As an experienced interview coach, I know just how vital the Dementia Ambassador role is within MMCG (Maria Mallaband Care Group). This position carries enormous responsibility and influence, providing leadership in dementia care, supporting staff with training and mentoring, and ensuring residents receive compassionate, person-centred care. A Dementia Ambassador is the go-to expert in their care home, helping colleagues develop dementia awareness, embedding best practices, and acting as a champion for residents’ wellbeing.
Typically, the job description includes delivering dementia training to staff, being a role model for care excellence, working closely with families, and raising awareness of dementia care initiatives across the home. The salary for this role is competitive within the care sector, generally ranging from £24,000 to £28,000 per annum depending on location, with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
If you’re preparing for this interview, remember: standing out requires not only passion for dementia care but also structured job interview preparation. Below, I’ve prepared 25 fully explained interview questions and answers, including opening warm-up questions, competency-based examples using the STAR model, and ending questions you might ask. Let’s walk through them together.
25 Interview Questions and Answers for a Dementia Ambassador role at MMCG
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
This is a classic opening question. Keep it professional but warm. For example:
Answer: “I have over 8 years’ experience in care, specialising in dementia support. I’ve worked as a senior carer, completed dementia awareness training, and delivered in-house mentoring. I’m passionate about raising standards and ensuring every resident with dementia is treated with dignity and respect.”
2. Why do you want to work for MMCG?
Show enthusiasm for the organisation.
Answer: “MMCG has a fantastic reputation for delivering high-quality care and investing in dementia services. I admire your commitment to training staff and I want to play a role in developing colleagues’ understanding of dementia to further enhance resident wellbeing.”
3. What does person-centred dementia care mean to you?
Answer: “It means treating every resident as an individual, respecting their history, personality, and preferences. It’s about tailoring care to meet their emotional and psychological needs, not just physical ones.”
4. Can you describe your experience with dementia residents?
Answer: Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Answer: “In my last role, I supported a resident who became distressed in the evenings. I worked with the team to develop a personalised evening routine with music therapy. This reduced their agitation and improved sleep, which also reassured their family.”
5. How would you handle a staff member who struggles to understand dementia behaviours?
Answer: “I’d approach with empathy, provide practical examples, and invite them to shadow me during care. I’d also signpost them to relevant training. My approach is always supportive, not critical.”
6. What qualities make a successful Dementia Ambassador?
Answer: “Patience, empathy, excellent communication, leadership, and the ability to inspire confidence in others. It’s also vital to have up-to-date knowledge of dementia care practices.”
7. Tell us about a time you successfully influenced a colleague’s approach to dementia care.
Answer: (STAR method) “A carer was rushing through personal care with a resident who was confused. I encouraged them to slow down, explain every step, and use eye contact. The result was the resident became more relaxed and the carer gained confidence in adapting their approach.”
8. What challenges do you anticipate in this role?
Answer: “Some staff may initially resist change or feel overwhelmed. My plan is to lead by example, provide reassurance, and show how small adjustments can make a huge difference to residents’ lives.”
9. How do you support families of residents with dementia?
Answer: “I listen actively, provide clear updates, and involve them in care planning. Families often feel anxious, so empathy and transparent communication are key.”
10. What steps would you take if you observed poor dementia care practices?
Answer: “I’d address it calmly in the moment if safe to do so, then follow up privately with the colleague. If necessary, I’d escalate to management, but my focus is on constructive support and improvement.”
11. How do you stay up-to-date with dementia care developments?
Answer: “I attend training sessions, read professional publications, and network with dementia specialists. I also enjoy sharing new insights with my team.”
12. Give an example of when you worked under pressure in a dementia care setting.
Answer: (STAR method) “During a busy shift, two residents became agitated at the same time. I delegated tasks to colleagues, calmed one resident using reminiscence therapy, and then supported the second. The teamwork prevented escalation and residents settled quickly.”
13. How would you promote dementia awareness in a care home?
Answer: “I’d lead workshops, create dementia-friendly resources, and celebrate national awareness days. Engaging staff and families together builds a supportive environment.”
