As part of this years Dementia Action Week #DAW2019, Gemma Thomas - Director of Garden Aquarium Ltd joined the UK's biggest ever initiative to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.
"Having lived with Dementia/Alzheimer's through visiting and caring for my Gran and Uncle, it became apparent how little information we had available to us at the time on how best to support them.
When I was made aware of the Alzheimer's Society and had the opportunity to attend a Dementia Friends session, I was more than happy to offer my support by becoming a Dementia Friend."
Dementia Friends is a social action movement that aims to increase understanding of dementia and inspire people affected by dementia in their community. The programme is supported by the Welsh Government (Wales only) and is led by the Alzheimer's Society as a strand of it's work to create "Dementia Friendly Communities", which are Communities that are understanding and inclusive of people affected by dementia.
As a Dementia Friend, we promote the five key messages:
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
Dementia is caused by disease of the brain
Dementia is not about losing your memory
It is possible to live well with dementia
There is more to the person than the dementia
As Dementia Friends, Garden Aquarium Ltd has committed to undertake the following dementia friendly actions:
To endeavor to use positive terminology regarding dementia, promoting the key message that it is possible to live well with dementia.
Remind our staff,colleagues, customers and followers that they are not alone if they are impacted by dementia and encourage them to seek information or support by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 5855.
To provide sensory opportunities for people living with dementia by making our products accessible to all.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, sensory activities improve the emotional and physical health of people living with dementia by boosting awareness and attention due to the directness and simplicity of the task. Types of sensory stimulation and their benefits include:
Auditory stimulation - is very useful for mood enhancement, cognition and relaxation. This includes a vast range of sounds, ranging from natural sounds (such as a waterfall or a gentle rainfall) to generated sounds such as music.
Tactile stimulation - this type of stimulation is concerned with awareness of texture and touch. Meaningful touch can be an extremely important communication tool with people with dementia.
Visual Stimulation - vision is one of the most important senses which helps us gain excessive amounts of information and it is also pleasing to view something you consider beautiful or memorable.
Olfactory stimulation - the sense of smell is one of the most meaningful in terms of connecting us to our past and bringing back memories.
With Dementia becoming more prevalent within our Communities, we would like to enhance the sensory benefits of our products and make them accessible to all.
For more information, support and advice about dementia:
Visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk
Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122
Find local services at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
For enquiries about Dementia Friends visit https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk
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