Two Banks in Green County Become Dementia Friendly
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Whitney Thompson
Woodford State Bank had about 30 employees attend the in-person training, with even more individuals teleconferencing in from their Lafayette County branches.
On October 8, 2015, Woodford State Bank and Wisconsin Bank & Trust, on October 9, 2015, in Monroe, became the first dementia friendly banks in Green County.
Combined, the banks were able to have about 45 employees participate in an in-person dementia friendly training.
The development and training of dementia friendly businesses is being led by the Green County Dementia Friendly Community Coalition. The goal of the training is to increase the employees' awareness and understanding of dementia to help them better understand various scenarios they may face in their professional and personal lives. In the business setting, the training really comes down to a discussion about good customer service.
"I am thrilled that Woodford State Bank and Wisconsin Bank & Trust have committed to being dementia friendly businesses. The employees were able to relate to many of the scenarios that were discussed in the 30-minute training. The training is tailored for the specific industry we are working with, and the groups were appreciative of this," commented Whitney Thompson, the Dementia Care Specialist for the ADRC.
The training is only one aspect of becoming a dementia friendly organization. Businesses need to commit to an on-going development of being dementia friendly. This includes being part of a community effort, planning for educating new employees, and considering the environment of the business.
Both banks can now proudly display the "Purple Angel" decal on their storefronts and websites. The "Purple Angel" is the international symbol for a dementia friendly and aware business or organization.
The Green County Dementia Friendly Community Coalition is working to make our county more aware. The group is striving to gain interest from other businesses to participate in the training so they too can make a difference in their community and proudly display the "Purple Angel."
If you are interested in becoming dementia friendly or joining the dementia friendly community initiative, contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center to get connected to Whitney Thompson, the Dementia Care Specialist, by calling (608) 426-4295.