Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and as our society ages, it is becoming increasingly prevalent. As a business it's important to understand the impact of dementia and how we can support our patients and colleagues affected by it.

Our team recently underwent training with Middleton Dementia Friendly Community to become a dementia-friendly office.

Here are some of the key take-aways from our training:

Understanding Dementia:

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect cognitive function such as memory loss, difficulty communicating and changes in personality or behavior. It can be caused by a variety of factors including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, among others. The symptoms of dementia can be confusing and anxious for the person experiencing them, and they can also have a significant impact on their loved ones.

Communication:

Communicating with someone living with dementia can be challenging but it's important to do so in a way that's clear and easy to understand. We learned some techniques for effective communication, such as using simple language, avoiding jargon, and being patient and understanding.

Creating a Dementia-Friendly Environment:

Creating a dementia-friendly environment involves making small changes that can have a big impact. For example, we learned about the importance of good lighting and clear signage to help people navigate our premises. We also discussed the use of color and contrast to help people distinguish different areas and objects.

Supporting People with Dementia:

Finally, we learned about the practical ways we can support people with dementia when they visit our office. This includes offering assistance with filling out forms, allowing extra time for appointments, and providing a quiet space for people to rest if needed.

Why Become a Dementia-Friendly Office?

Becoming a dementia-friendly office is about making our business more accessible and supportive to people living with dementia.It’s not just about ticking a box, it's about making a real difference in people's lives. It's about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their cognitive abilities. We encourage other businesses to consider undergoing dementia-friendly training and making the changes necessary to become more accessible and inclusive to all.

Visit www.dementiafriendlymiddleton.org for more helpfull information and to inquire about getting your office staff trained!

Thank you, Middleton Dementia Friendly Community, for taking the time out of your day to come to our office for this training.

-Your Distinctive Dental Implant team