Now & Next launches a new workplace-focused Early Stage Dementia Awareness training program and are running 2 free taster sessions on  24^th May 10am – 12pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm at the Age Scotland Office.

Our taster sessions are designed for organisations who are considering the provision of Dementia awareness sessions for their staff, this is not a Dementia Awareness training session.  We are looking for decision makers (HR managers etc) from interested organisations to attend this event.

As spaces are limited and of high interest, please let us know by Friday 6^th May if you would like to book a session please email: Jonathan.Park@agescotland.org.uk

Agenda:

• Tea Coffee
• Introduction: Why Dementia Awareness is of interest to your organisation
• How dementia affects the workplace including case studies
• The aims and objectives our training sessions provide for your organisation
• Detailed outline of the 2 half day training sessions Age Scotland can provide for your organisation
• A taster of some of activities included in the half day workshops

Dementia is a workplace issue.  Around 86,000 people in Scotland currently live with dementia, which is expected to double in the next 25 years.  About 1 in 20 people with dementia are under age 65.  With the abolition of the default retirement age and as state pension age increases, more people will be working into later life. 17% of the Scottish adult population is caring for someone who has dementia.

Our training will start your organisation on its journey to becoming a dementia aware workplace.  Training comprises of 2 half-day courses, 3hrs each which can be booked separately or as a full day workshop (normally conducted on your premises).

Half-Day 1

Participants will observe why dementia is relevant in the workplace, about the signs and symptoms of early stage dementia and the different ways in which it can affect people.

Becoming a dementia aware workplace

Participants will learn what they can do to foster a working culture that is open and inclusive for people with dementia, gaining an understanding of how someone can live and work well with dementia and what they can do to support and communicate effectively with a colleague who has early stage symptoms. Learning communication skills will help employees engage better with customers with dementia.  They will learn about risk factors and what can be done in workplaces to promote lifestyles that address these.

Half-Day 2

Participants will learn about the legal obligations of employers with regard to staff who are living with early stage dementia/caring for someone who has dementia.

Supporting employees affected by dementia

Participants will gain an understanding of changes in job roles and the working environment that can be made to enable an employee living with early stage dementia to continue in work.  They will learn about sources of support, for both employers and employees and explore options for making appropriate interventions; both when a staff member displays early stage symptoms and as the condition progresses.