New DFA Communities

• By: USAging
• On: 03/22/2019 09:11:05
• In: Program Update

Originally started in the United Kingdom, Dementia-Friendly communities work to provide services and supports to people with dementia. For example, businesses in a Dementia-Friendly community can provide accommodations to people with dementia who have cognitive impairment when they are interacting with a bank or business. Dementia-friendly communities also engage local government to ensure they incorporate the needs of individuals living with dementia as they plan and implement housing, transportation, public spaces, and emergency response initiatives that enable people with dementia and their care partners to thrive.
 
Leesburg, VA
Dementia Friendly Leesburg started as an action team under the Loudon Senior Interest Network and developed into a thriving dementia-friendly community. Dementia Friendly Leesburg has plans to partner with business, banking, health care, businesses and employers (including restaurants, grocery stores, libraries) and residential care services to continue expanding community awareness of dementia.
 
Tyler, TX
Since the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce received a designation from the State of Texas as a Certified Retirement Community in 2014, the population of older adults in Tyler has grown, leading the community to prepare all sectors to address the needs faced by people living with dementia, their families, caregivers, employers and community as a whole. To support its aging population, those living with dementia and their caregivers, the Senior Resource Committee has launched a Seniors Celebrating Life Program, a Senior Health Expo, multiple lunch-and-learn presentations, all with a focus on living with dementia and virtual dementia tours and community engagement workshops.
 
Leesburg and Tyler join the national network of more than 50 dementia-friendly communities across the U.S. that have dedicated themselves to serve those with dementia. Dementia-friendly communities, organizations and individuals make sure that the communities they live in are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.
 
Interested in making your community dementia-friendly? Visit www.dfamerica.org to learn how you can make your community dementia-friendly, or contact Meredith Hanley, Director, Community Capacity Building, n4a, 202.872.0888 or mhanley@n4a.org.