Lawyers get on the case

Dementia Friends awareness course at Pearsons. Back left to right, Hannah Pearson, Louise Coyle, Sarah Finnigan, Simon Taylor. Front left to right, Suzanne Wright, Daniel Prince, Sue Neilson.

A LAW firm has joined the campaign to create a Dementia Friendly Oldham and is now learning more about the disease.

Pearson Solicitors, based in Queen Street in Oldham town centre, has taken part in training sessions to equip both solicitors and receptionists with the skills they need to help anyone with dementia.

It follows the Oldham Chronicle, together with Oldham Council, Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Alzheimer’s Society, launching a campaign to created 500 Dementia Friends in the borough before Christmas.

“We heard about the local campaign to improve awareness and this is something we really wanted to champion, especially as our solicitors have a lot of contact with elderly clients and their carers,” said business development manager Suzanne Wright.

It is estimated that almost 2,500 people in Oldham are currently living with the condition, which can often leave people feeling alienated, misunderstood or confused.

Suzanne continued: “Dementia affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks and if we can be more aware of these symptoms in our dealings with people then we can adapt what we do accordingly.

“From the first contact on the phone or in our reception we will make sure we are Dementia Friendly by recognising the symptoms and needs of our clients.

“So, it’s not only our solicitors who are getting the training, but receptionists, office staff, indeed anyone who may need to give that little bit of extra help and guidance.”