Explore Dalia's journey through the Hull Online MSc Dementia and how she applies compassionate, person-centred dementia care in practice. 

Dalia Staniuleviciene, a Team Leader and Sustainability Champion at Appleby House (Care UK), completed the MSc in Dementia while balancing work and family life.

In this Q&A, she shares her motivations for studying dementia, the experiences that shaped her learning, and how she brings a person-centred approach into her everyday practice.

Dalia, what first inspired you to study dementia?

Studying opens a window to a world of new ideas, challenges and inspiration. My curiosity to deepen my knowledge and connect theory with practice was what first inspired me to pursue further study.

Listening to others and sharing ideas with fellow students helped reinforce that we were all working towards the same goal. Drawing on my experience in social work and dementia care encouraged me to explore the subject in greater depth, helping me better understand the theory behind my day-to-day practice.

The MSc in Dementia inspired me to dig deeper, keep asking questions and embrace lifelong learning.

What stands out most from your time on the course?

During my studies, I looked forward to the webinars and online Teams meetings so much. The book club was my favourite activity: it involved reading a book and then discussing it during the online session. We’d do this with other students and tutors; the author of the book was usually participating, too.

I can’t forget the authors and stories that shaped my learning journey, including:

• Somebody I Used to Know – Wendy Mitchell
• What I Wish People Knew About Dementia – Wendy Mitchell
• One Last Thing: How to Live with the End in Mind – Wendy Mitchell
• Walk with Me – Peter Berry and Deb Bunt
• The Reluctant Carer: Dispatches from the Edge of Life – The Reluctant Carer
• Toffee – Sarah Crossan

Meeting people living with dementia and witnessing their creativity will always stay with me and in my heart. Listening to their unique stories about living with dementia, or supporting loved ones with the diagnosis, has been deeply meaningful to me. Thank you to our supervisors for this unforgettable learning experience.

What motivated you to study this course at master’s level?

Our care home residents living with dementia were my inspiration in the first place. I wanted them to enjoy every day, and make living in the care home as cosy as possible. I wanted to work together with the residents to create their home environment.

I’ve always believed that there are ways to live a life full of happy moments while living with dementia. I also believe that everyday life in care homes can be fulfilling and meaningful.

How has studying person-centred care changed your perspective on dementia?

People are at the heart of what we do. It means that we’re focusing on the residents first. Our residents feel heard and understood. We’re involving people to make their own decisions; at the same time, we want to give them comfort and safety. Each person has unique needs, and we focus on them.

We're caring, passionate, and work as a great team in our residential care home. We always remember that our residents are very unique, with their own human stories and love behind them. No matter what stage of dementia they live with, they will always be unique and loved.

Have you been able to apply what you learned within your current job or projects?

Yes. One of the projects is the Forget-Me-Not allotment, which illustrates an example of good practice. People like to come to the garden, meet with their family members, friends, carers, and volunteers. The Forget-Me-Not allotment is a place where boundaries disappear.

Our residents choose what they want to do. Wednesday is a special day in the allotment where our residents come and enjoy staying outdoors, potting, planting, and watering plants. Cultural conversations over shared gardening experience are just some of the activities our residents enjoy.

What advice or encouragement would you give to someone just starting their MSc Dementia journey?

Today, I still remember how I felt waiting for a reply from the university. I was so proud when I received my offer, but I was also filled with feelings of worry, joy, and uncertainty at the same time. I asked myself, ‘How will I manage working full-time, having family responsibilities, and my studies?’.

My advice is this: believe in yourself. Continue pursuing your ideas and inspirations. Sometimes you may be tired, but then take a short break. Go for a walk, chat with your beloved family members, have a cup of your favourite tea or coffee, and reflect on your thoughts. You’ll see that after a break, you’re ready to continue. Planning and reflection helped me a lot, too. And please, know that you’re not alone. Hull Online has a supportive team, and they’ll advise you.

From building confidence in her own abilities to creating enriching experiences for people living with dementia, Dalia's journey shows the lasting impact of studying at master's level.

If Dalia's experience has sparked your curiosity, why not take the next step? Explore the Hull Online MSc in Dementia: