Written by Ashley Keller, Graduate Assistant with the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP)
In a rural community in Pike County Indiana, a locally owned restaurant is making a difference for customers experiencing brain change.
In 2022, Dementia Friendly Petersburg offered training led by Brenda Hancock from Generations for local restaurants to learn how to become more dementia friendly. Mi Patio Mexican Restaurant has incorporated these trainings to offer accommodations including a quiet and well-lit dining area, simplified dementia friendly menus with pictures, and understanding and supportive staff. Dementia friendly dining hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at Mi Patio. During this time, the restaurant is closed to the public and available exclusively for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Mi Patio is located at 211 W Main St. Petersburg, Indiana 47567 and can be contacted via phone at 812-354-9646.
What is a Dementia Friendly Community?
A dementia friendly community is a village, town, city, or county that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals with the disease, their families and caregivers and provides supportive options that foster quality of life. - Dementia Friendly America
Efforts to implement dementia friendly initiatives are taking place in nine Indiana communities. The USI GWEP has helped six of these communities join the Dementia Friendly America network in partnership with Generations, SWIRCA & More and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Click here for more information on dementia friendly communities.
