Call for pubs to help make communities more dementia-friendly

The University of Stirling's Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) is calling for pubs to take part in dementia-friendly programme to improve lives in the community.

The world-renowned centre is looking for pubs everywhere to become more dementia-friendly to support people living with dementia to remain active in their communities.

The aim is to create a Google map to chart all dementia-friendly facilities across the UK with establishments bearing a badge to show they’ve considered things like a clear line of sight to the bar, clearly signposted toilets, some private and quieter tables, easy-to-read menus and staff with an understanding of the condition to give customers the support they require.

The University, with facilities part-funded by £7.25 million of UK Government funding under the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, is keen for the scheme to break down social barriers associated with dementia. 

Lesley Palmer, Acting Director of DSDC, said: “Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community. We have long accepted that there should be no barriers for people with wheelchairs. Similarly, there should be no barriers for people with dementia.

“People with dementia should be able to go out for a drink or a meal without stigma and enjoy themselves in surroundings where they feel comfortable.

“The scheme is entirely voluntary for owners, and by making relatively small and inexpensive adaptations, pubs and restaurants can become accredited. By making their establishments more welcoming to elderly people, pubs and restaurants will attract new trade while providing an important service for the community.”

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Malcolm Offord recently toured the University’s world-renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), to learn how the University’s research has brought important changes to approaches to ageing and dementia worldwide.

He said: “This scheme will bring welcome improvements for people dealing with this devastating disease and hopefully bring some comfort to them and their families so that they can spend quality time together – something we should all be able to enjoy.

“I saw for myself first-hand recently how the solutions pioneered at the University of Stirling will make life easier for our ageing population, something that will be a great help to families who have a loved one dealing with dementia. It’s inspiring to see.

“Funding projects like this is exactly what the City Region Deal is all about. Not only does it encourage employment and growth, it also brings further benefits on a wider level – in this case, through research that could make improvements on a global scale.”

To support people living with dementia, and their carers, DSDC has launched the Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT). EADDAT can be used by pubs and restaurants to understand how their space can be more supportive for people living with dementia and, if necessary, make small adjustments that can make the environment more accommodating.

To find out more about EADDAT and how it can work for your business, contact DSDC at dementia@stir.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can read more about EADDAT here and download both EADDAT Tier 1 and / or EADDAT Tier 2 (Resource 4 - Eating, drinking + socialising) of the toolkit.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8m, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.