CARDENDEN nurse Yvonne Manson has been recognised with a national award shortlisting for her innovative work in the field of dementia.

Yvonne, dementia nurse consultant with Perth-based care home group Balhousie Care Group, is a finalist in the RCNi Nurse Awards, which celebrate excellence in nursing care throughout the U.K.

Yvonne, who lives in Cardenden, is shortlisted in the leadership category.

She heads up a host of dementia initiatives throughout the group's 25 care homes in Scotland. With a focus on collaboration between staff and residents, these have included memory boxes, themed interior décor, multi-sensory therapy and virtual reality headsets, all to encourage reminiscence as well as family time and personal space.

Yvonne also leads Balhousie Care's Dementia Ambassador programme in which at least two staff members in every care home are active ambassadors for dementia practices, meeting regularly to share ideas and learn new techniques.

Yvonne, a finalist among almost 800 entries, has worked in care homes for 23 years and is a fierce advocate for innovation in the sector. She regularly shares her ideas on dementia nursing at national events and conferences, the latest being the 10th annual Scottish Caring and Dementia Congress last week in Edinburgh.

Yvonne said: "I've been fortunate to have worked in this sector for more than two decades and to have learned from some of the best.

"It's exciting to get recognition for all Balhousie Care Group's hard work with the dementia program. The staff here inspire me every day with their dedication, and to see others gaining confidence and progressing our ideas is so gratifying."

The awards ceremony takes place in London on July 4.

This is the third award shortlisting in a week for Balhousie Care Group's dementia programme. It has been shortlisted in two Scottish Social Services Awards for its work in addressing dementia.