Ilminster Dementia Friendly Community
We aim to ensure that people living with dementia, can do so with inclusion, dignity and respect in Ilminster.
Ilminster Dementia Friendly Community was set up in September 2013 the group is made up of individuals who are carers, people who work in health and social care, public services, businesses, charities and individuals who really want to make a difference to the lives of local people affected by dementia in their local community.
Aims
To address the key priorities that have been identified at a National level but need to be met at a local level:
- To develop Dementia Friendly Communities for people with dementia, their carers and families, voluntary and statutory services, businesses and the wider community. (National Dementia Strategy 2009 – Living well with dementia; Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2012 – 2015; Dementia 2012 – A National Challenge).
- Raise awareness of dementia
- Action at a local level
- Sign up to National Dementia Declaration
- Create Dementia Friendly Communities
Projects
Consultation – we designed a questionnaire that was given out to people with dementia, their family and carers that addressed all areas of daily living, from this we were able to get feedback from people living with dementia and their carers, families and friends on how they feel their community could become more dementia friendly. Open meeting were also arranged in in the town to discuss with people what they thought was needed in their local communities.
Dementia Friends awareness/information sessions run by local Dementia Champions in local Banks, Libraries, Retailers and Businesses in Ilminster as part of their action plans to join alliance.
Booklets with information for customer facing staff on 'How to help people with Dementia' (courtesy of Clevedon, Portishead and Worle Dementia Action Alliances)
Coin recognition chart and information sheet (courtesy of Portishead Dementia Action Alliance) was given to all businesses in area.
Police, Ambulance and Fire services in the area have received training in regards to dealing with incidents where people with dementia could be involved.
Local supermarket has taken on idea of “NO HURRY QUEUE” trained specific staff as Dementia Friends.
Launch event was organised to publicise the group and explain work being organised in town and share ideas with local community.