Arran could become the first island to be dementia friendly
A bid is being made to turn Arran into Scotland’s first dementia friendly island.
The idea has the backing of Councillor Jimmy Miller, who is the older people’s champion for North Ayrshire Council. He visited Arran last week and said: ‘Given the excellent facilities on Arran I think this is something that could be really beneficial to the whole community.’
A scheme, Dementia Friendly Prestwick, is already up and running and this would be used as the base model for any island scheme. Their slogan is: ‘If we get it right for people with dementia, we get it right for everyone.’
Being dementia friendly means to support people with dementia, and their families/carers, to be included and remain part of their community for as long as possible.
This can be achieved through raising awareness of dementia locally, in order to reduce stigma and provide education and advice to local residents and businesses.
‘Even the simplest of training to teach the shop assistants to keep an eye out customers showing the first signs of dementia can help,’ Councillor Miller told the Banner.
During his trip he visited Montrose House and spoke to residents who use the Stronoch Day Centre. He said: ‘I have been impressed by the standard of care on the island and the facilities which are available.’ The Stevenston representative also visited the Arran Outdoor Education Centre, which he described as an ‘impressive facility’ which he said he was keen to spread the word about on the mainland.
Introduced
Dementia friendly communities started in Japan. They are now being introduced in the UK and in other countries, predominantly in Europe and USA. Prest- wick is be the first dementia friendly town in Ayrshire and one of the few in Scotland.
Collin Adams, the social services team manager for Arran, said: ‘It sounds like a good fit for the island and we hope to visit Prestwick in the near future to learn from their experience.’
Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Collin on 600742.