Farm signs up to dementia friendly scheme
Greenmeadow Community Farm is the latest place in Torfaen to become dementia friendly.
To increase the level of support for people living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society has developed a ‘dementia friendly community’ kite mark. Previously, there were only two areas in Wales accredited, but Torfaen was recently accredited as ‘working towards dementia friendly community’.
The dementia friendly communities scheme focuses on improving the lives of those with dementia, and their carers, by raising understanding and awareness of the condition with local residents and businesses.
The farm’s commercial manager Kate Holly said: “We are delighted to receive this accreditation and look forward to implementing some of the things we have learnt. We are looking at everything we do, to make sure this wonderful facility is as accessible as possible to anyone with dementia or their carers.
“Farms and animals can play a key role in stimulating the memory and evidence suggest it has been very effective in helping people with dementia. The training doesn’t take long and I would urge every business in the town to sign up.”
Greenmeadow Community Farm joins businesses in Blaenavon and Pontypool to have undertaken training to become dementia friendly.
The executive member for health, social care and well-being, councillor Richard Clark, said: “We are all living longer. However, with an ageing population comes different challenges. Dementia is a major concern, with one in 14 people over 65 years of age living with dementia. This often has a great impact on family members who will take on a caring role for loved ones.
“The development of a ‘dementia friendly community’ will involve the whole community improving their understanding of dementia and becoming ‘dementia friends’.”
It only takes 45 minutes to be become a dementia friend and find out more information about dementia. For more information, contact phil.diamond@torfaen.gov.uk
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