12 May 2021

An honest interview with Irene – Dementia Care Coordinator at Admiral Court Care Home

We caught up with our Dementia Care Coordinator at Admiral Court Care Home, Irene Anderson, to find out what her role entails and what makes her proud to work at our Outstanding residential, nursing and dementia home. 

What does a usual day at Admiral Court Care Home look like for you?

I always like to get to work early so I can organise my day, I usually start with allocations and preparing for my handover to the team. My job is also Senior Carer most days, so I administer all the medications, I evaluate and update care plans ensuring they are person-centred.

I also oversee the care team ensuring a high standard of care at all times, including dignity and privacy, making sure all our residents are given a choice such as what time they wish to get up, daily clothing and mealtimes (alternatives are always offered). On the dementia community, we always use visual plates to help residents decide.

I make sure residents are encouraged to participate in activities, at present due to COVID we are not able to do large group activities so we do lots of 1-2-1 or small activities with two residents. I encourage the team to do things with the residents rather than for them – helping in the dining room, making their bed and tidying their rooms. Engaging with our residents is very important.

What does the role of Dementia Care Coordinator entail?

My role is to ensure relationship-centred care, which is to support the person living with dementia to continue living in a way that is meaningful to them.

I coach and work with the team ensuring they have a good and knowledgeable understanding of dementia, how to meet the residents’ needs and recognise different behaviours. I also lead the induction for new employees.

Do you have a personal highlight in your role?

I was nominated in 2019 and 2020 for ‘Best Dementia Care Practitioner’ at the National Dementia Care Awards and was fortunate to be a finalist on both occasions. In 2020, Admiral Court was nominated and finalists for ‘Best Dementia Team.’ Also, in 2019, we were presented with a dementia-friendly award from the council and achieved our internal ORCHID award (Outstanding Relationship-Centred Care Home in Dementia).

What makes you proud to work at Admiral Court Care Home?

I am very proud to be part of a passionate team in a care home that is truly outstanding.

What is the most important part of your role?

The most important part of my role is caring for the residents making sure they continue to live life to the full doing the things that they enjoy and love. I am very passionate about my job and the wellbeing of all our residents and the Admiral Court team.

How do you ensure the standard of care is high-quality at Admiral Court?

I always work with the team to ensure the environment is safe. All care is person-centred to the individual. I also ensure we are continuing to provide ongoing training and continuous support to team members at Admiral Court Care Home.

What qualifications do you need to be a Dementia Care Coordinator?

To be a Dementia Care Coordinator it is desirable to have an NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care and experience working with people living with dementia. Also, to be caring, kind and patient, but most importantly, to have passion and an understanding of dementia.

How do you spend your free time?

I like spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy cooking, I lived in Italy for 18 years so I am very passionate about Italian food!

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