DEMENTIA care coaches have been put in position at care homes across Somerset and Dorset.

Residential and home care provider, Care South, has completed the introduction of the specialist training programme at all of its care homes.

The provider, a registered charity, aims to ensure each home provides the “very latest, best practice around person-centred, dedicated dementia care”.

Over the past 18 months, representatives from each care home have been nominated to be a Dementia Care Coaches, and have recently completed an intensive and comprehensive training program led by Karen Hodges, the firm’s group dementia lead.

The Dementia Care Coaches will now work closely with colleagues and relatives to further develop the best care practices for enhancing the wellbeing of residents living with dementia.

They will also be providing additional support to the family of residents and loved ones living with dementia.

The news comes during Professional Care Workers Week, which runs until September 20.

Maggie Searle, director of HR, said: “We are incredibly proud of our new Dementia Care Coaches and the positive impact they will have on the residents, their families, and our care teams.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to providing person-centred, compassionate care for those living with dementia, ensuring that they continue to live with dignity and respect.

“By equipping our staff with specialist knowledge and skills, we are strengthening the support we offer across our care homes.”