DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY INCLUSION TRAINING

On Wednesday 3 April, over 30 representatives from business and community groups came together for Dementia-Friendly Inclusion Training. The training has been developed by Tasmanian Health Services with Council and aims to increase knowledge about dementia to reduce stigma and social isolation, and enable people living with dementia and their carers to participate more fully in community life. Providing information about dementia to business and the community can raise awareness of dementia, potentially reducing stigma that often results in social isolation of people living with dementia. Why not test your dementia knowledge now by taking the Dementia-Friendly Inclusion Training Quiz?

The training included a workshop where businesses and groups designed their own projects to help make the community more dementia-friendly. Projects included positive responses to use when interreacting with a person with dementia. For example, a slight adaption to the customer service approach such as speaking slowly and clearly can assist people living with dementia and their carers to perform daily tasks and social interactions. Helping a person living with dementia to avoid embarrassing situations can help prevent them from withdrawing from community life.

Business and community groups that successfully put in place their dementia-friendly projects will receive dementia-friendly button badges, a Dementia-Friendly accreditation certificate (for display), shop-front window decal and a business entrance welcome mat.  Thank you to everyone who took part in the training.

The training featured in Martin Agatyn’s 7AD ‘Health Matters’ interview with Colin Wood from Fullife Pharmacy in Ulverstone. To hear the interview podcast and find out how we can all make Central Coast more dementia-friendly, click on the button below: