World Alzheimer’s Month: Celebrating Dementia Care at Dovehaven

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on 21st September. It is a time to raise awareness of dementia, challenge stigma and recognise the people, families and care teams affected by it.

At Dovehaven Care Homes, dementia care is about much more than a diagnosis. Across our North West care homes, our teams focus on the person behind the condition – their history, relationships, preferences, routines and the things that bring meaning to everyday life.

This World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re celebrating some of the work happening across Dovehaven to support people living with dementia.

Seeing the person, not the diagnosis

Everyone experiences dementia differently, so there is no single approach to dementia care.

For one person, meaningful engagement might be gardening or taking part in an activity. For someone else, it could be listening to a favourite song, looking through photographs, folding laundry or simply enjoying a cup of tea with someone they trust.

Meaningful engagement doesn't always look like an organised activity. Sometimes, it is simply about being alongside someone and helping them feel that they belong.

Communication can also change as dementia progresses. A person may find it harder to find the right words or explain what they need, meaning facial expressions, gestures, behaviour and body language can become just as important as speech.

Our teams take the time to listen differently – allowing people time to respond, using familiar language and avoiding the instinct to rush in or automatically correct.

For families, this can make visits feel easier too. A meaningful visit doesn't have to involve a long conversation. A shared cup of tea, favourite song, photographs or simply sitting together can still create connection.

Innovation supporting better dementia care

Understanding what someone is experiencing is at the heart of good dementia care, and technology can help our teams do that.

PainChek® is used across Dovehaven care homes to support pain assessment, particularly for people who may find it difficult to communicate that they are in pain.

The technology has helped Dovehaven achieve a 67% reduction in severe pain, a 41% reduction in distress incidents and a 50% reduction in hospital admissions following a fall.

Our work with PainChek was also recognised nationally, with Dovehaven winning the Technology & AI in Dementia Award at the UK Dementia Care Awards.

It is an example of how innovation can support the human side of care – helping our teams better understand residents and respond to their individual needs.

Celebrating our dementia care teams

Our people make the biggest difference.

In 2026, the team at Brooklands Care Home in Liverpool was named Dementia Care Team of the Year at the Stars of Social Care Awards. The award recognised their commitment to person-centred dementia care and the compassion, creativity and specialist knowledge they bring to residents every day.

We are proud to see this expertise developing across our wider dementia care teams, including through our Dementia Champions Programme, which supports colleagues to share knowledge, promote good practice and keep the experiences of people living with dementia at the centre of care.

Creating places that feel like home

Good dementia care is also about creating environments where people feel comfortable, connected and able to continue living their lives.

At Dovehaven House in Southport, Marian’s Community Courtyard was created in memory of a much-loved former resident, following a generous gift from her family. Developed with residents' input, the courtyard provides a welcoming space for gardening, spending time with family, socialising and enjoying the outdoors.

It is a reminder that someone's story, relationships and influence can continue to be part of life within a care home.

Dovehaven Goes Purple

This World Alzheimer’s Month, our Dovehaven Goes Purple campaign will bring our care homes together to raise awareness and celebrate the people living with dementia in our communities.

We will be sharing stories from across Dovehaven, celebrating our teams and highlighting the different ways we support people living with dementia, because dementia may change someone’s life, but it does not define who they are.

At Dovehaven, our aim is simple: to understand the person, support their choices, maintain meaningful connections and help them continue to live their life in the best way possible, because life is for living.

Looking for dementia care for yourself or a loved one?

Our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch with Dovehaven to talk to us about dementia care and find out how we can support you and your family.

Read more from our Dementia Lead, Krystyna Mitchell:

• Early Signs of Dementia: What to Look For | Dovehaven
• Starting the Conversation: Talking to a Loved One About Early Signs of Dementia
• Why Language Matters in Dementia Care | Reducing Dementia Stigma

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