Partner Article

Law firm recognised for its Dementia-Friendly ideas

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is the first law firm to be officially recognised by Dementia Friendly Stockton.

The Dementia Friendly Stockton Project is part of a national initiative to encourage communities to become more dementia-friendly. The Stockton project was launched by Cleveland Alzheimer’s in February 2014, with the aim of ensuring that those living with dementia, and their carers, can remain active and included within their local community. In recognition of the initiatives and training put in place by Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, the firm has now been recognised for its commitment to become a Dementia-Friendly’ firm.

Peter Otter, Dementia Friendly Stockton’s Communities Link Worker, commented: “There is often a need for those with dementia, and their carers, to seek legal services, and Tilly Bailey & Irvine has trained its staff and made alterations in its offices to ensure that its services are accessible.”

Since its launch, the Dementia Friendly Stockton Project has accepted 18 member companies, which are recognised as having appropriate plans in place to ensure that those with dementia and their carers are welcome and are served appropriately.

Peter added: “As companies will make changes to accommodate anyone with physical disabilities, so we would like them to consider taking appropriate measures to make those with dementia just as welcome. We want local businesses like Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors to consider elements such as the physical environment, signage and staff training, and we are here to help businesses develop a strategy. We would welcome the opportunity to work with and advise any local companies that feel they too can become Dementia-Friendly.”

Nicola Dalzell, a solicitor who specialises in Wills, Probate and Trusts, said: “All our staff are keen to ensure that those living with dementia and their families get an excellent and understanding service from our legal teams, and we’re proud to be able to display the Dementia-Friendly logo.

“We have qualified and appropriately-trained teams to serve the needs of those with dementia. For instance, anyone in the early stages of dementia should ensure they have a Lasting Power of Attorney nominating a person or persons who they wish to make decisions on their behalf if they are no longer able.

“The Dementia Friendly Stockton scheme is reaching out into this community, doing an important job of raising awareness and sharing information on how to make any business or service accessible to those with dementia. We’re keen to encourage other businesses in Stockton to find out more, to put an appropriate strategy in place, and to become recognised member companies. It really will benefit our community as a whole.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is the Tees Valley’s largest full service law firm with offices in Hartlepool, Wynyard Park, Stockton on Tees and Barnard Castle.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tilly Bailey and Irvine Solictors .