Two staff members at Power NI in Omagh have undertaken training to show others how they can make a difference to those with dementia.
Joanne Arbuckle and Teresa Eanetta from the Co Tyrone branch of the energy company will become ‘Dementia Friendly Community Champions’, which will allow them to train staff in how small changes can make a big difference to those suffering from the condition.
The company is working alongside Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland in an effort to train staff to better deal with customers with dementia.
Joanne said it was difficult for many to comprehend the difficulties of living with the condition, and their training will attempt to bridge that gap for their employees.
Joanne said: “It was fantastic to take part in the Dementia Friendly training with the Alzheimer’s Society as we all know someone living with this and it can affect anyone of us.
“Making small changes can make a huge difference to people living with dementia and although it’s a disease that everyone is familiar with, awareness of how it affects people is low.
“The training we received from the Alzheimer’s Society was both informative and practical and I’m looking forward to putting this knowledge into real life.”
Joanne from Strabane, who works as a Business Trainer for Power NI, said the pandemic has been especially difficult for those living with the illness.
She added: "This has provided significant insight in to how frightening the world can be when you’re living with dementia – something that is very difficult to comprehend.
“It also gave practical advice and guidance on how to help people living with dementia and this advice can easily be transferred to life outside of a work setting also.
“The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has taken a massive toll on people living with dementia, and I’m glad we at Power NI can do our bit to make things easier for them.”
