Our Dementia Champions

Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home acknowledges the growing need for dementia care and support as more individuals with dementia reach older ages. To meet this demand and provide comprehensive assistance, we’ve appointed dedicated dementia champions. Beth and Klara, serving as unit leads for dementia, are spearheading our improvement project. Their goal is to ensure that our dementia services meet the unique and complex needs of our residents, their families, and our staff. We provide enhanced training to empower these champions to effectively fulfil their crucial role in supporting our community.

The Longbridge Deverill Dementia Champions

Meet Our Dementia Champions:
Beth Ripley Holmes
Unit Lead (Dementia Champion)
Beth Ripley HolmesUnit Lead (Dementia Champion)
Beth is a Dementia Champion here at Longbridge Deverill and has undergone enhanced training within dementia care, mental capacity and DoLs (deprivation of liberty safeguarding). Beth’s role ensures she is advocating for individuals to ensure their best interests are upheld and individuals with dementia are supported to lead fulfilled lives. Beth is involved in auditing processes to improve our dementia service and supports our care team and family members regarding issues relating to dementia care and services provided to older people.

‘I started working at LDNH in Dec 2020 as a care assistant, this was my first job in the care sector and I can definitely say I have found my passion. I have been lucky enough to progress within my career completing my Level 3 NQV in Adult care and I am currently the Unit Lead on Marquess suite, alongside completing my Level 5 in Management. I have grown as a person in confidence as well as gaining a lot of knowledge and experience since I started working here. We have an amazing management team who are always there to support and guide us. All the staff here at LDNH are amazing and are continuously striving to be the best, we have a lovely atmosphere here and we all really care for the residents, we treat them as we would treat our own grandparents’.
Klara Gherman
Unit Lead (Dementia Champion)
Klara GhermanUnit Lead (Dementia Champion)
Klara is a Dementia Champion and has undergone enhanced training within dementia care, mental capacity and DoLs (deprivation of liberty safeguarding). Klara’s role ensures she is advocating for individuals to ensure their best interests are upheld and individuals with dementia are supported to lead fulfilled lives. Klara is involved in auditing processes to improve our dementia service and supports our care team and family members regarding issues relating to dementia care and services provided to older people.

‘I started working at LDNH as agency staff. I was sent here continuously for more than 2 years. The management of the care home noticed my skills and in October 2022 I was employed with a contract. In less than a year I became unit lead on the dementia unit. I like working at LDNH because the management is supportive and there are countless opportunities to advance in role. Apart from the supportive leadership, the most important thing is that we can make a difference in the days of our residents providing them person centered care. We are a family that trusts and helps each other to give the best of us’.

How our Dementia Champions support our Dementia Residents:

Promoting the wellbeing of residents living with dementia and advocating for their best interests are paramount at our facility. Our staff members are committed to attending enhanced training sessions to better support our residents with dementia. Additionally, our Dementia Champions play a vital role in our auditing processes, monitoring and improving the effectiveness of our care strategies.

We are dedicated to ensuring that person-centred care is delivered to all individuals residing in our home. Our team also provides valuable advice and support to carers, family members, and friends, fostering a supportive environment for everyone involved.

Moreover, we strive to ensure that residents, family members, and carers have access to a variety of resources and information related to dementia. Through appropriate community services and support groups, we aim to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance to those in need.

Supporting our Care Team

To raise awareness and share information, our team aims to empower other members of the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) regarding dementia and caring for dementia patients. We prioritise supporting all new documentation, ensuring that policies and procedures are disseminated and embedded in the home in a timely manner. Additionally, we are committed to challenging any poor practice appropriately, safeguarding individuals, and upholding their independence and best interests.

In our proactive approach, we inform the Home manager/deputy manager of any gaps identified within the service related to caring for residents with dementia. Moreover, our goal is to develop our responsibility as dementia champions, continuously enhancing our knowledge and skills in this area. We strive to act as role models to our peers, offering advice and support as required, and identifying training needs to support our dementia care team.

Dementia Care at Longbridge Deverill

Recognising the evolving needs associated with dementia progression, we provide adaptable care solutions at our facility. From supported independent living to full nursing care, we offer specialised dementia care services tailored to each individual in Wiltshire.

Our Wylie Unit, designed to accommodate up to 16 residents, features comfortable en-suite bedrooms within a figure-of-eight layout for easy navigation. With dedicated spaces including a lounge, dining room, accessible bathroom, and a stunning rooftop terrace, it provides a secure and meticulously planned environment.

Our staff undergoes comprehensive dementia training, ensuring they can deliver compassionate and respectful care round the clock, seven days a week. They are equipped to provide the highest standard of support, prioritising the wellbeing of our residents at all times.

Learn More About Our Specialist Dementia Care