Sonnet Care Homes appoints new dementia champion

Sonnet Care Homes in Bocking, near Braintree, has invested in a brand new job role to support people emotionally, physically and socially. As Dementia Lead, Matt Harvey-Nawaz will develop St Mary’s Court Care Home's dementia services by keeping abreast of the most up-to-date best practice and research, as well as championing organisational improvements. Mr Harvey-Nawaz said: “I’m always looking for the best ways of providing person-centred care while considering the dual impact of physical and mental health on a person’s overall wellbeing.” St Mary’s Court ensures its dementia care environments are decorated and furnished to best support those living with dementia. This includes specific colour schemes, room layouts, signage and secure gardens. Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes, said: “While our dementia services are already well regarded and we have a good level of expertise in this area, as an organisation we are always seeking ways to develop and improve. We decided to do this by creating the post of dementia lead to support our three dementia units, one of which provides specialist services for younger adults living with dementia.

Our dementia lead will also provide ad hoc advice and support to The New Deanery, our sister home on the same site”

Mr Harvey-Nawaz earned a masters degree in mental health nursing and spent seven years in healthcare before becoming dementia lead at Sonnet. This included working with men detained under the mental health act as a trainee cognitive behavioural therapist. He then became a mental health nurse for the elderly before working in nursing care homes with dementia patients and most recently becoming a care home deputy manager. He said: “What appealed was St Mary’s Court’s excellent reputation, the fact the home is outstandingly well-led, the wonderful, green environment and the award-winning activities on offer for residents.”