Dementia team
Meet Barchester’s dementia care specialists
Our team of dementia care specialists ensure that our dementia care programme is second to none and that all staff in our homes are trained in specialist dementia care, regardless of the services provided by the home they work in.
Julia Atherton
I have worked within the care industry for over 25 years; I started out as a carer looking after people with learning difficulties and sensory impairments. Now my focus is on the delivery of high-quality care and support to all residents in Barchester's care homes and hospitals. I have worked in and managed many different types of care services including a home for people recovering from drug and alcohol dependency, a care home for deaf blind people, as well as various residential services for the elderly. I have always returned to my passion and that is the care of people living with dementia. I have a couple of family members living with dementia so I feel I have a good understanding of the sort of pressures faced by families and carers. I have been working as a dementia care specialist for several years and I really enjoy supporting our homes to offer the highest possible specialist dementia care for our residents/their families and the staff teams.
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Claire Peart
I qualified as a nurse over 20 years ago and have worked in various roles within the private sector including a role as Head of a Complex Dementia Unit in North East England. I now work within a team as a Dementia Care Specialist for Barchester.
Leon Smith
I have worked within care industry for just over 25years; I started out as a carer looking after people with learning disabilities and sensory impairments. I have worked in and managed many different types of care services including a home for people recovering from drug and alcohol dependency, a care home for deaf blind people, as well as various residential services for the elderly. I have always returned to my passion and that is the care of people living with dementia. I have a couple of family members living with dementia so I feel I have a good understanding of the sort of pressures faced by families and carers. I have been working as a dementia care specialist for several years and I really enjoy supporting our homes to offer the highest possible specialist dementia care for our residents/their families and the staff teams.
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Tom Hodges
I have worked with people living with dementia since the age of 16 as a care assistant. Finding a passion for this area of specialty I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 2007 and later completed a Master’s of Science degree in Dementia Care, in 2012. I have worked in a number of roles in the private sector, including, Nurse, Head of Unit, Deputy and General Manager. Over the last few years however, I have worked as a consultant/specialist in the area and worked in Brisbane, Australia for nearly two years. Wherever it may be in the world, I will always have a strong desire to help improve care standards and the lives of those affected by dementia.
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Maria Griffiths
Hello, My name is Maria and I create and deliver the person centred life enrichment at Elgar Court. I have a wealth of experience in the care industry from managing homes, working as a senior care to designing theatre costumes for many years. I bring with me, warmth, understanding, care and activities pizazz for all our residents and staff!
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Ancy Gain
Hi, my name is Ancy. I am a Senior Care Assistant, I began my journey in August 2022 as a Care Assistant in a sister home of Barchester. Working with elderly residents is immensely rewarding and I am supported in pursuing a career growth to enhance their quality of care and lifestyle. With my dedicated team, we consistently maintain high standards, ensuring residents receive exceptional care and quality of life.
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Paula Teesdale
Hello my name is Paula and I am a senior carer here at Shawford Springs. Prior to working here I worked as a senior carer at St Cross Grange nursing home for 6 years. I have also been a deputy manager for a small residential home in Warsash. I'm very much looking forward to interacting with all our residents and their loved ones and ensuring their stay with us is enjoyable. In my free time I am leaning to sail yachts and dinghies. I have also back packed in Zimbabwe for a number of weeks which I thoroughly enjoyed
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Catherine Wallder
Hello, my name is Catherine and I've been in my role as Senior Carer at Shawford Springs since December 2023. I have worked in the care sector for a number of years and I am passionate about caring for those living with a diagnosis of Dementia. When I'm not working I enjoy walking with my dog Bella who has a gentle and calming nature and loves people
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Mark Langford
Hi my name is Mark, I have over 7 years experience in the care sector in differing environments including young adults with learning difficulties as a registered manager. I look forward to utilising my my knowledge and experience at Shawford Springs in providing the residents with individualised person centred care and a happy environment
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Sylvia Powell
Hello, My name is Sylvia and I have over nine years experience in the care sector including five years in community care. I'm very much looking forward to making all of our residents experience here at Shawford Springs a happy one When I'm not working I enjoy dancing to keep me fit and happy
Patsy Pearson
Hello, My name is Patsy and I am from beautiful South America, Lima Peru, the home of Paddington Bear. My husband is English, and we have a son and a Golden Retriever called Sienna, I relocated to the UK from Peru 23 years ago, I now live locally very close to Shawford Springs I am a people person, compassionate and caring having cared for, and nursed my Grandmother in her later years. I wanted to bring happiness to peoples lives and searched for a long time for the best environment to enable me to achieve this, and this is the path that lead me to Shawford Springs. In my spare time I love to cook, and dance - Sometimes at the same time! I also enjoy running to music.
