Sarah Merriman – Head of Dementia

Sarah’s journey into dementia care began with her Nana—just three months before her passing—after seven challenging years as her primary carer, her nana finally received a diagnosis of dementia. As a distant sandwich carer, working 4 days a week, and bringing up young children, Sarah experienced first-hand the emotional and logistical complexities of supporting a loved one with dementia. This life-changing experience led her to leave her role in Local Government and transition into the voluntary sector, where she worked with organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Stroke Association, Breast Cancer Care, and most recently, TIDE (Together in Dementia Everyday), where she served as Head of
Service Delivery and later Head of Campaigning and Influencing.

Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding, Sarah self-funded a Master’s degree in Dementia Studies at the University of Hull, which she completed in January 2024, whilst also working full-time. Over the past 18 months, she has worked as a freelance dementia consultant, designing and delivering training across the UK, supporting families one-to-one, and facilitating creative engagement sessions such as poetry and music groups.

Sarah speaks regularly about the challenges faced by those living with Dementia and those caring for a loved one with dementia, as well as the valuable contribution that families affected by dementia can make in influencing policy, practice and legislation. She also sits on the Young Dementia Network steering group.

She has presented at Alzheimer Disease International Conference 2022 in London. She chaired a fireside discussion at Dementias 2022 conference. She has spoken to a media advisory panel (comprising of representatives from all the major newspapers) about the way that Dementia is portrayed in the press and the struggles around diagnosis and family support. She has sat as a panel member discussing Young Onset Dementia and has been a podcast guest on many occasions.

Sarah is passionate about creating environments where people with dementia can thrive—not just survive. She believes that as much as possible, we should involve the people in our care in our decision-making processes. She also champions the principle of shared care and is committed to embedding this ethos within Advinia homes. Her vision includes appointing dementia champions in every home, hosting monthly family forums, and fostering meaningful connections between families, staff, and residents.

Supporting Families Through the Dementia Journey at Advinia Care Homes

At Advinia, we are committed to creating a warm, engaging, and dementia-friendly environment where your loved ones can truly live life to the fullest.

Here’s how we are going to make that happen:

• Dementia Champions
  Each home will have a dedicated Dementia Champions who ensure every resident has a personalised memory box and completed life history work
  either prior to or upon admission. They will be the first point of contact
  for all dementia related queries.
• Specialist Dementia Training for Staff
  All staff across Advinia Care Homes will receive face-to-face dementia training, designed and delivered by myself and our exceptional training
  team. This equips them to engage meaningfully with residents and provide truly person-centred care.
• Dementia-Friendly Environments
  Regular environmental audits will be conducted to maintain spaces that are safe, comforting, and stimulating for those living with dementia.
• Meaningful Activities
  Residents will have access to a wide range of activities: everything from music, reading groups, and poetry sessions to crafting, baking or a spot of
  indoor golf or tabletop snooker. They can also benefit from our new interactive sensory activity tables. All designed to spark joy and connection.
• Interactive Family Workshops
  Families will be invited to take part in workshops designed to deepen understanding of the dementia journey and provide practical tools for support and connection.
• Family Participation Encouraged
  We recognise that families are the experts by experience. Your insights are invaluable, and we want to work closely with you to ensure every aspect of your loved one’s care feels right. There will be monthly family support meetings, with outside speakers welcomed and a chance for families to feed back suggestions and observations

Person-Centred Meaningful Engagement

While group activities are a wonderful way to build community, we also deeply value the unique interests and preferences of each resident. That’s why we’re committed to offering individualised engagement that reflects what brings your loved one joy.

• If your loved one enjoys baking, we’ll make sure they have opportunities to get involved in the kitchen.
• Whatever they enjoy from vintage cars or motorcycles to flower arranging or gardening, we will find ways to help them explore their interests.
• If they love crafting or creating, we’ll provide materials and support for them to express themselves.
• For those who miss the companionship of animals, we’ll welcome Pets as Therapy dogs.
• We’ll also support physical wellbeing through opportunities to enjoy the outdoor spaces as well as to participate in activities your loved one enjoys.
• We will also tend to the spiritual needs of residents, whether that be helping them to attend organised services or to explore their own spirituality through inspirational reading, poetry or music.

Every activity is designed to be meaningful, therapeutic, and tailored to the individual — because we believe that every moment matters.

Our fabulous wellbeing team will ensure that your loved one has the person-centred meaningful engagement that will enhance their quality of life.