Hi Steven. Thanks for joining us. What has motivated you throughout your career in nursing?
I love being able to make a difference to peoples’ lives. I am very passionate about dementia care and being able to be caring and compassionate. I love supporting people to care for their loved ones with dementia and I always encourage independence amid a dementia diagnosis for individuals. I also feel very humbled to be able hear people’s life stories.
Your current role as an Admiral Nurse with Dementia UK involves holding in-person support sessions for people living with dementia at Nationwide Building Society branches. Why is it important to bring dementia awareness to the high street?
It’s about providing opportunities to support everyone with dementia through greater awareness and understanding. It’s also nice to offer that safe space of a bank environment on a face-to-face basis for individuals. It will hopefully support people who are diagnosed earlier, giving them more time to come to terms with what their future symptoms might be. It’s great that this programme will run for three years and be free for anyone – you don’t have to be a Nationwide customer to come along and access support.
Can you tell us about a time you saw the power of meaningful music in action for someone living with dementia or in another health care environment?
This question takes me back to my early days when I worked as a carer in care homes before becoming a nurse. I loved doing music reminiscence sessions and found that music was such a powerful tool. The music could bring out happy or sad emotions, but it always touched the people living with dementia and allowed them to express themselves. It was also nice to see families who helped identify person-centred choices about playlists for their loved ones.
Is there anything you do for your own health and wellbeing that you would recommend to others?
Music is everything to me, it helps me from day to day, month to month. My favourite time to listen to music, though, is when doing a good body combat routine as the tunes are always great – especially if old school dance songs come on. My guilty pleasure is Scooter!
Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
It always reminds me that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. It’s such a happy song for me and keeps me motivated when life throws curve balls at you.
When Love Takes Over, Kelly Rowland
There’s a theme here with the Kellys! This song always makes me think of summer holidays on the beach and walking with the waves hitting your feet on the sand. I have a wee plaque at home that says ‘a little sand between the toes takes away the woes’.
Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth
This is a song that always reminds me of my wee granny and she was just such a special lady in my life.
Make your Own Kind of Music by Paloma Faith
Because life IS about making your own kind of music.
Black Eyed Peas, I Got A Feeling
This always takes me back to my younger days. It’s a great song either start or end a party with.
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