Compliance and policy
We have a duty of care towards this vulnerable section of our workforce. The numbers of our workers caring for a person with dementia will inevitably rise. Support for them now will pay back dividends in the future.
Dementia is a disability under the Equality Act 2010: a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
The Equality Act 2010 affords dementia carers protection by association with the person who has dementia. This is with respect to flexible working and protection against discrimination or harassment.
The Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge for 2020, now supported by Theresa May, seeks a good work/carer/life balance for dementia carers and the creation of dementia friendly communities.
Increasing numbers of businesses will be involved in dementia friendly practices, which means that people affected by dementia will be able to say:
I live in an enabling and supportive environment where I feel valued and understood.