Name:
Dr Tamara Backhouse
Job title:
Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
University of East Anglia
Area of Research:
Dementia care
How is your work funded:
Alzheimer’s Society
Tell us a little about yourself:
I started my working life as a care worker in care homes assisting older people. I worked in this setting for many years. I then embarked my academic journey completing a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Psychology and then a MA in Sociological Research, before undertaking my PhD and post-docs. My research focuses on dementia care in care homes, family settings and in acute hospital wards.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I have a weakness for chocolate!
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
When I was thinking about undertaking a PhD, it was a clear choice to focus on dementia care. While working in care homes, I had experienced first-hand the difficulties people living with dementia can face and wanted to understand more and improve the care available.