Barchester displays Purple Angel to support dementia campaign
Barchester is in full support of the Purple Angel campaign and its founder Norman McNamara. Norman was diagnosed with dementia six years ago and has been a tireless campaigner in his efforts to make Torbay the first dementia friendly resort in the country. The Purple Angel logo symbolises hope, protection, inspiration and teamwork.
Norman started this campaign in 2012 Torbay - an area with a solid reputation as a retirement destination. He began by generating awareness about dementia with local businesses and soon his iconic Purple Angel stickers started appearing in shop windows around the district to show solidarity and understanding of living with dementia
One of Barchester’s homes in Torbay, Mount Tryon, got on board early and proudly displays this symbol in the window of the home as many people are living there with dementia.
With the inroads Norman made locally, he decided he needed to think bigger and has written a booklet with colleagues called: 'A guide: Supporting people with dementia in a care home’, which Barchester has agreed to distribute to all of its 200 care homes. The booklet offers tips to carers and complements Barchester extensive training to all staff about delivering personalised care.
Sheena Wyllie, Director of Dementia Services at Barchester, said: “Norman and his wife Elaine are amazing ambassadors and really want to improve the lives of those who have dementia by educating the people around them by keeping it simple and not overcomplicating things.
This is exactly how we think at Barchester. We understand it is important that people living with dementia are supported to maintain social relationships and exercise important everyday skills. We must work together as a community and within care settings to help make individuals with dementia feel more comfortable and in control of situations. It can be that easy."