In what is believed to be a care sector “first”, Dr Isabelle Latham has been appointed researcher in residence by Hallmark Care Homes. Dr Latham moves to her new role from Worcester University’s Association for Dementia Studies (ADS), where she had a lengthy career as a senior lecturer. Hallmark is a family-run business with 19 care homes and the new post will focus on research involving the care of people living with dementia. “I am particularly passionate about frontline care for people living with dementia and very excited about the opportunity Hallmark have created,” Dr Latham said. “The role of researcher in residence will enable me to inspire and further develop the skills of care workers, and work with them to make care homes more enjoyable and fulfilling places to live and work through research and education.” She will retain her affiliation with ADS through an honorary post and the new appointment is seen as part of a mutually supportive partnership between the university and Hallmark. www.journalofdementiacare.co.uk has recently launched a series of articles based on Dr Latham’s care home research as part of the Care Home Action Researcher-in-residence Model (CHARM).
