Dementia Lead

Job Title: Dementia Lead ( Non - clinical)   

Reporting to: Home Manager

Job Summary:

To positively support and assist the Home Manager in providing Dementia support and leadership in the day-to-day management of the home. Uphold and actively promote the home’s values and philosophy so each day is the best it can be for residents and staff.

The Dementia Lead is responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of care provided to residents living with dementia. This role ensures that care practices are person-centred, evidence-based, and aligned with best practice standards. The Dementia Lead will act as a champion for dementia care within the home, supporting staff development, improving resident wellbeing, and fostering a supportive environment for residents and their families.

Principle responsibilities of the role:

1. Leadership & Oversight

Lead the development and implementation of dementia care strategies within the home

Work one shift a week on the rota, working directly alongside the care team and the remainder of the time would be supernumerary with the expectation that shifts may need to be covered as required to support the running of the home

Act as the subject matter expert on dementia care best practices

Support the management team in delivering high-quality, compliant care

Promote a culture of dignity, respect, and person-centred care

2. Staff Training & Development

Plan and deliver dementia-specific training for care staff

Mentor and support staff in managing complex dementia-related behaviours

Ensure all team members understand and apply person-centred approaches

Identify training needs and support continuous professional development

Monitor standards of care through informal 1-2-1’s, formal supervision, communication and internal reviews.  To have involvement in annual staff appraisals where instructed by the General Manager.

Identify and rectify record keeping deficiencies through supervision, training and corrective action as directed by the Home Manager

Fully participate in the training of staff in line with the Company’s training schedule and on an ad hoc basis where instructed by the Home Manager.

Take responsibility for own familiarity with and adherence to company policies and procedures.  Assist the Home Manager to ensure the same amongst the staff.

Demonstrate flexibility in working times to allow meetings, support and development to be undertaken with the night team

3. Resident Care & Wellbeing

Assist the Home Manager to enable residents to live as full, active and independent a life as their physical and mental capacity will allow.  To build up their self-confidence and encourage physical, intellectual and social activities both inside and outside the Home.

Oversee care planning to ensure it reflects individual needs, preferences, and life history

Support staff in managing distressed behaviours in a compassionate and effective manner

Implement meaningful activities and therapeutic interventions for residents

Monitor outcomes and continuously improve quality of life for residents

4. Family & Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with residents’ families and carers

Communicate with residents' relatives, keeping them informed of any changes in the residents' condition.

Organise and participate in regular relatives’ meetings.

Provide guidance and emotional support to families navigating dementia care

Work collaboratively with external professionals (e.g. GPs, specialists, community services)

Assist in protecting and promoting the esteemed reputation of the home and the company within the local community and beyond

5. Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure dementia care practices meet regulatory and organisational standards

Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives

Maintain accurate records and documentation

Share responsibility with the Home Manager to undertake Resident Reviews, adhering to the schedule laid down by the Company. 

6. Environment & Innovation

Promote a dementia-friendly environment within the home

Assist the Home Manager in ensuring the general environment is maintained to a high standard

Introduce innovative approaches to care, including sensory and reminiscence therapies

Stay up to date with research and best practices in dementia care

Assist the Home Manager to ensure that the Home has a happy and safe atmosphere by exercising professional leadership and co-ordinating the work of all grades of staff creating a climate of wellbeing, security and efficiency. Demonstrate best practice in your work activities and adhere strictly to company systems and policies

Other responsibilities:

Participate in the interviewing and selection of staff when required by the Home Manager.

Assist the Home Manager to ensure that accidents, incidents and complaints are reported, recorded and monitored in a timely and appropriate manner.

Assist the Home Manager to undertake any investigations as required in line with company policies. 

Assist the Home Manager to ensure action plans as a result of Health and Safety Audits are implemented throughout the Home.

Demonstrate a flexible approach to your shift pattern, to ensure the duties of the role are fulfilled and the home is safely staffed including some weekend working and taking of the on call rota.

Take personal responsibility in becoming fully aware of Health & Safety at Work Policies in particular Fire Procedures, COSHH and Moving and Handling Policies and maintaining the security of the building.

Any other reasonable duties as may be required from time to time.

Person Specification

Essential:

Relevant health or social care qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3/4/5 or equivalent)

Significant experience working with individuals living with dementia

Strong leadership and mentoring skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

Knowledge of person-centred care principles and dementia care frameworks

Desirable:

Specialist dementia qualification or training

Experience in a senior or supervisory role within a care setting

Understanding of regulatory CQC requirements

Key Competencies:

Compassionate and empathetic approach

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively

Commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality care

Additional Information:

The role may require flexibility to work shifts, including weekends

Ongoing training and development opportunities will be provided

Enhanced DBS check required

Summary:

This is a pivotal role within the care home, ensuring residents living with dementia receive exceptional, person-centred care. The Dementia Lead will influence practice, inspire staff, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of residents and their families.