Care home manager using film to help dementia residents remember is 'humbled' by Queen's honour

A care home manager who captured the life stories of residents with dementia on film to help them remember lost memories and relieve their anxiety, says she feels "humbled" to be honoured by the Queen for her efforts.

Fiona Saadat, care home manager at Cecil Court care home in Kew, London has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to people living with dementia.

Ms Saadat has worked with charitable organisation MyLifeFilms, to produce autobiographical films that depict the ‘life story’ of residents at the care home.

The life stories include the resident’s own reflections on their childhood, their adult lives and interviews with their family members.

Images from family albums, interviews with the care home resident ‘star’ and their family members are accompanied by the resident's favourite music tracks. The film is then played to the resident and has proved successful in managing and reducing their anxiety.

Fiona Saadat, who was nominated for the BEM by a care home resident and her family, said: “I am very humbled to receive this honour.

"It is a testament to what can be achieved for those living with dementia with the right support and creativity - and my lovely team at Cecil Court.”

The care home is run by Central & Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) and the care group now plans to rollout the film project at its other care homes.

As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions can mean meeting families may not be possible, films of a resident’s life can be produced remotely using Zoom, What’s App, Facetime, We Transfer and Vimeo.

A qualified nurse and midwife, Fiona joined Cecil Court in 1997, becoming its care home manager in 2008.

As part of her efforts to help her residents with dementia, Ms Saadat got involved in dementia research with Dr Robert M. Lawrence, head of clinical research unit at the South West London and St. George’s Mental Health Trust.

The biographical film can help with direct memory recall with people with dementia helped to remember things by being provided with visual cues. Dr Robert Lawrence believes reminding residents of good memories makes them feel safer and helps carers get to know them better and provide better care.

One woman at the care home who was on a drug used to control challenging behaviour and agitation, was able to have her dosage lowered and eventually withdrawn after watching the film of her life.

Ms Saadat has more creative plans for her residents with dementia and is now looking to create her own care home radio station. She says: “I’m even more excited about the projects we’re about to launch. We’ll also be launching our own care home radio station to provide more music therapy for residents.”

“This award is so very well deserved for someone who shows such passion, dedication and commitment”, said Julia Ashley, chief executive of C&C. “We are so proud of Fiona, who fully deserves this medal for her tireless work for residents at Cecil Court.”

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