Home Instead has teamed up with the National Trust to provide insight on dementia and the ageing process, helping the charity to be as inclusive and supportive as possible to its volunteer workforce.

Home care company Home Instead Senior Care has always been active in sharing its expert knowledge with the wider business community. Since last year, the organisation has been supporting the National Trust in the north of England, specifically to help its managers gain a better understanding of dementia and the ageing process.

Last month, Tim Howell, Home Instead’s Learning and Development Partner, hosted a workshop entitled ‘The Ageing Process and Dementia’ at the Trust’s Manchester Hub in the city centre. The session was delivered to a group of Trust Managers who have responsibility for volunteers working at National Trust properties.

Commenting on the workshop, he said: “The National Trust estimates that around 51% of its volunteer workforce are over the age of 65 so it’s really important that they understand the ageing process and the impact certain conditions have on people.

“The interactive session looked at some of the chronic health conditions that may affect some of the Trust’s older volunteers, in particular Alzheimer’s disease and some of the different types of dementia; enabling their managers to support them and allowing the Trust to maintain a fulfilling and mutually beneficial relationship with them.

“As champions of older people, we are delighted to be able to share our knowledge with the Trust.”

The partnership was launched at Convestival 18 last year, the Trust’s annual training and development event, which was attended by around 150 staff. The theme was inclusion and diversity.

Home Instead will be delivering more workshops for the Trust’s Volunteer Managers later this year.

www.homeinstead.co.uk