyday life. Most importantly, trust your instincts—if it feels like a place where your relative would be respected, understood, and cared for like family, that’s a great sign.”
“I hope people walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to live with dementia—and how much of a difference kindness, empathy, and early support can make. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean life stops. With the right care, meaningful connection, and community awareness, people living with dementia can still enjoy fulfilling lives.”
“ It’s an exciting time for us with the launch of our dementia strategy, ‘Bringing Out the Best’. This sets out our commitment to:
• Do with, not for – supporting residents to stay active in daily life, maintaining their abilities for as long as possible.
• Make every moment matter – focusing on meaningful engagement, connection, and joy in everyday interactions.
• Create welcoming, dementia-friendly environments that reduce stress and support orientation and independence.
• Empower our Homemakers to act as companions and advocates, not just caregivers.
• Ensure every team member is confident and skilled in dementia care through tailored training and reflective practice.
I’m proud of the direction we’re heading in—and even more proud of the difference we’re making every day in the lives of those we care for.”
To learn more about dementia care at Hamberley or arrange a visit to your local home, get in touch with our friendly team today.
