For Immediate Release
December 13, 2017
Contact: Joellen Leavelle, jleavelle@n4a.org and (202) 872-0888

Washington – Communities around the country are stepping up to make it easier for the one in ten adults age 65 and older who have dementia to live in their homes and communities. The Eldercare Locator’s 2017 Home for the Holidays campaign, launched by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Friendly America, aims to ensure that older adults and their caregivers are aware of the many home and community-based services and other aging programs available in communities around the country to support individuals with dementia.

Launched every year during the holiday season, the Home for the Holidays campaign is intended to help families and friends discuss difficult topics with their loved ones. The new brochure that is the focal point of the campaign, Living Well with Dementia in the Community: Resources and Support, provides information on steps individuals can take if they suspect that a loved one may have dementia, and highlights the many community services and supports available for both older adults with dementia and their caregivers. These aging programs enable older adults with dementia to stay connected to their communities and informed about services that can help them remain as independent as possible.

“As the country’s aging population grows, the number of older adults who live with dementia also grows,” said Lance Robertson, Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administrator of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. “Around the country we are seeing all sectors of the Aging Network develop programs, resources and tools to meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. This year’s Home for the Holidays campaign highlights that work and shows the strength of the Aging Network in addressing the changing needs of the country’s older adults.”

Social activities like memory cafés and caregiver support groups and supportive services such as transportation, in-home help, respite care, health insurance counseling and care coordination help both older adults with dementia and their caregivers stay connected in their communities.

“In addition to the home and community-based services offered through the Aging Network, there are so many ways communities can create a welcoming environment for people living with dementia,” said n4a CEO Sandy Markwood. “In addition to sharing the brochure, we are encouraging communities to join Dementia Friendly America and engage businesses, the faith community, emergency responders and others to support those living with dementia.  Additionally, we are encouraging people of all ages to become a Dementia Friend. It’s easy. Watch a video and pledge to support people living with dementia in your community. We all play a role in ensuring that every community in the country is welcoming to people with dementia and their caregivers.”

“The fact is that older adults with dementia want to live at home and in their communities. The resources described in this brochure enable them to do just that while maintaining vital connections to services and supports that enable them to live longer and more fulfilled lives,” said Beth Kallmyer, Vice President, Care and Support of the Alzheimer's Association.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501c(3) membership association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the nation’s capital for the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. The mission of n4a is to build the capacity of its members so they can better help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
www.n4a.org

Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is the only national information and referral resource to provide support to consumers across the spectrum of issues affecting older Americans. Established in 1991 and funded by the Administration for Community Living, the Eldercare Locator is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
www.eldercare.acl.gov

Alzheimer’s Association
The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
www.alz.org

Dementia Friendly America
Through the work of more than 35 national, leading organizations, the Dementia Friendly America initiative is catalyzing a movement to more effectively support and serve those across America who are living with dementia and their family and friend care partners.
www.dfamerica.org