Hull taxi drivers to be given dementia trainingIt's so passengers who have the condition are kept safe in the city.
Dementia training's going to be offered to Hull taxi drivers.
They'll be taught how to recognise the symptoms of dementia and learn techniques to provide extra support for passengers.
It's so those with the condition will be kept safer in the city, as thousands of visitors are expected during this year's culture celebrations.
John Jackson's a taxi driver in Hull:
"I think it's a good idea because you can easily confuse somebody with dementia as having something else wrong with them, and if they're trained to spot these things in the first place, they know how to handle it and treat the customer right.
"It's not just about dementia, it's about all the other things as well. You could have somebody with schizophrenia get in your cab.
"They've got to train them right, it's no good just offering a couple of days training. If you're going to do something like that, you've got to give them the proper training."
Pilot versions of the two-hour sessions have already been completed and a further four will take place during January and February.
Diane Redburn, leader of the Dementia Academy, says:
“Many taxi drivers will have had customers with dementia, but they probably didn’t realise it. The condition can cause people to be distressed, confused and anxious and can make communication very difficult. The training will help drivers work positively with sufferers, providing appropriate support and understanding.
“The city is going to be very busy over the coming year and beyond and as people with dementia are supported to stay living independently and within their communities for as long as possible, there’s a very high chance drivers will have interactions with someone who is managing the condition.
"The training helps sufferers and their families, but also equips drivers with the skills and knowledge to feel confident in a situation where they are dealing with someone who could be upset, confused, difficult to communicate with or even angry”.
source:
http://www.kcfm.co.uk/news/local-news/h ... -training/