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Cristian Munea
Hello, my name is Cristian I am originally from Romania I qualified as Nurse (RGN) in 2002. I have held different nursing positions at Mount Tryon, commencing on nights, then as lead nurse on days and now have the privilege of working on our "Memory Lane" unit as the Head of Unit. I enjoy working at Mount Tryon and consider them my second Family. The shortest distance between two people is a smile. Leadership is taking people by the hand without holding and letting go without letting them fall.
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Rachel Marriott
Hello, I'm Rachel, and I feel incredibly grateful to be working as an activities assistant at Snowdrop Place. As a part of the activities team, I take immense pride in contributing to the life enrichment program for our residents. Being able to spend quality time with them, participate in events that they cherish, and encourage their involvement in activities that they love brings me an immense sense of joy and fulfilment. When I'm not at work, I love to indulge in two of my favourite hobbies - reading and taking my furry friends for long walks. Matilda, my adorable basset, and my rescue dog Massie, are my constant companions. They keep me active and entertained, and I always look forward to spending time with them. Whether we're exploring new walking trails or snuggling up with a good book, I adore every moment I get to spend with my furry friends.
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Ben Rickwood
Hey, I'm Ben and I am a senior carer here at Mortain Place. I have over 7 years experience in the care industry, and have my level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care. The thing I love most about my job is enriching the lives of our residents in each and every way possible. Being a carer is not just about the care, it is everything else that goes with it. I love getting to know our residents and their families inside out and adding to their care plans to ensure the best possible care. In my spare time I enjoy going to concerts with friends.
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Paula Cawte
Hi my name is Paula and I am a Senior Carer here at Moors Manor. I have been in the care industry for 13 years now and as a result I have gained a great understanding and knowledge of the importance to top quality care. I have worked hard to gain and successfully completed my Level 3 in Health and Social Care and also my Level 5 Leadership and Management Diploma. I am also the dementia champion here in the home. Being in the care industry is so fulfilling for myself and I thrive on making a difference and a positive impact for those we provide care for.
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Ashley Varocky
Hi, my name is Ashley and I feel extremely proud to be a part of the Snowdrop team. I started my journey with Barchester Healthcare as a carer through their sponsorship programme. My role included providing compassionate care to patients and ensuring their daily needs were met with utmost care and attention. As time went by, I was given the opportunity to develop my skills and progress professionally. I worked hard and eventually became a senior carer, which was a great accomplishment for me. I was also given a chance to become a dementia champion. This role is special to me as it allows me to use my knowledge and experience to support patients with dementia and their families. I strive every day to make a positive impact in their lives and help them to live with dignity and respect. I am grateful for the opportunities that Barchester Healthcare has given me, and I am proud to be a part of the Snowdrop team.
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Jas Taylor
Jas is one of our Senior Carers. She has worked in the care industry for 8 years. She joined the Wilton Place family in 2023 and is one of our Dementia Champions. She bought with her experience in specialist dementia care and a passion for exceptional, compassionate care for our residents. She takes pride in supporting us to recognise the unique needs and challenges each resident faces, ensuring their needs and preferences are met. Jas also supports resident's families, she is a friendly and approachable team member.
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