We Are Becoming Dementia Friendly

This entry was posted in General February 7, 2017

As part of our ongoing support and advice service that we offer all of our customers, Ableworld have embarked on ensuring our staff are recognised as Dementia friends, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society. All of our staff are fully trained to give FREE professional advice on many situations and can recommend certain products for many conditions but we feel it is important to be recognised as part of this great initiative to reassure those who are suffering with Dementia that we do understand, and we can try to help.

Dementia affects around 850,000 in the UK, and mainly affects those over 65 years old. When someone is diagnosed with Dementia, they need their friends more than ever and that is why the Alzheimer’s Society have set up this initiative, so why not join in with the 1.7 million people who have already become Dementia Friends across the country working together to make Dementia friendly communities, and making Dementia impossible to ignore

Ableworld are working to become Dementia Friendly

Here at Ableworld, we have joined the campaign to be United Against Dementia and to help spread the word. As a company we have pledged to make as many of our employees as possible Dementia Friends. Last week our very own Michelle Mossford became a Dementia Champion, enabling her to hold dementia information sessions to our employees as well as anyone from the general public for them to become Dementia Friends. We are proud to be supporting such a huge initiative and can only hope that one day a cure can be found

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a set of symptoms that include memory loss and difficulties thinking, problem solving or language. Dementia can also affect a person’s behaviour or mood. Dementia comes in many forms and not everyone will suffer with the same symptoms.

The condition usually starts off with small changes, which can be worrying for the person, and can have a massive impact on their daily life. Dementia is a progressive disease, but the speed of progression varies between person to person. There are also many types of dementia the most common including; Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, Frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia, but there are many more. Unfortunately, so far, there is no cure but a great amount of research is underway in the hope that one day we may be able to help those suffering.

How can I help? 

• Offer a helping hand – whatever they need just be there for them. It may be a chat, or help at the shops. Having someone that will listen to them and who they know they can turn to if they do need something will really reassure them.
• Reminiscing – Dementia often affects short-term memory so chatting about the past, or looking through photo albums is a great way to trigger their favourite memories
• Dementia sufferers are more likely to get confused within their environment and may struggle to understand what they are looking at. For example a black door mat could look like a hole in the floor, so if someone looks as though they are struggling offer them some help.
• Be patient. Life is very fast paced and many of us spend our days running around from A to B. If you do come across someone who is taking their time, please be patient with them as they may be suffering with Dementia.
• Although they are suffering they can continue to live their life and they won’t want everyone around them treading on egg-shells. If someone is feeling confused, lonely or lost a friendly face can help to reassure them
• Become a Dementia Friend and spread the word. Anyone can do it, even children can join in.

Ableworld are helping to make the world a Dementia Friendly Society as no-one asks for Dementia but together we can help them feel more comfortable. Come to any of our stores for FREE dementia advice. 

If you would like to become a Dementia Friend visit the website www.dementiafriends.org.uk Or if you feel you can help by volunteering in any other way please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/getinvolved

Or, if you need to speak to someone regarding Dementia call The Alzheimers Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122

Together We Can All Become United Against Dementia

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