The Dementia Care Awards 2025 – Winners and Highly Commended Announced.

The Inspirational Person Living with Dementia Award

Ruth Chauhan, Amba Care Solutions

Ruth works tirelessly to improve dementia services, especially for underrepresented communities. She co-leads popular sessions at Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, advocates for cultural inclusion, and inspires others with her passion and leadership. Ruth proves you can live well with dementia and continues to make a meaningful impact always going above and beyond.

The Dementia Care Employer Award (Residential)

RMBI Care Company

Equally passionate and strategic, she brings a quiet yet determined persistence to everything she does. The holistic and dynamic approach is underpinned by a clear sense of direction and purpose. RMBI possesses the rare ability to say ‘no’ with grace—leaving others feeling respected, valued, and empowered.

Tantallon House Care Home, Morar Living

A dedicated and passionate practitioner, she stands her ground with calm, unwavering confidence and consistently demonstrates strong teamwork and collaboration. Amazing work, keep it up!

The Dementia Care Employer Award (Community)

Visiting Angels

Dan demonstrated a genuine passion for delivering a holistic service that thoughtfully considered the needs of the people supported, their families, and the care staff. He consistently placed care staff at the top of the hierarchy, firmly believing they were the cornerstone of the work. It was lovely to hear what Dan is doing.

The Good Care group

A highly motivated and innovative team, consistently going above and beyond to develop effective strategies that enhance the lives and wellbeing of both clients and staff, while fostering a strong sense of community and support for their careers.

The Dementia Care Home Worker Award

Katie Whittington, Care UK

Katie is a ray of sunshine, beloved by residents, families, and colleagues. Katie uses compassionate, person-centred care to improve the quality of life for the residents. Her warmth, innovation, and deep understanding of residents make her an exceptional, impactful dementia care professional.

Devina Crane and Susan Rule,Hargrave House: AgeCare Care Homes

Devina Crane and Susan Rule exemplify extraordinary dementia care. It is clear their actions reflect the very heart of person-centred care. The are empathetic, tireless, and hard working.

The Dementia Community Care Worker Award

Kadijatu Koroma, Bluebird Care Reading & Wokingham

An incredibly passionate and devoted caregiver who wholeheartedly supports her community. She plays a vital role in guiding her fellow carers through changes, always prioritising everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Amazing work.

Julie Smith, Derbyshire Community Heath Service

An exceptionally inspirational and dedicated professional, expertly trained in both dementia and palliative care. She brings a forward-thinking and innovative approach to advanced care planning, alongside her expertise as a skilled trainer in dementia interpretation.

The Dementia Frontline Leader Award

Shelley Lupu, Regal Care Trading Ltd, The Hollies Rest Home

Shelley has spent 13 years passionately caring for people with dementia. She continually improves her skills, now working toward Level 5 in management. Her compassion, drive, and unwavering commitment inspires colleagues and bring real joy, purpose, and dignity to residents’ lives.

Dominica Pearce, Woodview Care Home

Dominica’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. Her deep passion for providing exceptional care to those living with dementia was evident in the powerful examples she shared of how she leads by example. There’s no doubt—her Nanna would be incredibly proud.

The Dementia Registered Manager Award (Residential)

Alex Morton, The Old Rectory Nursing Home (Doncaster) Limited

Alex demonstrates outstanding leadership, supporting staff development while consistently leading by example. His clear determination is undoubtedly contagious, inspiring his team to deliver the highest quality of life and care for the people they support.

Jana Krapkova, Avery Health Care

Jana is an empowering leader who inspires her team to step into her shoes, embracing continuous learning, personal growth, and a commitment to making incremental improvements for the people they support—residents and their families alike.

The Dementia Registered Manager Award (Community)

Paschalina Pazou, Home Instead Wembley

She exemplifies the very best of what social care should be—focused, driven, and deeply committed to improving the lives of those living with dementia. Her contributions to delivering high-quality, person-centred care are truly inspiring.

Adriana Mendonca, Right at Home GF

Adriana demonstrates a deep passion for her work and a strong commitment to supporting both community care staff and clients. Her dedication to equipping her team with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care is clear.

