A new program for the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts aims to make local businesses more welcoming environment for people diagnosed with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society has launched the free Blue Umbrella Program, which offers a 30-minute course for businesses and their employees to teach them how to recognize customers with dementia, and how to better interact with them.
“We want people to start living well in the community with the disease,” said Stephanie Leclair, the Alzheimer Society's executive director for the region. “People get to keep living in their homes longer when we help them stay independent.”
Desjardins became the first business in Sudbury to go through the free training session.
Once employees received their training the Alzheimer Society gave Desjardins a certificate to show they are a dementia friendly business.
“We are thrilled to have been the first financial institution to take part in this training session. Our employees now have a better knowledge of the disease and will be able to better serve our members who have Alzheimer’s disease. This session also provided us with the essential information needed to help family members or friends that have been touched by Alzheimer’s,” said Jean-Marc Spencer, executive director of Voyageurs Credit Union, which is affiliated with Desjardins.
Spencer said his employees applauded after the Alzheimer Society's presentation, and found it helpful to learn how to approach customers with dementia.
To help reduce the stigma tied to dementia, the Alzheimer Society is also encouraging people diagnosed with the disease to wear blue umbrella pins and be open about their diagnosis in the community.
Leclair said that if more people self identify as having dementia it creates more public awareness and reduces stigma.
Any local business interested in a Blue Umbrella Program training session can call the Alzheimer’s Society at 705-560-0603.
