At Bluebird Care NEW Devon, Dementia Awareness Week is not only a time to reflect on how we support our customers - it’s also a moment to celebrate the dedication of our team. Our Registered Head of Care, Frankie, is currently undertaking her third Trek26, doing 26 miles around the Jurassic Coast to raise vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause incredibly close to her heart.
Support Frankie's Trek26 here.
By taking on this challenging trek, Frankie is helping to fund research, advocacy, and practical support for those living with dementia and their families. Her passion reflects our wider commitment as a care provider. We want to learn, understand, and do more to support those affected by dementia in our community. Our Devon Bluebirds have been supporting Frankie’s fundraising efforts by hosting coffee mornings in our Exeter and Exmouth hubs and selling raffle tickets as part of our VE Day Event.
Why Dementia Awareness Matters
With over 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, dementia awareness training has never been more important.
Our induction programme includes dementia friends training from Alzheimer’s Society and is designed to give new team members a deeper understanding of how dementia can affect people differently - emotionally, cognitively, and physically. We want every care assistant to feel confident in their role and compassionate in their approach.
From recognising early signs of dementia to managing challenging behaviour with dignity, this training empowers our staff to respond with patience, respect, and warmth.
Supporting Families Too
Living with dementia doesn’t just impact the individual, it affects families and loved ones too. The training helps our team to offer not just care, but reassurance and guidance to families who may be navigating this journey for the first time.
A Week of Action and Awareness
Dementia Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that awareness and understanding lead to action, and action changes lives. Frankie’s Trek26 is a shining example of this.
So too is our ongoing commitment to ensure that every member of our team is fully prepared to care for those living with dementia with empathy, respect, and skill. By embedding dementia friends training into our induction, we’re building a culture of care where every person is treated with dignity and kindness.
Because understanding dementia isn’t just part of the job - it’s at the heart of what we do.
