Funeral directors back Dementia Friends plan

A Rutherglen funeral directors has announced its commitment to officially becoming a dementia friendly organisation this year.

Fosters Family Funeral Directors is partnering with Alzheimer Scotland to ensure all its staff become Dementia Friends in 2020.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the illness and reduce the stigma around it, offering people the chance to learn about what it’s like to live with dementia and to turn that understanding into positive action.

Staff will wear Dementia Friends badges on their uniforms.

Terry Buchan, area manager at Fosters, said :“Alzheimer Scotland believes that we can only make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia by first raising our own level of understanding – and that’s exactly what we’re doing across our business.

“We have many touchpoints with our-customers, from supporting people taking out funeral plans and creating wills, to taking calls from those looking to begin making funeral arrangements for their loved ones.”

Terry added: “We strive to communicate thoughtfully and sensitively with all of our customers, but we recognise customers with dementia may have different needs, particularly in the event of someone’s passing – and we are committed to ensuring we provide them with the first class care they deserve.”

Call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org. for more imformation about the initiative.