On Monday 14th July at our training evening we had a special guest from Beacon Dementia & Wellbeing (https://www.beaconrossendale.org.uk/). Rachel Yates Hoyles provided an overview of what Dementia is, the forms it takes and how to effectively and sympathetically communicate with those living with the condition. Something that as First Responders we need to be aware of, so that we can provide the best care we can. Also at the session a number of our friends from RPMRT who attend callouts for missing persons – who could be people living with dementia.
Rachel explained to us her own personal experience of close family members living with dementia, and how the condition can change from day to day, and how to support that change effectively. The session was thought provoking especially around subtilty changing how to communicate to support and connect with people living with the condition. That being both verbally and non-verbally.
Rachel also took us through the services available through Beacon, and history of how the charity has developed and and grown over the years to what it is today. And also the exiting plans for the future!
A very useful evening and a really good Question & Answer session, so thanks to Rachel – and we wish Beacon all the best for the future!
