Care workers from across the West Midlands have been learning about the importance of treating the elderly with dignity.

Staff from care homes owned by Southern Cross meet at Holbeache House nursing home, in Wall Heath, once a month to learn the most suitable techniques to help residents with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dignity Champions chosen by the care homes attend the meetings, which include role play. When they have completed the course, the champions will be presented with a certificate and achieve a qualification in Alzheimer’s care.

Wendy Averall, who travels the country leading the sessions for Southern Cross, said: “The idea behind the role play is we look at everything that could possibly go wrong and give a demonstration of how not to handle it.

“That way we can try and eliminate the problems in the first place.”

Team leader Linda Taylor, aged 51, is the nominated Dignity Champion the Holbeache home where the classes are held

“The course teaches us better practices. Often, the little things that you don’t think about make a difference to lives,” she said.

Another champion is Mary Newman, aged 60, an activities co-ordinator The Gables care home in Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury.

* To nominate someone for the award, call 0870 000 1100.