- Free ‘memory diaries’ to help keep Derbyshire residents affected by dementia safe in their own homes
- Joint initiative between Derbyshire Fire & Rescue and gas network Cadent
- Double the number of diaries produced for 2019 after initiative in 2018 hailed a success
New Year is traditionally the time for getting a new diary but Derbyshire residents affected by dementia could be getting one with a difference – a free journal, packed with information to keep them safe in their own homes.
A joint initiative between Derbyshire Fire & Rescue and local gas network Cadent to provide ‘memory diaries’ proved so successful last year, that twice as many of the journals are being distributed this year.
One thousand ‘memory diaries’ will be distributed by Alzheimer’s Society for Derbyshire residents, via the charity Making Space for Derby residents and through Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s ‘Safe and Well’ home visits.
In addition to the usual spaces for appointments, the diaries are packed with vital information on fire safety, carbon monoxide prevention and advice on guarding against falls. Memory loss can be a symptom of dementia so the diaries help to keep important home safety information uppermost in the minds of people affected by dementia.
Phil Burrows, Cadent Customer Service Manager, said: “We support local communities to keep safe so we were delighted to sponsor the diary for a second year. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas, produced when fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood or oil don’t burn properly. It kills some 40 people a year, while a further 4,000 go to casualty departments with sometimes life-changing symptoms.
“The diary provides vital carbon monoxide safety information, together with weekly fire and falls reminders, and we hope it will help people with dementia to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.”
Kay Simcox of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cadent Gas for the second year on this fantastic project. Their sponsorship and ongoing support has made it possible for us to continue working with local charities that work with vulnerable members of our community, helping to make sure they stay safe from the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
“The memory diary acts as both a practical tool and an essential reminder about how to stay safe in your own home.”
The diaries were the brainchild of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Crew Manager Lee Jones. The idea came to him while carrying out ‘Safe and Well’ visits – home visits to more vulnerable groups in the community, providing fire safety information and signposting them to local services.
During several visits to people with dementia, Lee was asked by relatives to write down his name and the reason for his visit in a rough jotter. This was so the resident he was visiting could look back and remember who had visited them and why.
Realising that some residents may not be able to recall the safety advice given to them during the ‘Safe and Well’ visit, Lee hit on the idea of creating a memory diary.
For information on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning go to:
https://cadentgas.com/emergencies/suspect-carbon-monoxide
For information on fire safety go to:
https://www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/
Home safe...pictured, Marc Redford, of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue, and Hayley Tranter, of Cadent.