Developing Dementia Care Champions of Change: How Training, Support and Lived Experience Drive Sustainable Practice Change in Two UK Care Homes
Parallel 5
18 November, 2026 2:10 – 3:20 pmCultivating Champions: Staff Development and Compassionate Support in Care Homes
Penny is a Dementia Practitioner at Jewish Care, leading the UK’s first implementation of the DementiAbility approach and training in‑house Champions to embed sustainable practice. She holds a PG Cert in Person‑Centred Dementia Studies and is a FITS Dementia Practice Development Coach. Her work is shaped by lived experience caring for her mother
Bio and photo to follow
Would ideally like to bring a third presenter another champion, can confirm details if accepted
Summary
This presentation evaluates the development and impact of a Dementia Champion training and support programme implemented across two care homes over a period 2023 – 2026. The project aimed to strengthen dementia inclusive practice by equipping selected staff with enhanced knowledge, reflective skills, and confidence to lead change within their teams. Drawing on pre and post training evaluation data, staff feedback, and lived experience accounts, the session will demonstrate how structured training, ongoing mentorship, and peer support can shift organisational culture and improve outcomes for residents living with dementia.



