Venturing outside a comfort zone can be challenging for caregivers and people living with dementia. Because of that, often both parties opt to stay in familiar surroundings and can become isolated. Dementia friendly training works to educate businesses, restaurants, employees and managers about those challenges as well as appropriate responses. This can allievate much of the anxiety about venturing out in the community.
The purple seahorse has been selected as our local symbol for dementia. Seahorse is a noun translated from the Latin word hippocampus, which is a portion of the brain that plays a major role in memory. Look for the purple seahorse logo at participating partners to indicate their dementia friendly status.
For many people living with dementia and their caregivers, eating out can be stressful. Restaurants who undergo the dementia friendly training are equipped with skills to help alleviate some of the stress and ensure a better dining experience.
Banking, transpotration, shopping and many other activities can pose much greater challenges when living with dementia. Dementia friendly businesses have undergone training to recognize and adapt in order to provide better experiences for caregivers and those living with dementia.