NORTHUMBRIAN Water has encouraged customers to use its free Priority Services Register to help loved ones living with Alzheimer's.

The company is encouraging customers to take advantage of the free service, especially the password protection scheme, to protect those with the disease from becoming a scam victim.

Customers can choose a secure password and if visited by Northumbrian Water they can confirm the employee's identity with this password, as only a genuine employee would know it.

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Employees always wear visible identification on a lanyard displaying their name and photograph.

Mark Wilkinson, Head of Income for Northumbrian Water said: "We know how much Alzheimer's and dementia can affect families and we want to help make things easier for those living with dementia and their loved ones.

"The first step is to make sure we're aware of a dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis, as we have a fantastic team ready to help our customers and get them all of the support they need."

For those living alone or needing extra help, the password protection scheme aims to prevent them becoming fraud victims.

Other benefits include bills in large print, braille or audio CD. For those who want help managing their account, a trusted person can be given authorised access.