Leading the way on becoming ‘dementia friendly’
Staff at Barcan+Kirby have given their support to an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to create ‘dementia friendly’ communities by attending a dementia information session.
Over 100 of our staff have committed to becoming a ‘Dementia Friend’, meaning that they understand what dementia is, the effect it has and how they can provide support to people – including our clients – who are living with dementia.
We’re taking steps to produce ‘dementia friendly’ versions of our key literature and are putting up clear signage in our branches, including footsteps to mark routes to reception.
All new members of staff will attend a Dementia Friend information session as part of their induction.
Anna Molter, Associate Solicitor and Barcan+Kirby’s Dementia Friend Champion said: “This is something we feel very passionately about as a business, and as individuals. We’re in a position of trust, and it’s important that we can accommodate the needs of our clients as fully as possible.
“We’re an ageing population with ever-evolving and changing needs and professional services firms such as ours need to react and adapt to this. We would like to see more local firms, including other professional services organisations, throw their support behind this and become Dementia Friends too.”
Support for local businesses
Anna has already passed on the benefits of her dementia training by running a Dementia Friend session for employees at Bath-based financial advisors Hart Greaves.
Ken Hart, Partner, said: “Dementia is a growing area of concern for more and more of our clients. We felt strongly about the need to educate ourselves to understand how we can offer the best possible service to all of our clients.
“We are grateful to Anna and Barcan+Kirby for running our Dementia Friend session and will be making some changes to our own business as a result. We would also like to join them in urging other businesses to get on board with this extremely worthwhile initiative.”
Anna continues: “This situation means that we are increasingly likely to be working for clients that have dementia and who may not have a relative to advocate for them. And of course, there will be people who simply feel more comfortable dealing with private matters directly with their solicitor.
“It’s our duty to do all we can to support people and ensure they can access our services with confidence and dignity.”
Supporting local dementia charities
As well as becoming a member of Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA), we’re also supporting the South Gloucestershire Action Alliance group.
Tony Hall, Bristol Dementia Action Alliance said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Barcan+Kirby are putting their weight behind this vitally important initiative which is already helping to make a huge difference to people with dementia and their families.”
Further information
For more information on how we’re improving our service for clients with dementia, or to speak to a dementia-trained solicitor, call us on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.
You can find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend at dementiafriends.org.uk.