At Loveday, we are committed to leading the way in highly tailored dementia care, personalised to each Member. That’s why we were so proud to welcome Sam Dondi-Smith, Senior Partner at the Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme to Loveday Abbey Road through Dementia Action Week. Sam is the co-author of “Waiting for the Bus”, a training resource manual written in conjunction with Professor David Sheard, a leading voice in emotional care approaches.
This innovative manual challenges conventional models of dementia care by focusing on emotional connection, identity and psychological presence. The title itself-“Waiting for the Bus” is a poignant metaphor for the search for emotional engagement and understanding. One of its key messages: “You are the bus”, reminds carers of their vital role in offering comfort, recognition and meaning in every interaction.
Designed for professionals working in dementia care settings, this resource combines practical strategies with reflective learning to promote genuine connection. It encourages teams to move beyond task-based care and instead focus on the individual experience of each person living with dementia.
It was a privilege to welcome Sam, whose visit reinforced our shared vision: to elevate dementia care through personalisation, education and emotional presence.
