West Moors library’s dementia friendly aspect can be seen to be the start of bigger things for the village.
The library has been working with the Dementia Friends group to become more ‘dementia-friendly’.
West Moors library manager Angela McVeigh believes this will help to make people more aware of the condition: “The topic of dementia is becoming more high profile and so we try to be aware of those using the library who may need a little more help. We have had several sessions where residents have been invited to learn more about dementia and how it affects day to day life”
It’s not simply this library that is creating awareness, as Development librarian for Dorset libraries Julie Freeman says that all libraries across Dorset are being made more dementia-friendly: “All staff will have an information and awareness session as pat of their training. Some libraries do have more involvement with local dementia groups that others”
After this addition to the library, online other towns in Dorset, discussions have been put in place as part of Dorset’s Partnership for Older people programme to try and make West Moors become a Dementia friendly village. This aims to create supportive communities that enable older people to remain living in their own homes for as long as they wish.
In Dorset it is estimated that there are 13,000 people aged 65 and over with dementia.
However Angela McVeigh explains that their have been difficulties: “Unfortunately the plans to become a dementia friendly village has been a slow process, but whilst many people have lost contact with the process, there are still a few that are involved.”
