If you’re living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, you might feel your world has suddenly become much smaller. Normal things you loved to do together such as shopping, going to the theatre or eating out – might suddenly become too overwhelming.
Which is why we’re pleased to hear that Norwich City Council have extended their business merit scheme to recognise local businesses offering support to families living with dementia.
Dementia Business Merits
Up until now business merits have included things such as breastfeeding friendly, disabled access and ‘we buy local.’ This new merit is an important step towards making Norwich a Dementia Friendly city.
Currently 52 businesses proudly display the merit. Criteria includes having dementia friendly trained staff and belonging to the Norwich City Dementia Action Alliance.
If you’re planning a trip to the city – you can now do so with the knowledge that people and places will have a much better understanding of dementia. See a few of our recommendations below and for a full list of places with a dementia business merit click HERE.
Eating Out
The Assembly House, Farmyard, Forum and Middletons all have dementia trained staff.
Shopping
Castle Mall, Chapelfield, Jarrolds and John Lewis have been looking at their environment to make them more dementia friendly.
Arts and Culture
Cinema City, Theatre Royal and Norwich Playhouse – all offer dementia friendly screenings.
Leisure
Riverside Leisure and UEA Sportspark run dementia friendly sporting activities.
Owners of the Farmyard – Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones were inspired to make their restaurant dementia friendly after experiencing first-hand the difficulties.
Mrs Springham said: “My mum had dementia before she passed away and eating out was challenging for a number of reasons.
“For her it was difficult navigating the menu, knowing where the loos are and generally feeling as though she was in a safe place.
“But it was also challenging for us making sure we didn’t lose her and ensuring she was relaxed.
“Whenever we went to places that understood the disease, it made for a much better experience for all of us. It’s important that everyone has a place they can go to enjoy themselves and feel welcome and we are pleased to be that.”
Both Norwich City Council and Norwich Dementia Action Alliance are working towards securing Norwich a Dementia Friendly City status. If you’re a local business and interested in getting a Dementia Business Merit visit www.norwich.gov.uk/businessmerits or if you’d like to join the DAA click HERE.
