In the same week The Alzheimer’s Society asked housing organisations to unite against dementia by signing up to its new Dementia Friendly Housing Charter, The Barnet Group also played their part in helping to improve the lives of those living with dementia by using a dementia tour bus.

Last Wednesday, staff from across the Barnet Group took part in The Virtual Dementia Bus Tour experience. This hands-on sensitivity training programme gives people a greater understanding of the physical and mental challenges facing the more than 820,000 people in the UK with diagnosed dementia and 40% undiagnosed.

One of the participants on The Barnet Group’s experience of the dementia bus tour was Brunswick Park Councillor Lisa Rutter, who runs the Dementia Club. She was very impressed with the dementia tour and talked about how the training could be used to change working practices/culture in care services.

Dementia Cafes in Barnet launched in 2013 and operate in several venues across the borough, for more information, please visit the Dementia Club’s website. Each Dementia Club session aims to provide you with professional advice and information, gentle exercise in a social atmosphere with tea and cake.

People suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia are welcome to attend with their carers, friends and families.

Meanwhile at Moreton Close, demolition work has started on a dementia-friendly extra care scheme which will feature 53 self-contained one and two bedroom enabling adults with additional care needs to live independently.

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive, said: “Dementia is one of the greatest challenges we face in society today, and one that all areas of the housing sector must work together in uniting against.

“The Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020 states that more people with dementia should live longer in their own homes when it is in their interests to do so, with a greater focus on independent living.

“This will only be achieved with greater support in people’s own homes from trained professionals and by improving the homes that people live in to ensure they are adaptable and flexible as circumstances and needs change.”