The Dementia Care Team Award

Eunice and Care Team, Runwood

This team was genuinely excited to share their service, even bringing along service users and family members to ensure their voices were heard—a wonderful and inclusive approach. Their compassion and enthusiasm shone through clearly, matched only by their remarkable motivation to continually improve. Embracing diversity, they ensure every resident is listened to and fully enjoys their experience. Truly, an inspirational team!

The Alive/ BRI Sanctuary Square Team, Alive Activities and Bristol Royal Infirmary

Amanda Groves, Head of Fundraising, is not just a force of nature—her dedication to this cause is deeply personal. Paired with Head Gardener Abbey’s tenacity and drive, they form an incredible duo, creating a powerful force for positive change. This visionary approach truly represents the future of dementia care.

The Dementia Friendly Business Award

The Team, Each Other Care

The creativity, innovation, and passion on display were truly outstanding. I was especially impressed by the caravan holiday idea—it reflects a genuine commitment to enriching residents’ lives. This company clearly sets a high standard for care and support, keep it up.

Team, Home Instead Durham

I was truly amazed by this team, the incredible effort they put into engaging with individuals and their communities. Their dedication and impact are remarkable—they are genuinely a force to be reckoned with.

The Dementia Friendly Community Project Award

Jude Coveney, Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes

Admissions Manager, Jude Coveney is a true pioneer within the Broadstairs community having come up with the idea to expand the annual Folk Festival week to incorporate a dedicated music event for those living with dementia and their families and carers. Hugely successful, Jude has created a model for music festivals across the country to emulate, continuing her vision for inclusivity. It was lovely to speak to her.

Carl Case, Sheffield Memory Hub

Carl Case hugely impressed us with his creative, beyond-the-box approach, not just with the Sheffield Memory Hub but with reframing dementia care societally in exciting and innovative ways. We’d like to think Carl represents the future of dementia-positive thinking.

The Creative Nutrition Award

Mathew Dodge, Loveday

Matt’s transforms dementia care through personalised, creative menus that support health, memory, and joy. From themed culinary events to garden-to-table experiences, Matt’s innovative approach nurtures connection, socialisation, and well-being, making every meal a meaningful, sensory-rich celebration tailored to each residents need. It’s amazing what you are doing.

Timothy Miyumo, Eden Holme Care Home

Timothy blends high-end culinary skills with dementia care at Eden Holme, creating nutritious, visually appealing meals tailored to residents’ histories. His innovative, personalised approach including themed meals and engaging activities, nurtures health, memory, and happiness making every dining experience meaningful and uplifting for those he serves.

The Activity Coordinator Award

Lisa Nixon, East Cheshire NHS Trust

Lisa is passionate about researching, designing, and facilitating activities that are not only enjoyable for residents but also enhance their overall wellbeing—promoting better nutrition, hydration, and reducing the risk of pressure damage. She tirelessly fundraises to further enrich the environment for people living with dementia at the hospital, demonstrating a deep commitment to their care and quality of life.

Carl Case, Cultural Appropriate Resources

Carl partnered with the Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association to secure funding for the Memory HUB, which offers culturally tailored support and activities for individuals of African and African Caribbean descent living with dementia. Additionally, he developed reminiscence activity toolkits for care homes, now available through the Alzheimer’s Society, further enhancing dementia care resources.

 The Intergenerational Activity Award

CHD Living and Adopt a Grandparent, CHD Living

Given that Adopt a Grandparent has grown into a global initiative, it’s truly remarkable how the core mission is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It continues to shine through in everything they do. The passion and purpose behind the project remain as strong and authentic as ever. Amazing work.

Emma Quaeck, Dementia Actif Gwynedd – Gwynedd Council

This is an outstanding and truly innovative project that stands out for its ability to bring people together and foster a strong sense of community. With a clear and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all who live in the county, it not only addresses local needs but also inspires meaningful connection, inclusion, and long-term positive change.

The Dementia Nurse Award

Lolette Bonner and Michelle Martel, States of Guernsey

These two ladies are significantly enhancing outcomes for those caring for individuals living with dementia. The service supports the entire system through comprehensive dementia education. By engaging closely with Adult Social Care (ASC), they gained a deep understanding of the system and tailored education to meet staff needs—empowering them to better support residents and their families. This program has already demonstrated substantial benefits for both individuals and the wider care system. These nurses are truly dynamic.

