“Being dementia-friendly is about giving time and patience, which is a worthy effort for the welfare of people and businesses” [Denese Molyneux, chair, Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce]
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It has been asked of late whether Sidmouth is an ‘age friendly’ community: whilst Sidmouth is one of the towns facing the biggest increase in the elderly, this also promises opportunities for the future direction of the town, with several initiatives afoot in town, including from VGS members looking at ways forward.
Looking at the specific issue of dementia, diagnoses are at a record high in England – but, again, there are practical initiatives at work in Sidmouth, for example, with the town council launching ‘Dementia-friendly Sidmouth’ in the spring, together with Sid Valley Memory Cafe, Sidmouth Hospice at Home and Sid Valley Help.
And in its latest edition, the Herald reports on how project this project is going, with this new Sidmouth group urging businesses to be more dementia-friendly:
The campaign is led by community group Dementia Friendly Sidmouth, which was established in June to improve the lives of those with dementia and their families, and raise awareness. Research by Alzheimer’s UK found that over four in five people diagnosed with dementia have switched their shopping habits in favour of businesses that are more receptive to their condition. The online training, which is backed by the Alzheimer’s Society, takes just an hour to complete and helps staff to understand their customers better.
Chairman of the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce and director of Molyneux Financial Planning, Denese Molyneux, is leading the call for businesses to get on board. She said: “Much of the demographic in Sidmouth comprises retired people and anyone who is in public life here, such as a business owner, needs to engage with everyone – there’s a moral case to do so but also a business case.” In her view, being dementia-friendly is about giving time and patience, which she believes is a worthy effort for the welfare of the people and the businesses.
The group is offering free training for local businesses – and lots of support for members of the wider community, both carers and those with the condition. Do have a look at their very ‘friendly‘ website!
Finally, here’s an inspiring video with Tim Shardlow, manager of the Tourist Information Centre:
Why should businesses be more ‘dementia friendly’? – YouTube
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