Report looks at ways to help dementia sufferers escape a sense of isolation

York and other cities across the UK can take steps to become more “dementia-friendly” and stop sufferers feeling isolated, new research has found.

The York Dementia Without Walls project looked at what is needed to make the city a good place to live for people with dementia and their carers. The report, drawing on the views of local people affected by dementia, puts forward a number of recommendations to create a dementia-friendly city which could also be applied to other parts of the UK.

Often the most difficult things for people with dementia are everyday activities that most take for granted, such as withdrawing money at the bank, paying bills, shopping and using public transport.

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The report suggests offering training for people working in banks, shops, libraries and similar services so they are better able to understand the behaviour of sufferers when they come in.

Other recommendations include using a symbol to denote dementia-friendly services and venues such as theatres, cinemas and cafes.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) report follows the launch earlier this year of Prime Minister David Cameron’s own personal challenge to create more dementia-friendly communities, and brings together many ideas which it hopes can be drawn on.

Researchers say trying to carry on daily life as before becomes more difficult and problematic for sufferers.

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As a result they start to feel disconnected from their old groups, friends, activities and places, and slowly ‘give up’ on life because they worry about the reaction of strangers.

Philly Hare, the programme manager for An Ageing Society at foundation, said: “This project has demonstrated how important it is that we all challenge the attitudes, understanding and behaviours around dementia which reinforce stigma, isolation and exclusion.

“Raising awareness at all levels and in all sectors will help those who provide everyday services understand better what people with dementia need.”

Other recommendations include making York an easier city to get around with uncluttered and clear signs and making public transport more accessible.

It highlights features such as York’s leisure and cultural assets which people with dementia could be helped to enjoy.

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