When we think of dementia, we don’t always think of it in the context of our workplace. But for those who work in the retail, medical, finance or leisure sectors, the experience of serving a person living with dementia is becoming increasingly common, particularly as our population ages.
The number of people in our community impacted by dementia is growing daily. By 2050, The Dementia Society expects the number of people living with dementia in Ottawa and Renfrew County to reach 60,000. As one in five people impacted by dementia will tell you, it has physical, psychological, social and economic impacts not only for the people living with dementia but for their families and society at large.
Dementia is an umbrella term covering over 100 different brain diseases and brain injuries that affect mental function and one’s ability to perform daily activities. But there are common strategies for ensuring that people living with dementia feel welcome in your workplace.
Workplaces can make minor adjustments so that people living with dementia feel welcome and at ease
Creating a calm environment without the distractions of flashing monitors, bright lights, and loud music helps individuals living with dementia focus on what they are there to do. Speaking slowly, making eye contact and offering fewer options helps customers living with dementia feel more autonomous, connected and relaxed.
The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County are experts at supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Through brain health promotion, dementia risk reduction, dementia care education, support services, social and recreational programs, and one-on-one guidance for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, The Dementia Society helps clients adapt to the changes that come with a dementia diagnosis.
Specific business sectors and activities have been identified as particularly challenging for those impacted by dementia
People living with dementia and their caregivers may find it more challenging to participate in familiar “high-touch” activities such as shopping, banking, fitness classes or eating at a restaurant. Some busy commercial environments with lots of visual distractions and decision-making can be challenging for a person living with dementia.
The seven most challenging business sectors for people living with dementia:
1. Leisure: Cinema, Sports events, Live theatre, etc.
2. Food Service: Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs, etc.
3. Retail: Shopping for clothes, etc
4. Personal Care: Barber, Hairdresser, etc.
5. Grocery shopping
6. Public services: Licensing, Permits, etc,
7. Financial Services: Banking
The Dementia Society 2020 Annual Client Survey
With the proper knowledge and tools, staff in all workplaces can help people living with dementia feel comfortable and welcome
The Dementia Society offers dementia-inclusive training, which organisations like Giant Tiger, RBC branches in Renfrew County, The Shaw Centre, The National Arts Centre and OC Transpo have found beneficial to better serve their clientele. After training, staff can identify the signs of dementia, communicate better with a person living with dementia, and optimize their business environment to be more inclusive and accessible.
Some organizations have even adapted their workspace to accommodate people living with dementia. Giant Tiger in Arnprior gave their bathroom a makeover to be more dementia friendly. With a small $100 investment, the team created visual contrast for improved navigation by painting the walls, installing a black toilet seat, and adding other contrasting decorative elements. The transformed space provided a comfortable environment that was well-received by the community. The store is now proudly Dementia Inclusive certified through The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s Dementia Inclusive Training program.
“People with dementia are often unaware of their surroundings. When put in a monochromatic room – especially white – they can become disoriented and unable to find things like the toilet seat or the door to get out.” – Mike Marcil, Store Manager, Giant Tiger Store, Arnprior
Every business can benefit from taking Dementia Inclusive Training. It keeps all customers feeling welcome and able to support the business community.
The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County offers Dementia Inclusive Training via web-based, onsite or customized modules for businesses. Trained companies receive Dementia Inclusive certification, along with a complimentary post- training audit and toolkit, listing on Dementia613.ca, and ongoing support.
For more information, visit https://DementiaHelp.ca/InclusiveTraining/ or call 1.888.411.2067.
