An eye opening training session for our first responders and members of public services Wednesday, Nov. 8.

First responders and Town of Okotoks staff had the opportunity to learn more about dementia, and how to interact for those with it at a Dementia Friendly Communities demonstration hosted by the Brenda Strafford Foundation.

The Town of Okotoks, and first responders have been partnered with the Brenda Strafford Foundation's Dementia Friendly Communities initiative since its inception in town.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac a Dementia Friendly community is a place that allows those with dementia to age in place, and interact with the community safely and with dignity.

He says town staff, RCMP, Municipal Enforcement, Fire, EMS and the Chamber of Commerce all attended the training session at the Fire Hall.

"It's designed to raise awareness of dementia to help people who are on the front lines of dealing with people with dementia, fire fighters, paramedics, people who man the recreation centre and the faces at the front desk of town hall. If they understand about dementia, then they can support and help people with dementia when we respond to their emergencies, or they require assistance."

Along with education about dementia, MacIsaac says attendees also go first hand experience learning what it's like to live with it through sensory deprivation exercises.

"It increases your empathy, it increases your understanding when your vision isn't what it should be, when your hearing isn't what it should be. When you put on gloves and try to do fine motor skills and find out how difficult it is for somebody with dementia to just function in doing everyday tasks."

You can find out more about Dementia Friendly Communities here.

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