Ridel Francisco, Barchester Health Care

Ridel harnesses the healing power of nature, creatively bringing the outdoors to those unable to venture outside. Through his thoughtful and engaging approach, he and his team bring joy, comfort, and a deep sense of connection to the natural world. This work not only uplifts spirits but also significantly enhances overall wellbeing, showcasing the profound impact nature can have on both physical and emotional health

The Admiral Nurse Award

Laura Birch, East Cheshire NHS Trust

The panel were highly impressed with Laura’s engaging presentation style, infectious enthusiasm, innovative skills, and unwavering commitment to enhancing services and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She truly embodies the spirit and dedication of an Admiral Nurse

Paula Smith, Royal British Legion

The panel was impressed by Paula’s remarkable achievements over her 24 years as an Admiral Nurse. They especially appreciated her role in expanding the Admiral Nurse service across the UK to support military families affected by dementia, with the Kit Bag model in Hampshire highlighted as a standout example of this vital support.

The Dementia Trainer & Workforce Development Award

 Julian Hallett, Downs Syndrome Association

This finalist has consistently championed best practices in the fields of learning disability and dementia through the creation of a freely accessible workbook designed to support service users throughout their journey—before, during, and after a dementia diagnosis. Centred on the individual’s unique needs, this invaluable resource empowers families, carers, and professionals alike to deliver the highest quality of care and achieve the best possible outcomes for those they support.

The Team, Apples and Honey Nightingale Education and Training

The team has developed an internationally accessible, accredited training programme dedicated to advancing intergenerational practice. Designed for professionals in the care and education sectors, as well as for families and caregivers of those living with dementia, the programme plays a vital role in raising awareness and elevating the profile of this important work.

The Outreach Award

Caroline Ellis, Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust

Caroline developed a new care pathway to support those caring for people with dementia, leading a team that integrates health, social, and community services. This approach eases pressure on services while providing essential support to unpaid carers, ensuring they receive timely, holistic assistance to sustain their vital roles. It was lovely to speak to Caroline.

Lesley Tart, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Lesley’s exceptional dedication as a Community Link Worker has transformed Stockton-on-Tees into a dementia-friendly community. Through strategic partnerships, training, and inclusive initiatives, she empowers individuals living with dementia and fosters connection, reducing stigma and promoting dignity.

The Innovative Spaces Within Residential Care: Design Award

Jenny Robertson, Morar Living

Jenny clearly demonstrated the vital role that the physical environment plays for people living with dementia. Her interior design work on the new residential home was of an exceptionally high standard—rarely seen in settings of this kind. She showed genuine passion for the positive impact her design has on the residents. This project stands as a first-class example of how environments can be thoughtfully enhanced to improve quality of life.

The Team, Claremont Care Home

I was especially impressed by Karen’s enthusiasm and dedication to enriching the lives of residents at Claremont Care Home. Through her creativity and passion, she has transformed life in the residential care home into a vibrant experience filled with colour, music, and joy. These contributions have made a significant and positive impact.

 The Supporting People with a Learning Disability & Dementia Award

Lisa Nordsog, Chosen Care Group Limited

Lisa exemplifies an innovative and compassionate approach, earning commendation for her dedicated efforts to keep individuals connected with their community through a collaborative and integrated strategy.

Lauren Cutting, Bondcare

The judges were highly impressed by Lauren’s commitment and enthusiasm in her work. They especially commend her courage and confidence in speaking up and advocating for the rights of the people she supports.

The Living Well with Dementia: Co-production & Partnership Award

Alive Dementia Meeting Centre Team, Alive Activities

Demonstrates a deep and unwavering commitment to person-centred values by actively supporting individuals to explore activities that hold personal meaning for them. This approach not only respects their unique preferences and interests but also creates pathways for them to access enriching opportunities that enhance their overall quality of life, well-being, and sense of fulfilment.

