Dementia friendly
Fosters Funeral Directors in Rutherglen have become dementia friendly.
Based on Glasgow Road, the firm have partnered with Alzheimer Scotland, becoming ‘dementia friends.’
That means all customerfacing staff have now completed training to raise their understanding of how dementia impacts an individual’s life.
There are over 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, and Fosters want to ensure their team have the knowledge and skills to provide the best possible service to every family or individual who visits their Lanarkshire funeral home.
Jackie Wilson from the firm told the Reformer: “The training was very insightful and engaging.
Jackie Wilson
“Alzheimer Scotland believe we can only make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia by first raising our own level of understanding.
“At Fosters we have very high standards and strive to communicate thoughtfully and sensitively with every person who visits the funeral home or calls to make enquiries.
“We recognise customers with dementia may have different needs, particularly in the sad event of someone’s passing – and we are committed to providing them with the first class care they deserve.”
The ‘dementia friends’ initiative aims to raise awareness of the illness and reduce stigma surrounding it, offering people the chance to learn about what it’s like to live with dementia and to turn that understanding into action.
Anne McWhinnie from Alzheimer Scotland added: “We were delighted when Fosters completed our programme. It’s a positive step towards helping to increase awareness and addressing the stigma often experienced by those living with the illness. Many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they are living with.
“Dementia friends is helping to raise awareness of this, so that people living with the illness feel recognised, valued, and understood in their community and all areas of society have a part to play to help this become a reality.”
If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website.