Dementia Training for Everyone Living ‘Under the Umbrella’
Delivered by a Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Trainer
My name is Alison Watson-Shields, and I am a Dementia Care Professional with over 20 years of experience in dementia-related roles. I hold a BSc in Health and Social Care from The Open University and an MSc in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling.
My career has been shaped by both professional and personal experiences. I have worked across various settings, from volunteering at a local dementia café to providing home care services and running a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers since 2010. I also cared for my grandmother, who lived with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, until her passing in 2020. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by those living with dementia, their carers, and the professionals who support them.
Currently, I deliver and facilitate holistic interventions for people living with dementia, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, musical activities, physical exercise, and peer support groups for carers. I am also passionate about providing practical information and signposting to help individuals and families navigate the complexities of dementia care.
As a Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Trainer, I deliver training designed to build understanding, empathy, and practical skills for supporting people living with dementia. Since earning my certification in 2024, I have trained over 200 people, including care home staff, social workers, family carers, and members of the public. My training sessions focus on relationship-centered care, helping participants move beyond task-based approaches to create meaningful connections.
My mission is to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia and raise awareness that it is more than just memory loss. Dementia involves multi-sensory changes, and understanding these shifts is key to providing compassionate and personalized care. I believe that, with the right knowledge and skills, everyone can play a part in supporting individuals living with dementia to live with dignity and purpose.
Inspired by my work with Young At Heart ULO CIC, I began offering dementia training in response to requests from carers who wanted to deepen their understanding of the condition. Today, my training reaches a broad audience, from carers and family members to health and social care professionals.
As one participant shared, “This training should be rolled out across health and social care, including GP surgeries and first responders.” Another remarked how the practical skills they learned would help them create meaningful connections—not just with people living with dementia but even with their grandchild.
I approach every training session with the belief that, like Maya Angelou said, “Do your best until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” My goal is to empower others to try, reflect, and keep improving—because every effort to connect and care makes a difference.
