Dementia - it’s everyone’s business to do something

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

It reaches beyond the realms of health and social care and everyone within the community can do something to help those living with dementia and their carers feel supported.

As a business owner you may be questioning what could you do to help? Or why would it affect your business?

In the UK there are an estimated 42,000 people under the age of 65 living with dementia and that number is set to rise in the coming years.

Two thirds of people living with dementia are in the community, supported by family and friends.

This means dementia could, in some way, affect your business now or in the future.

This week Alzheimer’s Scotland is rolling out free online training for Arran businesses via Arran Community and Voluntary Service (ACVS).

Leading the way are The Douglas Hotel, Auchrannie Resort, hairdresser Pricilla Helie, golf promoter Jacki Vaught, Arran Vets, Balmichael Glamping and professional tiler Rudi Hunter, with many others lined up to take part in future sessions. ‘Our island businesses are integral to Arran being as dementia inclusive as possible. ‘Our business community has earned much praise for excellent customer service and their support in dementia awareness has been wonderful,’ said Jill Hunter, development officer at Arran CVS. ‘Communities across the country, including Arran, are setting out on a journey to transform the experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

‘Many people with the condition are able to continue to work in the early stages and would choose to do so.

Flexibility

‘It could also be that someone working for you is caring for a family member living with the condition and a little understanding and flexibility can make all the difference to that person’s ability to work and care.

‘Arran CVS can help you decide what actions your business can take and how they will meet the needs of people affected by dementia.

They can also help you access awareness training and the resources you may need, such as the online training with Alzheimer’s Scotland,’ Jill added.

Businesses can find out more about helping Arran work towards being a dementia friendly community by contacting Jill Hunter, jill. hunter@arrancvs.org.uk or 01770 600116.

Members of the community who wish to share their experiences regarding living with dementia or caring for someone are invited to get in touch.

Community focus groups will be made available in due course.

Right: Golf promoter Jacki Vaught and Douglas Hotel manager Kate Russell outside the hotel with purple balloons in support of dementia awareness and, above, an example of bespoke handmade jewellery to be available in Pricilla Helie’s new hair salon, formerly the Deli. A special range will dedicated to Dementia Action Week, May 17 to 23.