Dementia Friendly Business Programme Addresses Isolation Among Family Caregivers

Home Instead Senior Care is launching a new campaign designed to make the community more dementia friendly. Through the Dementia Friendly Business programme, the home care provider will provide free training to businesses throughout the country to help equip employees with information and resources needed to welcome families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

In a recent survey of Alzheimer’s caregivers, 83 percent reported that they and their loved ones have become more isolated from the community as a result of the disease. Furthermore, 86 percent reported that they feel isolated and spend less time in the community as a result of caregiving responsibilities. (1)

“For many caregivers, the unpredictable nature of the disease can make going out in public with their loved one intimidating,” said Ed Murphy, CEO and Founder of Home Instead Senior Care in Ireland. “Our research shows that family caregivers might be reluctant to frequent public places because of the behaviours that could be associated with the disease.”

Census forecasts predict the population of people with dementia will increase from an estimated 48,000 at present to around 140,000 by 2041 — a 240% increase of the 2006 figure of 41,447.

“Given the statistics, most businesses that deal with the public will be serving people with dementia and their families,” said Murphy. “It’s critical that businesses start working now to build dementia friendly communities to better serve their customers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Businesses can work directly with the local Home Instead Senior Care office to coordinate in-person training. Once the training is successfully completed, businesses will receive a window cling with the Dementia Friendly Business designation. The designation will be valid for two years.

For more information visit Homeinstead.ie/Alzheimers-Dementia-care/dementia-friendly-business-education.