Dementia Friendly town centre

Paisley town centre businesses have started undergoing training with Alzheimer’s Scotland to turn the town centre into a Dementia

Friendly location. Aileen Turnbull explains why this is so important to sufferers and their families.

Meeting up with Alzheimer friends and family allow people with Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia so engage dementia in conversation, charity. have fun and enjoy Their aim is people’s company. to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone. They provide support and information to people living with dementia, their families and carers.

“During the past two years the pandemic has been devastating to people with dementia and their carers,” explains Alzheimer Scotland’s Aileen Turnbull.

“Social isolation has exacerbated some people’s dementia and this has impacted on carers who have not been able to get the support or respite they need and has in fact led to loneliness and in some cases depression.

“Dementia Friends is a social action movement that provides sessions to give an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia and turn that understanding in action, changing how people talk, act and think about dementia.” “Across the country we have Dementia Advisors who offer direct support to people with dementia, their families and carers, and engage with local businesses and the community,” added Aileen. “We also have a 24-hour Freephone Helpline that provides information, signposting and emotional support to anyone who has questions. The Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers and many of those volunteers have had personal or professional experience of caring for people with Dementia. “We also have 22 Dementia Resource Centres across the country, including one at 32 Riccartsbar Avenue in Paisley, and they offer friendly accessible environments for everyone to enjoy. Each Dementia Resource Centre is also a base for a wide range of local groups and activities. “Having town centre staff take part in our Dementia Friends Sessions helps them understand the challenges facing people living with dementia and allows them to help them live well with dementia. “Our Dementia Advisors are often asked by carers and families to recommend places to take their loved one with dementia and with Paisley being a Dementia Friendly town, they can confidently say that they can enjoy a great day out with the confidence that community know and understand the challenges people with dementia have.” Paisley town centre is also looking to host a Tea and Blether event on behalf of Alzheimer Scotland later this year. “Our Tea & Blether events are to highlight the importance of social interaction for people living with dementia,” said Aileen. “Meeting up with friends and family allow people with dementia to engage in conversation, have fun and enjoy people’s company. “Supporting people with dementia within the community allows them to live well and have a fulfilling life for longer. They can be independent for longer and build relationships withing the local community.”

Dispelling the Myths around Dementia

• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing • Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

• Dementia is not just about losing memory • It is possible to live well with dementia

• There is more to a person than their dementia