Written by Brandy Sitzman, MHA
As the Project Coordinator for the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) at the University of Southern Indiana, one of my favorite parts of my job is to work with the various Dementia Friendly Communities and their Action Teams. All of the six communities associated with the GWEP are part of the Dementia Friendly America network.
Dementia Friendly America (DFA) started in 2015 with a White House initiative based upon Minnesota’s successful statewide initiative, ACT on Alzheimer’s. This initiative was implemented to ensure that communities across the United States are equipped to support those living with dementia and their caregivers. A dementia friendly (DF) community is defined as a community that is “informed, safe respectful of individuals with the disease, their families and caregivers and provides supportive options that foster quality of life.” These communities foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in the community and engage in day to day living.
What I find beneficial is that Dementia Friendly America is a grassroots effort where all sectors of the community come together, including banking, faith communities, clinics, hospitals, local government, caregiver services and support, home care and other entities to aid those living with dementia or brain change and their care partners to build an Action Team to meet individuals’ needs. Our goal is to provide education and reduce the stigma surrounding dementia, while also helping to identify and address gaps in the community.
Recently, DF Evansville North Side and DF Warrick County officially joined the Dementia Friendly America network, bringing the total to six communities in southwestern Indiana. They join DF Rockport, DF Petersburg, DF Tell City and DF USI Community.
DF Evansville North Side hosted a kick-off event on March 21 at the Downtown Evansville Public Library with a Community Resource Fair and Alzheimer’s Association education program.
DF Warrick County is hosting a Senior Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST on April 25 at the Boonville Senior Center. Free sack lunches will be provided for the first 75 participants, along with a drawing for door prizes.
To find out how you could become involved or about the programs being offered please click on this link.
