UK's first 'dementia-friendly' supermarket checkout opens in Chester

A Chester branch of Tesco has become the first known supermarket to implement a ‘dementia-friendly’ checkout.

The Frodsham Street store has a clutter-free checkout which features clear images representing coins and their value. ‘Dementia-friendly’ staff also manage the checkouts to ensure the shopping experience is made easier for those living with dementia.

It is a condition that affects 850,000 people in the UK and charities have long campaigned for communities to support those who are living with dementia.

The store’s compliance manager, Hayley Sale said: “Our store had been fundraising for our local hospital for some time and wanted to do more for people living with dementia.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the shopping trip for our customers and to support our local community. We knew that helping people with dementia would be hugely beneficial and are very happy to have installed the first clutter-free checkout, clear coin recognition signs along with dementia trained members of staff.”

The idea came to fruition when Ms Sale and her colleagues attended a ‘Dementia Friends’ training session, an Alzheimer Society’s initiative to change people’s perception on dementia. The training was held by Andy Tysoe, an NHS Dementia Nurse and Dementia Friends Champion.

Ms Sale continued: “When we spoke to Andy he instantly gripped us - he had a vision of a dementia-friendly checkout for supermarkets.”

The specially designed checkout features a clear sign displaying the Dementia Friends ‘forget-me-not’ logo, which signals where individuals and carers can find assistance. It also provides a dementia friendly coin recognition and value sign which supports individuals when paying for their shopping.

The checkout was originally opened to mark Dementia Awareness Week on 18th May 2015 by Tommy Dunne and Gina Shaw, who are currently living with dementia and are involved in the on-going project.

Tesco has since ensured that 35 members of its’ staff have participated in the Alzheimer’s Society ‘Dementia Friends’ training, which also incorporates NHS mandatory dementia awareness outcomes.

Ms Sale added: “I think one of the best things about this is that general awareness has gone up, not just for colleagues but for customers too. The checkout isn’t exclusively for people with dementia but our shoppers are now aware that people in that queue may need a little more time to get through, so overall everyone is a little more understanding.”