Making people with dementia feel welcome

WATERLOO REGION — Blue umbrella decals are popping up around Waterloo Region, marking businesses and organizations that are dementia friendly.

“That says you’re welcome here. Come on in,” said Robin Smart, public education coordinator with Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington.

It offers the Blue Umbrella Project training program in partnership with the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program. People learn about the basics of the disease and strategies on how best to interact with someone who has dementia.

“The training gives people an opportunity to see that people with dementia are people first,” Smart said.

“We want to really try to reduce stigma, make the world a friendlier place.”

More than 10,000 people live with dementia in the Waterloo Region, Guelph and Wellington County.

“There is a huge need because there is a large percentage of the population living with dementia,” said Smart, adding that many of these people are not in nursing homes but living in the community. “These are people out and about doing their best to live their lives.”

When more spots in the community are supportive of people with dementia and the challenges they face, then they won’t avoid going out. People with dementia can also wear a blue umbrella pin to let others know they may need more assistance.

“We really want people to continue to be the valuable members of the community they are,” Smart said.

Being dementia friendly can be as simple as using short and simple sentences, speaking clearly and slowly, asking close-ended questions, being patient and, if possible, reducing distractions. People get a handy tip card on how best to communicate with someone who has dementia.

There’s no charge for the training, although donations to the society are appreciated, and anyone can request it. Training includes someone with dementia who shares their story.

“People can see how invisible the disability is,” Smart said. “You can’t tell by looking.”

The region’s top cultural attractions completed training for front-line staff this spring.

The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Centre in the Square, Drayton Entertainment, Grand Philharmonic Choir, Idea

Exchange, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Themuseum and Region of Waterloo Museums can now all display the blue umbrella. They form the Alliance for a Grand Community, a networking group of arts managers that aims to strengthen the sector through collaboration.

The alliance was keen to make sure their venues better supported the aging population.

“It’s being able to deal with people in a way that takes away the stigma,” said Steven Karcher, executive director of Drayton Entertainment and alliance chair.

Staff found the experience positive, Karcher said. For the volunteers, who are mostly older, “this hits home for them.”

When people see the blue umbrella decal in the window, he said they can expect to be treated with respect and there’s a focus on reducing barriers inside.

“The environment they are entering is committed to being inclusive.”