Every three minutes someone develops dementia and by 2020 more than one million people will be affected.
Here at Rosedale, we take our corporate and social responsibility very seriously and like to lead the way on initiatives like this setting an example of what a professional, caring business looks like.
Dementia has become one of the nation’s greatest health challenges and the impact on UK businesses is great. With nearly 44% of people either directly or indirectly affected, we know that a large number of customers will be dealing with dementia in some way.
A survey carried out by Alzheimer’s Society found that 73% of UK adults thought that society was not adequately prepared to deal with dementia. This illustrates that the partnerships across communities are crucial to the wellbeing and health of employees and customers and are more important than ever before.
What is Dementia Friends?
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is the biggest-ever social action movement on dementia to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about a condition that touches the lives of millions of people. A Dementia Friend learns a little more about dementia and the small ways that can help those affected. It is a simple yet effective way to equip us all with the necessary tools to communicate with customers, friends and family affected by dementia. With more than two million Dementia Friends, Alzheimer’s Society is halfway to reaching its target of four million by 2020.
The purpose of this initiative is to be in a state of readiness to respond to clients or their next of kin who live with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Society offers a simple online video route. All you need to do is watch two short informative videos to become a Dementia Friend.
Anyone interested in doing this should:
• Visit the Dementia Friends website at www.dementiafriends.org.uk/DF_WEBC_PartnerVideos?page=videos-for-organisations#.WtXAhy7waUl1
• Enter the unique code SAIF1234 and your postcode.
Simple actions can make a difference to the everyday lives of people with dementia. It could be as simple as being more patient in queues or helping make your business dementia friendly by visiting the link:
www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20116/making_organisations_more_dementia-friendly/361/dementia-friendly_businesses
General support
Looking for more information, support or advice about dementia? The Alzheimer’s Society helpline is here for you on www.alzheimers.org.uk or call 0300 222 11 22.
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