FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER - Research into practice with Exeter University

Following the wonderful news that the Somerset Care Group had been recognised for "Outstanding Dementia Research" at the National Dementia Care Awards on Wednesday, I had the opportunity of a previously scheduled meeting today to share the pleasure of this award with our partners at The Department of Psychology at Exeter University. Our close links with the university have been developing over many years and our academic and research colleagues are regularly seen as welcome visitors in our care homes.

The links we have forged with the University are strong and we hope they will strengthen further as we continue to work to understand the psychology of dementia care and ageing services, and to ensure that the results of academic research become embedded within our care practices and our culture of innovation and continuous learning. This was the subject of my discussions today with Professor Alex Haslam and his wife Cath. Alex heads the Department of Psychology and Cath is a Senior Tutor in the Department.


Our discussions were focussed on how we can support the development of care services locally, nationally and internationally by closer collaboration in dementia care research. From the basis of good, evidence based research we recognise the need to work through the care provider and skills and learning communities to ensure that the benefits of the research are translated into high quality front line care and support services. This is an important and exciting agenda that Somerset Care is keen to pursue to ensure we live up to the reputation we now have, and that has been recognised by the "Outstanding Dementia Research" Award.

Do share your thoughts on this important subject by posting a comment.

Location:Exeter