Q&A with… Brigitte Plaire

Brigitte Plaire is a specialist coach at the Atlas centre, in this ‘Spill the tea session’, we asked her a few questions to get to know her a bit better.

How did you get involved in dementia care?

I met the first people with dementia in 1989 in a care home where I worked, and then I was part of creating the first dementia ward in a care home in Belgium. From the beginning on, I was fascinated by how it changed a Dementias well being with an adapted and safe environment, reducing medication, stimulation during daytime and validation.

What do you love most about working for Atlas?

I don’t know where to start, our members, my colleagues, that no day is like another and the fun we all have together.

Working for Atlas was one of the best decisions a made for my career.

Tell me a memory that makes you smile when you’ve been working at Atlas

I walked one morning with one of our young-onset members along Teignmouth Seafront. He was always anxious and concerned and advanced in his disease.

We met two ladies, also on a walk and one of them turned around and greet us with the words “Oh, good morning Ian, I haven’t seen you for such a long time!” He answered immediately “Hello Muriel!”

This little episode always makes me smile!

What does a typical day look like for you at Atlas?

Every day is different and not. We do meetings, training, office work or we do transport or shopping’s. It is a daily routine! That change when our members arrive, they bring so much life and surprises in, we never know what a day will bring!

What is your motto or personal mantra?

Carpe diem

How would your family and friends describe you in 3 words?

Reliable, focused, caring

 

You can read more of our Q&A’s over on our blog here or head over to Facebook for the latest updates and news from our centres.