With rising retirement ages and younger people affected by dementia (over 71,000 under aged 65), it’s important to increase our understanding and awareness, how it can affect people differently and ways we can offer support at work
What’s the impact of dementia on younger people?
Younger people may experience different symptoms to older adults, and they may also be juggling responsibilities like raising children or caring for elderly parents, which can add extra pressure. Receiving a diagnosis can be tough to process and navigating support systems can be even more challenging.
We push back against outdated systems and ideas surrounding dementia, We recognise that each person we work with is an individual with their own needs and preferences. Our work reflects this, providing support that enables those living with dementia to get what they want from life, no matter their age or abilities.
What should employers, HR, managers, and occupational health professionals know?
Whether you know someone living with dementia at work or would simply like to learn a bit more to support those in your workplace, this webinar will cover the five key topics from our full Dementia and the Workplace workshop:
- Education and Awareness: What should this look like? Who in the workplace should receive it
- Strengths-Based Working: Shifting the focus from what individuals have lost to what they still have.
- Person-Centred Approach: Exploring a dementia work policy that isn’t rigid or grouped under anxiety or depression.
- Empathy: Why it’s essential and how to cultivate it.
- Workplace Culture: The importance of colleague peer support
Key takeaways
Rhian talked about how everyone’s experience with dementia is different.
“If you’ve met one person with dementia then you’ve met one person with dementia”.
And the importance of strength-based working:
“Its about focusing on what people can still do, not what they’ve lost, and recognising that it’s not always a downward progression—there are good days and bad days”.
Delivered by Rhian
Rhian has been co-producing, developing, and delivering workshops with Effro since the training team was formed in 2021. With nearly 15 years of experience in teaching and training, she also brings personal connections to dementia, remaining mindful of the topic’s sensitive nature.
About Effro
We are part of Platfform, the mental health and social change charity with over 30 years of experience.
Effro is Platfform’s dementia support project which supports people living with dementia to lead fulfilling lives based on sensory experiences and activities that spark real joy.
Many dementia charities and organisations only focus on the practical or medical needs of the people they work with. At Effro, we believe there’s more that can be done; that recognising the needs, preferences and individuality of each person creates opportunities for a better life.
Through this approach, we work with people to explore the things that interest them, that bring fascination or excitement, and that add to a life joyfully lived.
The work we do with people living with dementia includes activity sessions in any residential setting, one-to-one support, liaison and guidance, and new ways and ideas to reignite passions and stir positive memories.