We know that a large proportion of people working in care homes come from other countries and this can be a great asset although creates complexities of cultural understanding at the edges of habits and behaviours that have challenged accepted norms .

On a recent visit to Sweden I was invited to participate in a community event with residents, staff and families to an international feast - a Valkommen….

There was food from Texas, Hungary, the northern part of Sweden, Bolivia, Croatia, Afghanistan, Mantua, Turkey, Pakistan, India, the Balkans, Poland, Croatia, Poland, Tajikistan and Syria . The variety was so impressive, where staff bought in different dishes to contribute. This was enjoyed by everyone. I was invited to join in Fancy dress celebrated national and tribal variations. It made me think how relevant this is to work with older people. As the older people become the more richly different they become, the opposite to the stereotype that tries to put people in the same box - just very old and to be treated the same...

I was struck by how the richness of diversity was united by the understanding of the leadership which is about celebrating all aspects of life and celebrating creativity, novelty and variety which is the essence of good dementia care. A culture where the leadership is always on the lookout for creativity fresh vibrancy and celebration of the little things that so many of us miss if we don’t stop and see who and what is around us. To help people to still re-create and live fulfilling lives.