On 10 March 2026, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published a new research report exploring good practice in supporting people living with dementia across health and social care services. The research forms part of the CQC’s wider dementia strategy and was commissioned from IFF Research in partnership with Leeds Beckett University.

The report reviews best practice from universities, regulators, health and social care organisations across the UK and internationally. It also incorporates insights from expert discussion groups, including regulators, dementia specialists, and people with lived experience of dementia or caring for someone with the condition.

With the number of people living with dementia expected to increase significantly over the coming decades, the CQC emphasises that ensuring high-quality, person-centred dementia care is becoming an increasingly important priority across the health and social care system.

Why This Research Matters

The CQC has previously highlighted growing pressure on services such as care homes, domiciliary care providers, hospitals and GP services as dementia diagnoses continue to rise.

This latest research aims to identify what “good” dementia care looks like in practice and how providers can implement approaches that ensure people living with dementia receive compassionate, personalised and effective support.

The findings will also inform the CQC’s future dementia strategy and guidance for providers, which is expected to begin co-production with stakeholders from autumn 2026.

Key Areas of Good Practice Identified by the Research

Person-Led Care

A central theme throughout the research is the importance of person-led care, ensuring people living with dementia remain active participants in their own care and decision-making.

Good practice includes:

• Care planning developed with people, alongside their families and carers, rather than being written for them

• Structured and meaningful activities that support wellbeing and can help reduce dementia symptoms

• Opportunities for individuals to remain part of their community, maintaining choice and control over daily life

• Peer support initiatives, allowing people with similar experiences to connect and reduce feelings of isolation

• Supporting individuals to continue activities and routines that are meaningful to them

• Creating smaller-scale, homelike environments that help maintain a sense of familiarity and belonging

The research also highlights the importance of staff communication skills, including non-verbal communication and body language, which can significantly influence a person’s experience of care.

Equalities, Identity and Human Rights

Another key finding is that high-quality dementia care must respect each person’s identity, culture, and rights.

Examples of good practice include:

• Ensuring services understand cultural backgrounds, including preferences around food, customs and lifestyle

• Supporting people to be cared for by staff who share their language or cultural background, where possible

• Using digital tools such as video consultations to improve access to support, particularly in rural communities

• Creating inclusive support groups for people with dementia who may have protected characteristics, such as religion or sexual orientation

• Maintaining an appropriate balance between safety and personal freedom

Recognising and respecting diversity helps maintain trust, dignity, and a sense of belonging for people living with dementia.

Staffing and Training

The CQC’s research reinforces that knowledgeable, skilled staff are essential for delivering high-quality dementia care.

Although dementia training is not currently a legal requirement for all staff in England, providers must ensure their workforce is appropriately trained and competent to meet the needs of people using their service.

The research identifies effective approaches such as:

• Scheduling training during less busy operational periods

• Using “train-the-trainer” models, where specialist staff cascade knowledge to colleagues

• Providing ongoing opportunities for staff to develop communication skills and dementia awareness

These approaches help ensure that staff feel confident supporting individuals living with dementia.

Leadership and Organisational Culture

The research also highlights the critical role of leadership and culture in delivering high-quality dementia care.

Effective leadership involves:

• Promoting person-centred care rather than task-based care models

• Encouraging staff to use initiative and adapt support to individual needs

• Investing in staff development and creating an inclusive workplace culture

Quality assurance systems also play an important role, including:

• Governance and quality monitoring audits

• Feedback systems for people using services, families, and staff

• Performance review processes that identify areas for improvement

The research further emphasises the value of partnership working between health services, social care providers, community organisations and voluntary groups to deliver coordinated, tailored support.

What This Means for Providers

This research signals the direction of travel for dementia care within the regulatory landscape.

Providers should expect increasing emphasis from the CQC on:

• Person-centred dementia care approaches

• Workforce skills and training

• Cultural competence and equality

• Community engagement and partnership working

• Robust leadership and governance arrangements

The findings are also likely to influence the CQC’s evolving dementia strategy and future guidance for providers.

How HLTH Compliance Can Help

At HLTH Compliance, we work closely with health and social care providers across England to ensure they are well prepared for regulatory expectations and delivering outstanding care.

Our team can support organisations with:

• Dementia care policy development and review

• Staff training frameworks and competency systems

• Governance and quality assurance processes

• CQC compliance and inspection preparation

• Embedding person-centred care models aligned with the CQC Single Assessment Framework

As dementia care continues to evolve within the regulatory environment, we are here to help providers interpret new guidance, strengthen their services, and deliver safe, compassionate and high-quality care for people living with dementia.

If your organisation would like support reviewing its dementia care approach or preparing for future CQC expectations, our team would be happy to help.