14. What’s your approach to mentoring junior staff?
Answer: “I believe in coaching by example, offering feedback constructively, and giving staff opportunities to practise skills while feeling supported.”
15. How do you manage your own wellbeing in a demanding care role?
Answer: “I maintain balance by talking with colleagues, reflecting on positive outcomes, and practising self-care. Supporting others requires me to stay resilient and energised.”
16. Tell us about a successful project or initiative you introduced.
Answer: “I set up a ‘memory café’ for residents and families, bringing in community volunteers. It strengthened bonds, reduced isolation, and received positive feedback from families.”
17. How would you handle conflict within the team around dementia care practices?
Answer: “I’d facilitate open discussion, listen to concerns, and encourage evidence-based practices. My aim would be to find common ground and keep residents’ needs at the centre.”
18. What motivates you to be a Dementia Ambassador?
Answer: “Seeing the difference small changes can make motivates me deeply. Empowering staff to understand dementia better means residents live with more dignity and joy.”
19. How would you ensure MMCG’s dementia policies are followed daily?
Answer: “By role modelling, reinforcing expectations in team meetings, and integrating policies into everyday routines. Consistency is key.”
20. Describe a time when you had to explain dementia behaviours to someone with no care experience.
Answer: “I once explained to a visiting family member why their relative was repeating questions. I used simple language, reassured them it was normal, and provided strategies for positive interaction. They felt relieved and more confident.”
21. What do you understand about MMCG’s values and how do they align with you?
Answer: “MMCG values compassion, dignity, and respect. These mirror my own principles. I believe in building trust, showing kindness, and always striving for excellence in care.”
22. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I’d like to be leading dementia initiatives across multiple homes, training new Dementia Ambassadors, and contributing to policy development.”
23. How would you measure success in this role?
Answer: “Success would be staff demonstrating improved dementia awareness, residents experiencing enhanced quality of life, and families feeling more supported.”
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask thoughtful questions:
“What dementia-specific training programmes do MMCG currently use?”
“How does MMCG measure the impact of its Dementia Ambassador programme?”
25. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring strong practical experience, a genuine passion for dementia care, and proven ability to coach staff. I will make a tangible impact by raising awareness, improving practices, and supporting MMCG’s mission to deliver exceptional care.”
The STAR model explained
When answering competency questions, remember STAR:
Situation: Describe the context.
Task: Explain your responsibility.
Action: Detail what you did.
Result: Share the positive outcome.
Practising STAR keeps your answers structured, concise, and impactful—ideal for Dementia Ambassador interviews.
Interview do’s and don’ts
Do’s
Research MMCG thoroughly.
Use the STAR model for competency questions.
Speak with warmth and passion about dementia care.
Ask thoughtful ending questions.
Practise with an interview coach or through interview coaching online.
Don’ts
Avoid vague answers—always provide examples.
Don’t criticise past employers.
Don’t forget to smile and show enthusiasm.
Don’t give overly long answers; keep them focused.
General interview coaching encouragement and tips
Remember, this is not just a test of knowledge but of attitude, leadership, and empathy. Your interviewer wants to see not only that you can mentor staff and lead dementia awareness, but also that you genuinely care about making residents’ lives better.
Practise your answers aloud, ideally with interview training support. Use mock interviews to build confidence. Visualise yourself succeeding. Every interview is also a learning opportunity—you get better with each one.
If you’d like to go further with your job interview preparation, I offer one-to-one interview coaching online where we’ll role-play likely questions, refine your STAR stories, and ensure you present yourself with clarity and confidence.
Final thought from Jerry Frempong
With over 25 years of experience as an interview coach, I’ve helped thousands of candidates shine. Remember, MMCG are looking for someone who can inspire others while keeping residents at the heart of everything. Approach the interview as a chance to showcase your passion, leadership, and care. You can do this—and if you’d like tailored support, you can book interview coaching with me today.
