Career spotlight: Dementia Support Workers

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a meaningful difference every single day, then a role as a Dementia Support Worker (DSW) might be the perfect fit for you. We spoke with two dedicated DSWs from Green Park Nursing Home in Warrington, and their insights shed light on why this role could be the most fulfilling career move you’ll ever make.

Mary Lou, who has devoted a decade to supporting people living with dementia, describes the satisfaction she finds in her role. Mary Lou joined us as a full-time staff member in October 2023, bringing with her NVQ2 and NVQ3 Dementia qualifications. She then underwent our comprehensive in-house training to further her skills as a DSW.

Our training programme is designed to transform how we approach dementia care. It covers important topics like the impact of anticholinergics on cognition, health, and behaviour. We focus on ‘positive’ risk rather than blanket risk mitigation to ensure truly equitable care for our people. Additionally, our training encourages a shift in language and communication to better support people living with dementia. We look at what a person living with dementia can do, not what they can’t.

Mary Lou shared her thoughts on the training, saying, “The training was amazing—well-organised and genuinely enjoyable. Gaining insight into how people living with dementia perceive the world was incredibly valuable and has made me a much more effective caregiver.”

Nicola, who joined Green Park in October 2023 agrees ‘The training was brilliant! It opened my eyes to how people living with dementia feel, their triggers, and what help we can give them.’

Both ladies first came to Green Park as agency staff a couple of years ago, before being offered full-time positions at the home. Mary Lou notes that moving in-house allowed her to be more involved in the care home’s daily operations and have a greater influence on decision-making processes, ‘Moving in-house, I feel more involved and have more of a voice on things happening inside the home. I can also form lasting relationships with the people I care for, while getting to know the people who live here and their families’ she says.

Nicola also feels that becoming part of the team has enhanced her job satisfaction. ‘Although as an agency worker I was always made to feel welcome, I now feel part of a very good team and I have greater job security and benefits. The transition went very smoothly and I was welcomed immediately.’

For Nicola, the role of a Dementia Support Worker is incredibly fulfilling. She highlights how each day brings new challenges and joys. ‘Every day is different and the people you care for can bring as much joy to your life as you do for them.’ The deep emotional rewards of seeing residents happy, engaged, and safe make this role uniquely satisfying.

This career is incredibly fulfilling—there's so much more to the role than just personal care. It involves offering emotional support, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to the overall well-being of the residents. In any day I can go from supporting our people to the shops, do a puzzle with them, help them make a cup of tea or simply sit with them and have a chat. It’s a deeply impactful role, and I’m so glad I made it.’

Mary Lou added, ‘Every day is different and you never know what your day might consist of but as long as you keep an open mind and can adapt to our people’s requests, you will flourish. It’s a deeply rewarding job and beyond the job satisfaction, working at Orchard comes with some great perks.’

A big thank you to Mary Lou and Nicola for sharing their experiences with us—we’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoy your roles! As the saying goes, "Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life."

If you’re considering a career as a Dementia Support Worker and are driven by a passion for making a difference and a commitment to understanding the needs of people living with dementia, this role offers a unique opportunity to enrich lives—including your own—while being part of a supportive and dedicated team.

Click on the link below to find out more about becoming a DSW at one of our homes:

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