Harrogate Company Cares to Raise Dementia Awareness

Why does World Alzheimer’s Month Matter:

• Dementia is one of the leading health and social care challenges worldwide.
• Many people still face stigma and misunderstanding when living with dementia or supporting someone who does.
• The campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis, accessible support, and research.

Sheena and Andrew Van Parys are widely recognised in the UK as dementia care experts. They own and run Home Instead Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk, where they focus on high-quality, person-centred support for older people, including those living with dementia. Their expertise has been highlighted in professional care networks, dementia awareness campaigns, and training for their Care Professionals.

This month is often used to:

• Showcase their City & Guilds–assured dementia training.
• Partner with community venues (like Everyman Harrogate) for dementia-friendly events.
• Promote resources such as the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus.
• Share case studies and stories that show the impact of high-quality home care.

Home Instead and  Everyman Cinema in Harrogate have been involved in dementia-friendly initiatives. Dementia-friendly cinema showings are designed to make the experience more comfortable and accessible for people living with dementia and their carers. These screenings typically include:

• Adjusted lighting and sound – softer levels to avoid disorientation.
• Clearer signage and easier access – to help with orientation in the venue.
• Flexible seating and movement – recognising that some guests may need to move around.
• Welcoming, trained staff – with awareness of dementia support needs.
• A supportive atmosphere – carers and family are encouraged, and there’s no expectation of total quiet.

Home Instead Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk has worked with local venues like the Everyman Cinema in Harrogate to support dementia-friendly initiatives.

Home Instead in the UK has developed its own City & Guilds–assured dementia training programme. This is not just a short awareness course – it is a structured, in-depth training pathway that goes well beyond the basic standards usually required in care.

• City & Guilds Assured – means the programme has been independently quality-checked and endorsed by City & Guilds, a highly respected skills and qualifications body.
• Exclusive to Home Instead – it’s the first dementia training of its kind in the home care sector to achieve this recognition.
• Practical and person-centred – staff are taught how to understand dementia from the individual’s perspective, focusing on communication, empathy, and creating positive daily experiences.
• Beyond theory – carers learn real-world skills such as adapting environments, supporting families, and responding calmly to changing behaviours.
• Recognition for care professionals  – completion provides formal acknowledgement that Home Instead care professionals have advanced dementia skills.

Sheena and Andrew Van Parys also host the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus locally each year. It is used as part of their mission to raise awareness across Harrogate and surrounding areas, supporting carers, families, and the wider community to become more dementia friendly.