Dementia nurse up for award

A Fife nurse has been shortlisted for a national award for her innovative work in the field of dementia.

Yvonne Manson, dementia nurse consultant with care home company Balhousie Care Group, is a finalist in the leadership category of the RCNi Nurse Awards, which celebrate excellence in nursing care throughout the UK.

Yvonne, from Cardenden, heads up a host of dementia initiatives in the group’s 25 care homes in Scotland.

These have included memory boxes, themed interior decor, multi-sensory therapy and virtual reality headsets, all to encourage reminiscence as well as family time and personal space.

Yvonne also leads Balhousie Care’s dementia ambassador programme, which appoints at least two staff members in every care home as active ambassadors for dementia practices, who meet regularly to share ideas and learn new techniques.

A fierce advocate for innovation in the care home sector, she shares her ideas on dementia nursing at national events and conferences.

She said: “I’ve been fortunate to have worked in this sector for more than two decades and to have learned from some of the best.

“It’s exciting to get recognition for all Balhousie Care Group’s hard work with the dementia programme. The staff here inspire me every day.”

The awards ceremony takes place in London on July 4.