The branch has partnered with Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to become dementia-friendly.

It has adopted a phased approach beginning with staff education.

Branch manager Karen Hales said Port Macquarie branch staff members are working alongside Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and customers for official accreditation.

“Becoming dementia-friendly is simply the right thing to do for our elderly customers so that they can access financial services and we can help them remain independent for as long as possible,” Ms Hales said.

She said staff would soon been officially accredited by Alzheimer’s Australia to help customers with dementia with banking services like setting up notifications, direct debits, different account types, withdrawal limits on accounts and approved alternative contacts.

“It also means we’ll be able to help customers establish important safeguards - like recognising when it’s time to appoint an enduring power of attorney start or update a will - all while they are still able to make these important decisions,” Ms Hales said.

She said Port Macquarie had a large senior population.

“But importantly we are proud to be the nation’s first branch to begin this program, because while we of course care deeply about all our customers, we are particularly connected with older community members who have banked with and trusted us for years,” Ms Hales said.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW regional manager North Coast Gary Thomas praised the branch for embracing the dementia-friendly program.

“While there is no cure in the horizon there are a number of strategies that can be put in place to minimise the impact for both the person with dementia, their family and the community - and assistance with financial services is extremely high on that list,” Mr Thomas said.

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.