At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dementia care practices and inspire staff through hands-on engagement and creative planning.
- Company: Established nursing and dementia home focused on person-led care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Transform dementia care into meaningful experiences and influence positive change.
- Qualifications: Strong dementia experience and NVQ Level 3 or above preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to create a vibrant, human-focused environment without the hassle of management.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
£32,000 to £37,000 per year (DOE) | 38.5 hours | 3 on-floor practice days + 2 supernumerary days
As Christmas approaches, lots of people start winding down. But this could be the perfect moment for you to quietly take a step forward. Fewer applicants. Faster decisions. A chance to walk into January with a role that finally reflects your passion for dementia care.
If you love dementia care, if you thrive on creativity, if you want your ideas to matter, this role may fit you more snugly than an elf in their Christmas tights. Picture yourself in a dedicated dementia unit within a large, well-established nursing and dementia home. Not as a manager. Not as an activities coordinator. But as the person who elevates dementia practice on the floor and inspires others to follow your lead.
Three days a week, you’re hands-on with the staff, not micromanaging, but modelling meaningful, person-led interactions:
- Turning wandering into purpose
- Using knitting, baking, gardening or simple shared tasks as engagement
- Redirecting task-orientated routines into moments of connection
- Helping people feel safe, valued, occupied and understood
Two days a week, you step back from the floor and become the creative thinker:
- Planning environmental changes
- Developing Montessori-inspired ideas
- Shaping routines that reduce distress
- Reviewing what’s working and adjusting it
- Advising the leadership team on resources, equipment or set-ups that could transform the space
- Coaching staff through new ways of working
You become the person who helps turn a standard dementia unit into one that genuinely feels different, calmer, more purposeful, more human.
This could be your role if you:
- See the individual long before you see the dementia
- Enjoy discovering who residents were, their jobs, hobbies, loves, mischiefs and using that to shape their days
- Understand that people may "live" in different decades depending on how they feel that morning
- Love explaining, teaching and showing others what good dementia care looks like
- Get excited about turning a spare room into a gardening space or a sensory nook
- Believe in Montessori principles, psychosocial approaches and non-institutional care
- Want to influence culture, not just complete tasks
- Prefer being hands-on, visible, present, and part of everyday life
This role gives you the space to create, shape, lead, and inspire without getting lost in paperwork or management meetings. It’s about purpose, not protocol. About people, not processes. About dementia care that feels alive, not institutional.
Background desired:
- Strong dementia experience (care homes, community, day services, early-onset support, rapid response, etc.)
- NVQ Level 3 or above preferred
- You do not need to be a nurse, though RMNs with the right outlook are very welcome
- Experience supporting individuals with distress or behaviours that challenge
- Someone already able to work in the UK long-term (this role is not suited to sponsorship)
If you can already feel yourself imagining the space differently… If you’re someone who never stops asking, "What would make this person feel valued today?" Then this could be the role where your ideas finally come to life. To explore this opportunity confidentially, get in touch with Recruitment Panda or apply with a CV.
Dementia Lead in Kendal employer: Recruitment Panda Ltd
Contact Detail:
Recruitment Panda Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dementia Lead in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the dementia care field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! Volunteer or shadow in dementia care settings. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers your commitment and passion for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people in the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative in your approach! Think outside the box when preparing for interviews. Bring ideas on how you would enhance dementia care in their facility. Show them you’re not just another applicant, but someone who can truly make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our mission in transforming dementia care.
We think you need these skills to ace Dementia Lead in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dementia Care: When writing your application, let your love for dementia care shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with dementia. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Be Creative and Person-Centred: This role is all about creativity and person-led interactions. Use your application to showcase how you’ve turned standard practices into meaningful experiences. We’re looking for innovative thinkers who can inspire others, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Dementia Lead position. Highlight your strong dementia experience and any relevant qualifications. We appreciate a tailored approach that shows you understand what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Panda Ltd
✨Know Your Dementia Care Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest practices and theories in dementia care. Be ready to discuss your experiences and how they align with the role's focus on person-led interactions. Show them you’re not just knowledgeable but passionate about making a difference.
✨Bring Your Creative Ideas
Since this role is all about creativity, think of some innovative ideas you could implement in the dementia unit. Whether it’s a new activity or an environmental change, be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can elevate the care experience for residents.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
This position values being present and engaged with residents and staff. Share examples from your past where you’ve modelled meaningful interactions or turned routine tasks into opportunities for connection. They want to see that you thrive in a hands-on environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges, or future plans for the dementia unit. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to creating a more purposeful environment.