A SPECIAL event designed to equip business owners with the skills to help customers with dementia is to take place.

The workshop will be held as part of Ulverston’s bid to become a dementia-friendly town.

It follows a similar awareness training session in March which saw a number of business people in the area benefit from advice and training.

Now Ulverston businesswoman Sandra Buck, who runs the Barber’s Shop in Upper Brook Street, Ulverston, is encouraging as many town traders as possible to attend the event next month.

She said: “I really found the last event useful and discovered a lot about dementia and the different types of dementia.

“As businesses it is important that we think about the needs of our customers and we know that there will be more people with dementia in the future because of the ageing population.”

The free event is being organised by the Low Furness and Ulverston Area Partnership and Dementia Action Alliance – a partnership of businesses and organisations including Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK – and supported by South Lakeland District Council.

The body is working to help residents with dementia stay in their own homes for as long as possible by providing help, advice and training to businesses and traders on how to help.

Ms Buck, who is a member of Ulverston Traders’ Association, added: “I would encourage other people to go along to this event to learn how to spot the signs and to learn how they can make a few changes that can really help.

“I will certainly be encouraging my staff to go along as I think it is really useful to know these things.”

Those attending the workshop, at the Coronation Hall, on Wednesday, October 21 at 2pm, will learn about different types of dementia, how to recognise the symptoms and to consider how environments, locations and communication can be adapted to support those living with the disease.

Census figures show how the number of people over 65 in the Low Furness and Ulverston area increased by almost 20 per cent between 2001 and 2011 – even though the overall population of the area has increased by less than one per cent.

Councillor Janette Jenkinson, chairman of Low Furness and Ulverston LAP, who heralded the move towards making the town dementia friendly, said: “We know the population is ageing in Ulverston the same as everywhere else.

“We know people are living longer and have relatively healthier lives and we want them to remain in the community with the help of the community.

“The workshop on October 21 is the next stage in making Ulverston a dementia-friendly community and we are encouraging as many businesses and organisations as possible to join in.

“By understanding dementia, you can make someone who is feeling isolated feel valued and welcome. This can make a big difference not only to them, but to you as well.’’

Any business owners and organisations interested in attending the workshop should contact Laura Chapman by emailing laura.chapman@south lakeland.gov.uk by Monday.

<u>Factfile</u>

  • The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes
  • Some 8,000 people were diagnosed with dementia in Cumbria in 2013
  • The diagnosis rate for dementia in Cumbria in 2013 was 54 per cent. That means the Alzheimer’s Society estimates the true figure of people living with dementia stands at almost 14,814 people in Cumbria in 2013
  • Some 66 per cent of those people diagnosed are cared for at home
  • South Lakeland had 2,010 people diagnosed with dementia in 2013. If the 54 per cent diagnosed is applied, then the true figure could be closer to 3,722
  • The dementia pound in England in 2014 was worth £11bn and the figure is expected to double by 2030.