Every three minutes someone develops dementia and by 2020, over 1 million people will be affected. Dementia has become one of the nation’s greatest health challenges and the impact on UK businesses is great.
With nearly 44% of people either directly or indirectly affected, a large number of SAIF members and customers will be dealing with dementia in some way.
A survey carried out by Alzheimer’s Society found that 73% of UK adults thought that society was not adequately prepared to deal with dementia. This illustrates that the partnerships across communities are crucial to the wellbeing and health of employees and customers and are more important than ever before.
What is Dementia Friends?
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is the biggest ever social action movement on dementia to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about a condition that touches the lives of millions of people.
A Dementia Friend learns a little more about dementia and the small way to help those affected. It is a simple yet effective way to equip people with the necessary tools to communicate with customers, friends and family affected by dementia. With over 2 million Dementia Friends, Alzheimer’s Society is halfway to reaching their target of 4 million by 2020.
SAIF Dementia Friend
In March 2018 SAIF Chief Executive Terry Tennens announced a partnership with Alzheimer’s Society. The purpose of this partnership is for SAIF Members to be in a state of readiness to respond to clients or their next of kin who live with dementia.
Additionally, we want SAIF members to create an avalanche of Dementia Friends across the UK via the National Society; To develop deeper practicing dementia friendly businesses as examples of professional caring businesses; and not least to raise funds for this noble work. Dementia currently affects 850,000 people in the UK, with projections to substantially increase and impact our way of live.
Dementia Friends
McClure’s Funeral Service Directors have used the resources available on the Dementia Friends website to become Dementia Friends. We logged our status as Dementia Friends so that we will be counted amoung the growing number in the community who are here should you need us.
General Support
Looking for information, support or advice about dementia? Alzheimer’s Society helpline is here for you on 0300 222 11 22 or visit the website www.alzheimers.org.uk