St. Mary’s Hospice Compassionate Communities Team, St Mary’s Hospice

The Compassionate Communities Team at St. Mary’s Hospice exemplifies co-production, blending clinical and creative expertise to support people with dementia and their families. Through partnerships, education, and innovative events like Dementia Unmuted, they empower individuals, challenge stigma, and promote holistic, meaningful living with dementia. Well done.

The Creating Spaces for People Living with Dementia: Developer Award

Claire Harris, Isle Court Nursing Home

Claire is deeply passionate about the home where she works, placing great importance on supporting residents, staff, and family members alike. She fosters an environment where individuals living with dementia can enjoy outdoor activities, men’s sheds, and sensory spaces. Claire also provides training for residents’ families, including immersive experiences like the Dementia Bus. She advocates strongly for nutrition, hydration, and the significance of food choice and environment. Additionally, Claire has implemented a hydration station specifically designed to prepare drinks for people with dysphagia, further enhancing care quality

Richmond Villages Willaston

Michelle is deeply passionate about the care and support provided within her home. The dementia care model in place is thoughtfully designed to encourage residents to maintain their independence and participate in engaging activities like baking. There is also a strong commitment to supporting both family members and members of the wider community who are living with or caring for individuals with dementia.

 The Diversity & Dementia Award

Neil Cutler, Dementia Forward

Neil Cutler’s courage and advocacy is deeply inspiring. Turning personal pain into powerful education, he champions LGBTQ+ inclusion in dementia care. Through storytelling, training, and tireless volunteering, Neil challenges stigma with honesty and warmth. His work has transformed understanding across care settings, creating lasting change for countless individuals and communities.

Malcolm Gill, Dignitate

A charity committed to tackling dementia through a culturally sensitive and inclusive lens. Their work focuses on dismantling barriers that often prevent marginalized communities from accessing essential support. The team collaborates closely with diverse stakeholders and communities, all united by a shared vision of building a truly Dementia Friendly Society.

The Inspiring Volunteer Award

Violet Merrit, Regal Care Trading

Violet’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to residents make her truly inspiring. Even after retiring, she continues to volunteer weekly offering companionship, comfort, and joy. Her ability to connect with those living with dementia is remarkable. Violet uplifts everyone around her and exemplifies the spirit of selfless service and compassion.

The Sankofa Songsters Volunteer Team

The Sankofa Songsters, an all-age choir led by dedicated volunteers, unite children, carers, and people living with dementia. Their innovation, dedication, and reach are truly inspiring. A shining example of inclusion, creativity, and compassion this group is nothing short of remarkable.

The Innovative Products & Service for People Living with Dementia Award

Oaklands Rest Home

This company and its team have consistently excelled in leveraging innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology to improve the lives of others. It’s inspiring to see how wholeheartedly they’ve embraced technological advancement—and how committed they remain to maintaining their exceptional standard of care. Amazing to listen to.

Prof Cathy Treadaway, Hug by Laugh

An outstanding presentation of HUG—a truly inspiring story of how it was born from a simple conversation with a carer. It’s remarkable how something so seemingly simple can have such a profound impact on a client’s well-being. Truly impressive.

The Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Award

David Wilson Wynne, Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling

David started his career as a senior carer and has since grown into a respected consultant. Known as ‘the disruptor,’ he fearlessly confronts taboo topics that others often avoid. His bold, candid approach and readiness to tackle difficult issues truly distinguish him in his field.

Adria Thompson, Be Light Care Consulting

Adria, a dedicated speech-language therapist, leverages her expertise to create insightful videos that support individuals living with dementia and educate caregivers on effective care techniques. Through her work, she empowers families to provide meaningful support, enhancing the quality of life for those affected by dementia—demonstrating both her commitment and compassion.

The Dementia’s Unsung Hero Award

Janet Leech, The Rainbow Care Group

There’s no better way to spend a day than among friends, smiling and laughing. Janet does this every day, fulfilment through meaningful activity while supporting independence and acquiring and maintain life skills as they gather eggs, feeds lambs, and picnic by the fishing lake, her delight and enthusiasm are clear to see.

Sue Quantrill, Norwich City Community Sports Foundation

Deeply passionate about inclusion and supporting families, recognising that they know their loved one with dementia best. Committed to helping families find the right balance of care and support—led by both head and heart.