Dementia Jersey launch innovative Dementia Friendly Business scheme

By participating in this scheme, businesses commit to making ongoing adjustments to their products, services, and physical environments to accommodate those affected by dementia.

The ultimate goal is to create a more dementia friendly island where everyone feels understood and supported.

Jersey Hospice Care has been the first to sign up to the scheme and achieve the Dementia friendly business accreditation. The two charities worked together to complete a pilot, which saw Hospice undertake audits of places, processes and people. This has led to a schedule of dementia awareness training sessions for staff, alongside a plan of action for alterations to the physical environments operated by Jersey Hospice Care.

Claudine Snape, CEO Dementia Jersey, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Jersey Hospice Care as the first local organisation within our Dementia Friendly Business Scheme and we are grateful for their commitment to people with dementia. Dementia affects a great many families in Jersey. By fostering dementia friendly businesses, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society. Businesses who participate in the scheme will play a crucial role in reducing stigma, improving communication, and ensuring that people with dementia can continue to participate in island life.”

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive Jersey Hospice Care, commented: “We’re very proud to become the first local organisation to be officially accredited as Dementia Friendly. Our aim is for Hospice to be as accessible as possible for all islanders, whether that’s our patients, those close to them, or those using one of our other services such as bereavement support.

“Getting this accreditation forms a vital part of that goal and we’re delighted to have worked together with Dementia Jersey to launch this important scheme.”

Pictured: Mike Palfreman from Jersey Hospice Care and Claudine Snape & Peter Bolam from Dementia Jersey.