Inspiring Stroud care home team member wins national accolade

A team member at a Stroud care home was recognised on the national stage for his approach to dementia care.

Kallum Chamberlain, dementia care coach and unit manager at Care UK’s Scarlet House, on Westward Road in Ebley, received the “highly commended” accolade in the “End of Life Care” category at the UK Dementia Care Awards.  

The awards recognise and celebrate those committed to developing dementia care to the highest possible standard. The ‘End of Life Care Award’ honours individuals who provide the best possible standards of palliative care for residents and support for their families. 

As part of his role as a dementia care coach at Scarlet House, Kallum, who joined the team six years ago, is responsible for promoting best practice when it comes to resident-centred dementia care by delivering training to other members of the team. He also leads the home’s memory care suite, a dedicated space to provide advanced support to residents living with dementia. 

Judges were impressed with Kallum’s kind and compassionate approach to end-of-life care, ensuring residents live well in the last years of their lives and pass away comfortably in the environment and manner of their choosing. This was also praised by relatives and colleagues. 

One relative said: “Kallum’s approach was deeply personal, he guided his colleagues to follow his lead. He spoke to me gently and honestly, explaining what was happening in a way that was clear yet incredibly sensitive. He understood that this was not simply a clinical process, […] and that understanding shaped everything he did.”

Kallum’s knowledge of dementia also made him stand out. Judges highlighted his ability to support residents at all stages and acknowledging the individual, making sure no one is ever reduced to their diagnosis. 

Adrian Boldog, Home Manager at Scarlet House, said: “We’re so thrilled to see Kallum’s commitment to care be rewarded on a national stage. He’s a true fountain of knowledge when it comes to dementia care, and his understanding of the condition is truly inspiring to us all.

“It’s never easy for families when their loved ones reach the last stage of their lives, but Kallum’s approach and expertise always reassures them that these final days will be spent peacefully, which means the world to them. 

“He’s kind and compassionate, and he’s always looking for new ways to support residents living with dementia, no matter what stage they’re at. He’s a big part of what makes Scarlet House a place many are proud to call home, and we’re very lucky to have him. Well done Kallum!”

Scarlet House is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, it incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities.