The Dementia Friends initiative is a program developed by the Alzheimer's Society to help people understand dementia and how to support individuals living with the condition. It focuses on the small things that can make a big difference in a person's life.
Why is this training important for pharmacists?
More and more pharmacists are interacting with patients who have dementia. Completing Dementia Friends training is crucial for patient-facing pharmacy staff because it helps you:
Improve patient care: By understanding the challenges faced by people with dementia, you can provide more patient and compassionate service.
Support major pharmacies: Many major pharmacy chains now require this accreditation as an essential criterion for some shifts, as it's part of a national aim to have a high percentage of pharmacy staff trained as Dementia Friends.
Increase your opportunities: For locum pharmacists, having this accreditation can significantly increase your chances of being booked for a shift.
How to become a Dementia Friend
You can become a Dementia Friend by learning more about the condition and committing to a small action that helps.
There are two main ways to get the training:
Watch online videos: The Dementia Friends website offers short, easy-to-watch videos that explain what it's like to live with dementia.
Attend an Information Session: Volunteer Dementia Friends Ambassadors run in-person or virtual sessions that provide a more interactive learning experience.
After completing the training, you will receive a badge to show your understanding and commitment to supporting people with dementia.