South Devon opticians and audiologists are raising awareness about dementia.
This comes as the Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes are sponsoring the Purple Angel charity by donating £250 and buying awareness-raising badges from the charity for staff to wear.
The Purple Angel charity was founded in 2012 by Torquay’s Norman ‘Norrms’ McNamara, who was diagnosed with dementia at only 50 years of age.
Its work quickly spread across Britain and then the world, with volunteers raising awareness about dementia in communities and with businesses.
In addition to the sponsorship, the charity has been invited to give dementia training to staff at the Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes so they can get firsthand insights into what visiting shops is like for someone with dementia.
Winnie Maina, joint director at the Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes, says: ‘We’re very proud to be supporting Norrms and the Purple Angel charity.
‘There are many connections between dementia and people becoming isolated by poor sight or a loss of hearing.
‘For example, we know that hearing loss has similar symptoms to early signs of dementia, with people struggling to communicate.
‘People with moderate-to-severe hearing loss are up to five times as likely to develop dementia. We also know that hearing loss can speed up the onset of dementia or make the symptoms of dementia appear worse.
‘This is why regular hearing tests are so important in helping to reduce the risk. The earlier any problems are identified, the sooner protective measures like hearing aids can be introduced.’
There are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. Dementia describes a group of different brain disorders that can trigger a loss of brain function, including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, learning capacity, language, and judgment. These conditions are all usually progressive and can eventually become severe.
In addition to the links between hearing and dementia, there is also a connection between the condition and people with decreasing sight. Good sight enables people to keep their brain active by helping them maintain their hobbies and other stimulating pastimes.
Karen Stone, joint director at the Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes, says: ‘We know that living with dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as those who care for them.
‘Everyday activities which may once have been simple, such as popping down to the high street to get an eye test, can become difficult and confusing.
‘This can mean people miss out on vital checks, which can then have serious consequences.
‘That’s why we felt it was important for our colleagues at the stores to be aware of the needs of people living with dementia when they come in to see us, because everyone deserves to receive the best eye and audiology care they can.’
Norrms was inspired to start the Purple Angel charity after being treated rudely by a Torbay shopkeeper, so he wanted to change the way people see dementia and treat others.
He says: ‘I’m so grateful to the Specsavers stores in Paignton and Totnes for supporting us. It’s inspiring to know that mainstream employers like them are enthusiastic about improving the lives of people with dementia.
‘I really can’t stress enough how important it is that businesses and professionals in the healthcare sector are dementia-friendly, because it is easy for people with dementia to slip through the gaps in the health system.
‘With these two Specsavers stores leading the way, their staff will know how to treat people with dementia and their carers, know the signs of dementia, and also be armed with useful information that they can share with others.’
For further information about the Purple Angel charity, go online at https://purpleangel-global.com/
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