Financial workers brush up on their knowledge of Dementia
MEMBERS of the financial service sector in Wexford took home some vital workplace skills from a recent Dementia Awareness Training Session in the Talbot Hotel.
Organised by Wexford Chamber along with Bluebird Care Wexford, Doyles Solicitors and the DCU Dementia Elevator team, it aimed to equip staff with the skills they need to recognise possible dementia and communicate with customers in a supportive manner. It was one of several training sessions organised by the Chamber in recent months.
There are 23,800 people living with dementia in Leinster and 1,500 of these live in Wexford – a figure set to double in a generation.
Speaking of the programme, Director at Bluebird Care Wexford Michael Corcoran said:
‘On completion of this training programme, participants will be able to recognise the challenges that a person with dementia can face using financial services and identify what a ‘Dementia Friendly’ physical environment means and some approaches to achieve this. The training will also examine the impact of Enduring Power of Attorney legislation and Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015 on persons with diminished or who lack mental capacity.’
CEO with Wexford Chamber Madeleine Quirke outlined their reasons for setting up the initiative.
‘Our intention is to support front line staff working in the financial sector by providing them with some information on dementia, but more importantly highlighting the impact they can have on the experience of a person living with dementia. It is incumbent of us all to shift the focus from loss in dementia to an emphasis on supporting existing strengths.’
The successful event follows on from several other initiatives in Wexford in recent months. In April, the same workshop was held in the Wexford Chamber offices aimed at those who are working in the retail sector. Twenty people got involved in the course. Other previous moves include a new mobile information service run by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and a free Dementia Care workshop organised by Home Instead.