Dementia-Friendly Rhode Island
Living with or supporting a loved one with dementia can be lonely, overwhelming and scary. What if the places we live acknowledged and actively worked to change that?
That is precisely what the Dementia Friendly movement aims to do, by educating and empowering communities to understand the needs of people living with dementia.
Dementia Friendly America began in 2015. According to this organization, which is administered by USAging:
“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 says that to achieve this goal, every sector–from business and restaurants, to faith communities and healthcare systems, to law enforcement and local government, and everything in between–needs to step up to create a dementia friendly culture. To see examples in action, check out the sector guides and videos.
In Rhode Island, Cranston is working hard at being dementia friendly. A major feature of the Dementia Friendly movement is an emphasis on public awareness and stigma reduction surrounding dementia, and to this end, the Cranston Department of Social Services has been hosting workshops for people living with dementia, caregivers, and staff at a range of organizations within the community, such as banks, libraries, Meals on Wheels and more.
We can also look to significant efforts in other parts of New England. In Massachusetts, there are over 160 dementia friendly communities initiatives!
And just as every person is unique, so is every community, so their actions vary. According to Dementia Friendly Massachusetts,
“Each dementia-friendly community is different. Some towns organize workplace training so professionals can identify and offer solutions to problems commonly encountered with people living with dementia. Other regions focus on introducing programs like memory cafes or respite programs to directly assist people with memory loss. All dementia-friendly communities share one thing: a mission to make their neighborhood inclusive, welcoming those touched by dementia to continue to be active, contributing citizens.”
One initiative that is quickly growing in popularity around the world is Dementia Friends.
This program shows people how to make a difference in the life of someone with dementia. Through informal training, participants learn the key messages that everyone should know about dementia. Participants can go onto become Dementia Friends Champions, who then lead training sessions with friends, family, colleagues or in the community.
The latest numbers from the Alzheimer’s Association show that at least 24,000 adults in Rhode Island are living with dementia. That number is expected to grow by another 3,000 by 2025. At some point in their lives, almost everyone will be affected in some way by dementia.
One person can make a big difference, and that person could be you. Check out Dementia Friendly America’s helpful guide on how to be a more supportive neighbor or community member. You’ll find great tips and suggestions for how to make a better community for all.