In cooperation with the Centre for Dementia Studies at the Danube University Krems, REWE Group Austria trains its employees in the stores in a targeted manner to meet customers with dementia in a supportive manner while shopping.
Specially produced training video provides important tips and simple assistance
Employees at BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA and PENNY are sensitised in dealing with people with dementia in order to best meet their needs while shopping. In cooperation with the Centre for Dementia Studies at the Danube University Krems, a special action guide and a short training video were developed. In it, different situations during shopping are described and suggestions for solutions are offered.
Food shopping as a central point of self-determination
According to the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, current estimates indicate that up to 145,500 people in Austria live with some form of dementia. Due to the continuous increase in the age of the population, this number will double every 20 years.
The disease starts unnoticed at first. Forgetfulness as a common symptom consequently becomes more present and is increasingly accompanied by social and cognitive loss of abilities such as orientation, language, comprehension, judgement and learning ability. This also leads to different forms of behaviour in everyday life. For many of those affected, grocery shopping, for example, represents a central point in self-determination and participation in social and societal life. In the spirit of responsible cooperation, REWE Group Austria and its trading companies see it as their duty to support their customers in their shopping in the best possible way and with appreciation - including, of course, those living with dementia.
"It is part of our corporate philosophy to treat all people in our stores with respect and helpfulness. As a local retailer, we are aware of our social responsibility and are happy to do our part to support people with disabilities in their shopping as best we can. Every customer is welcome", explains Johannes Zimmerl, Head of Group Human Resources at REWE Group in Austria.
Training video for employees provides helpful tips
A specially produced training video shows different shopping situations that can occur frequently due to dementia and provides concrete instructions for employees in the stores. The training materials were developed in close cooperation with the Centre for Dementia Studies at the Danube University Krems.
"Every person should be able to actively participate in social life and live integrated in society for as long as possible - we should encourage people with dementia to do so. People with dementia often feel excluded from society at an early stage and unfortunately withdraw from the public sphere far too early. This leads to loneliness and rapid deterioration of the disease - but this does not have to be the case. With a little support and solidarity, people with dementia can remain enriching members of our society," says Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefanie Auer, Director of the Centre for Dementia Studies.
